Public Policy Manager IV

Aquent; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent (United States) seeks a seasoned public policy leader to drive policy strategy and advocacy at the intersection of AI, digital infrastructure, energy, and governance. You will serve as a bridge between internal teams and US government agencies, shaping policy positions and enabling responsible technology development.

Lead external engagement with the Executive Branch, monitor regulatory developments, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate cross-functional policy efforts to advance

Qualifications

• 8+ years of public policy experience with federal experience
• Experience developing domestic, economic, and regulatory policy
• Experience designing advocacy strategies to influence policy
• Strong communication skills for internal and external audiences

Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate policy positions on economic, regulatory, and emerging technology issues, including AI.
• Identify, monitor, and analyze domestic policy, economic, and regulatory risks and opportunities across a broad portfolio.
• Track executive orders, agency rulemakings, and relevant policy developments.
• Prepare briefing documents, synthesis messaging, and collateral for internal teams.
• Advise product, partnerships, and policy teams on responsible development of products and policies.
• Coordinate policy discussions across regional and global teams to advance policy goals.
• Convey policy positions to external audiences and support outreach to US Executive Branch agencies.
• Staff senior principals at agency meetings, draft pre-reads, follow-ups, and reporting.
• Facilitate communications and manage administrative tasks related to external consultants.

Skills

Public policy

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Regulatory affairs

AI policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Partner with Aquent to make a lasting impact at a global technology leader that is shaping the future of the internet and emerging technologies. In this dynamic role, you will help guide the policy strategy for cutting-edge technologies like AI, digital infrastructure, and energy, directly influencing how these innovations integrate into society and regulatory frameworks. This is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your public policy expertise to drive meaningful dialogue between a major tech pioneer and key government stakeholders, shaping the digital landscape for years to come.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic public policy professional to lead outreach to the Executive Branch of the US government on critical policy issues. In this role, you will serve as a vital bridge between internal product and partnership teams and external government agencies. You will advise stakeholders on high-impact topics including artificial intelligence, digital trade, energy, and domestic policy, helping to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate for policies that foster innovation and economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate policy positions on economic, regulatory, and emerging technology issues, including AI.
• Identify, monitor, and analyze domestic policy, economic, and regulatory risks and opportunities across a broad portfolio, including energy, infrastructure, health, labor, education, small business, and trade.
• Track executive orders, agency rulemakings, and relevant policy developments, maintaining detailed agency contact and meeting trackers.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing documents, synthesis messaging, and collateral for internal teams and cross-functional partners.
• Advise internal product, partnerships, and policy teams to guide the responsible development of products, services, and policies.
• Coordinate proactive and reactive policy discussions across regional and global teams to advance overall policy goals.
• Convey policy positions to external audiences and support strategic outreach to US Executive Branch agencies and key stakeholders.
• Staff senior principals at agency meetings, draft pre-reads, follow-ups, and support regular reporting.
• Facilitate communications and manage administrative tasks related to external consultants, tracking workstreams and deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with senior public policy team members on a wide range of high-priority projects.

What You Bring (Must-Haves)

• 8+ years of public policy experience, including at least 2 years of direct experience working within the Federal Legislative or Executive Branches.
• Proven experience in developing domestic, economic, and regulatory policy, or designing and implementing advocacy strategies to influence those policies.
• Broad familiarity across key domestic and economic policy issues (such as energy, infrastructure, health, labor, education, small business, or trade) with the ability to ramp up quickly in new areas.
• Demonstrated experience working with emerging technology policy, particularly AI.
• Strong communication skills with a proven track record of effectively conveying complex policy positions to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field, or equivalent practical policy experience.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Direct experience working within the Federal government.
• Experience working in-house on a public policy team at a technology company.
• Experience staffing senior principals, managing multiple agency threads with light supervision, and operating with high autonomy.
• Deep familiarity with White House and federal agency processes relevant to domestic, economic, and trade policy implementation.
• Advanced degree in a policy or technology-related field.