Head of State Gov Relations

eBay; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

eBay seeks an experienced Government Relations leader to head state and local government relations across the United States. The role reports to the Head of Americas Government Relations and will develop and implement state policy strategy, leading a team of state GR professionals and representing eBay with policymakers and external collaborators.

The candidate will anticipate policy developments, assess risks and opportunities, and set priorities across states.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Government Relations, public policy, public affairs, or related field.
• Deep understanding of state legislative, regulatory and political processes.
• Ability to translate policy issues into business implications and mentor leaders.
• Experience leading teams across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Develop a coordinated state Government Relations strategy aligned with business priorities and the Americas GR agenda.
• Foresee legal, administrative, and governmental trends; assess implications; recommend responses.
• Prioritize among states and topics balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives.
• Develop proactive policy campaigns and engagement approaches for policy discussions.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear business risks and opportunities for leaders.

Skills

State policy experience

Grassroots advocacy

Coalitions

Public affairs

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

At eBay, we're more than a global ecommerce leader — we’re changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We’re committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts.

Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work — every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet.

Join a team of passionate thinkers, innovators, and dreamers — and help us connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all.

About The Role

eBay is seeking an experienced Government Relations leader to lead our state and local government relations work across the United States. Reporting to the Head of Americas Government Relations, this role will develop and implement eBay’s state policy strategy. It will lead a team of state GR professionals and represent eBay with policymakers and external collaborators.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and creative advocate who understands how public policy intersects with business strategy. They will anticipate emerging legislative, regulatory and political developments, assess their potential impact on eBay, and interpret those developments as distinct business risks, opportunities and recommended actions. They will help set priorities across states and issues and develop proactive strategies to promote eBay’s interests.

This role goes beyond traditional lobbying. The ideal candidate will combine direct government engagement, grassroots and influential advocacy, alliances, public affairs, and thought leadership. They will also use events and other tools to develop policy discussions and deliver results. They will also be comfortable applying AI and new technologies to improve policy intelligence, strategy development and team efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete a coordinated state Government Relations strategy aligned with eBay’s business priorities and the broader Americas GR agenda.
• Foresee developing legal, administrative, and governmental trends across the states; assess their implications for eBay; and recommend strategic responses.
• Prioritize among states and topics, balancing immediate legislative needs with longer-term policy objectives.
• Develop proactive policy campaigns and approaches to engagement that help build policy discussions before legislation or regulation is fully formed.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear business risks, opportunities, and practical recommendations for business leaders and cross-functional partners.
• Find opportunities where public policy and outreach efforts can support eBay’s priorities, innovation, growth and seller community.
• Represent eBay with governors’ offices, state legislators, attorneys general, regulators, trade associations and other key stakeholders, building durable relationships across the political spectrum.
• Develop integrated advocacy strategies that combine direct government engagement with grassroots and grasstops advocacy, coalitions, public affairs, thought leadership, events and third-party voices.
• Partner with Communications and other teams to develop narratives, thought leadership and external engagement strategies that advance eBay’s policy objectives.
• Lead, develop and prioritize the state GR team, creating clear accountability and helping team members grow as strategic policy advisors and effective advocates.
• Work closely with Legal, Communications, Tax, Product, Trust & Safety and other functions to develop strategies that are both politically effective and operationally workable.
• Work with colleagues across Americas GR to identify broader policy trends, coordinate strategies and bring state insights into regional priorities.
• Use AI, data and new technologies to improve policy intelligence, research, prioritization, collaborator engagement and team efficiency.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in Government Relations, public policy, public affairs, political strategy or a related field, with significant experience working on state policy.
• Deep understanding of state legislative, regulatory and political processes and demonstrated success navigating complex multi-state policy environments.
• Demonstrated ability to set policy priorities, develop strategy and anticipate emerging risks and opportunities rather than simply respond to legislation.
• Proven ability to translate public policy issues into clear business implications and practical mentorship for business leaders.
• Experience leading teams and setting priorities across multiple issues and jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to develop and carry out cohesive advocacy approaches that extend beyond direct lobbying, including grassroots or grasstops engagement, coalitions, public affairs, thought leadership and events.
• Strong relationships and credibility with policymakers, political stakeholders and external organizations.
• Strong business judgment and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to quickly understand new products, technologies and business models.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities and achieve outcomes in a fast paced environment.
• Comfort using AI alongside new and developing technologies to enhance efficiency, analysis and decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in corporate Government Relations, particularly within technology, ecommerce, marketplaces, retail or another consumer-facing industry.
• Experience engaging governors’ offices, attorneys general and senior state officials.
• Experience developing and executing multi-state advocacy campaigns.
• Experience working closely with Communications or Public Affairs teams on integrated external strategies.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Additional Details

The base pay range for this position is expected in the range below:

$195,200 - $260,600

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a target bonus and restricted stock units (as applicable) in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Remote roles are not eligible for U.S. visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Statement

eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.