Senior Manager, Policy Communications - LUS & Social Impact

Lyft; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 121,440 - 151,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Mental health benefits

Family building benefits

Child care and pet benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off including holidays

Paid parental leave

Commuter benefits

Lyft credits

Lyft Pink membership

Job summary

Lyft in Washington, DC seeks a Senior Manager of Policy Communications for LUS and Social Impact to lead messaging on public policy, mobility equity, and regulatory engagement. You will coordinate with Policy, Legal, Government Affairs, and Social Impact teams to shape narratives across three interconnected areas.

The role demands an executive-facing communicator with 8+ years in communications and a track record in strategic campaigns at tech or corporate settings.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in communications, with focus on public policy, government affairs, regulatory environments, advocacy, or social impact
• Proven track record developing and executing strategic communications campaigns at a tech company, in-house at a major corporation, or in a government/regulatory communications role
• Demonstrated knowledge of the rideshare, mobility, or transportation policy landscape — including driver classification, safety regulation, accessibility, or local government dynamics

Responsibilities

• Design and execute proactive communications strategies that advance Lyft's position on transportation, rideshare regulation, driver policy, safety, and mobility equity
• Develop and maintain a rapid response program ensuring accurate and timely information reaches media, regulators, and the public on high-priority policy issues
• Create and manage a strategic roadmap for public appearances, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership that positions Lyft leadership as credible voices in the policy space
• Partner with Government Affairs and Public Policy teams to align on strategic messaging for emerging legislation, regulatory proceedings, and government engagements
• Help lead communications for Lyft's bikeshare and micromobility portfolio — including Citi Bike, Bay Wheels, Bluebikes, Divvy, and BIKETOWN
• Partner with LUS External Affairs to develop earned media strategies and stakeholder outreach for program announcements, expansions, ridership milestones, and market launches
• Manage reactive press inquiries on LUS-related topics including pricing, ridership, safety, and regulatory developments across operating cities
• Support consumer-facing communications moments including rebrands, seasonal campaigns, and rider engagement initiatives in coordination with marketing and product teams
• Develop messaging and materials for LUS partnership announcements and corporate milestones
• Lead communications strategy for Lyft's social impact programs, including Round Up & Donate, Jobs Access, and Voting Access initiatives
• Develop compelling narratives and materials — including blog posts, press releases, and partner communications — that translate Lyft's social impact work into accessible public storytelling
• Manage earned media outreach for social impact announcements in coordination with external agency partners
• Support recognition and award opportunities (e.g. Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact) that amplify Lyft's social commitments
• Partner with the Social Impact team and external nonprofit and corporate partners to develop joint communications plans
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with policy-focused journalists, editors, and outlets
• Own proactive media outreach and manage inbound press inquiries on policy, LUS, and social impact topics
• Identify and cultivate third-party validators, advocates, and coalition partners who can amplify Lyft's messages
• Collaborate with Legal and Litigation teams in high-volume, fast-paced communications environments
• Prepare senior executives and spokespeople for media interviews, policy briefings, legislative testimony, and public appearances
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Brand, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure alignment
• Engage with Lyft's regional teams and travel on-site to key markets for localized strategies
• Write and edit high-quality communications materials including press releases, op-eds, statements, fact sheets, briefing documents
• Develop content for owned channels — blog posts, social copy, digital campaigns
• Support internal communications efforts around policy, LUS, and social impact

Skills

Public policy

Government affairs

Regulatory understanding

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Policy communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Policy/Political Science/Journalism

Job description

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

Lyft's Communications team is seeking a Senior Manager, Policy Communications, LUS & Social Impact to help lead the company's efforts across three interconnected areas: public policy, Lyft Urban Solutions (LUS), and social impact. This role serves as a key voice on policy issues critical to rideshare, transportation equity, and the future of mobility — shaping narratives with regulators, government officials, media, and the public. It also helps lead communications for Lyft's bikeshare and micromobility portfolio (LUS) and drives storytelling around Lyft's social impact programs and partnerships. You will work closely with Lyft's Policy, Legal, Government Affairs, LUS External Affairs, and Social Impact teams to develop and execute communications strategies across all three areas.

This role requires collaboration and executive stakeholder management. It's built for a relationship-driven communicator who thrives in collaborative environments — someone who brings people together across teams, builds trust with senior leaders and external stakeholders, and is energized by the kind of deep partnership that comes from showing up consistently and in person to align communications with Lyft's broader strategy and brand voice.

Responsibilities:

Policy Communications Strategy

• Design and execute proactive communications strategies that advance Lyft's position on transportation, rideshare regulation, driver policy, safety, and mobility equity
• Develop and maintain a rapid response program ensuring accurate and timely information reaches media, regulators, and the public on high-priority policy issues
• Create and manage a strategic roadmap for public appearances, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership that positions Lyft leadership as credible voices in the policy space
• Partner with Government Affairs and Public Policy teams to align on strategic messaging for emerging legislation, regulatory proceedings, and government engagements

Lyft Urban Solutions (LUS) Communications

• Help lead communications for Lyft's bikeshare and micromobility portfolio — including Citi Bike, Bay Wheels, Bluebikes, Divvy, and BIKETOWN — spanning policy, corporate, and consumer dimensions
• Partner with LUS External Affairs to develop earned media strategies and stakeholder outreach for program announcements, expansions, ridership milestones, and market launches
• Manage reactive press inquiries on LUS-related topics including pricing, ridership, safety, and regulatory developments across operating cities
• Support consumer-facing communications moments including rebrands, seasonal campaigns, and rider engagement initiatives in coordination with marketing and product teams
• Develop messaging and materials for LUS partnership announcements and corporate milestones

Social Impact Communications

• Lead communications strategy for Lyft's social impact programs, including Round Up & Donate, Jobs Access, and Voting Access initiatives
• Develop compelling narratives and materials — including blog posts, press releases, and partner communications — that translate Lyft's social impact work into accessible public storytelling
• Manage earned media outreach for social impact announcements in coordination with external agency partners, prioritizing local storytelling and community voices
• Support recognition and award opportunities (e.g. Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact) that amplify Lyft's social commitments
• Partner with the Social Impact team and external nonprofit and corporate partners to develop joint communications plans

Media & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with policy-focused journalists, editors, and outlets — including national press, trade media, and local reporters in key markets — cultivated through in-person briefings, industry events, and regular outreach
• Own proactive media outreach and manage inbound press inquiries on policy, LUS, and social impact topics
• Identify and cultivate third-party validators, advocates, and coalition partners who can amplify Lyft's messages
• Collaborate with Legal and Litigation teams in high-volume, fast-paced communications environments, providing real-time counsel and response during active proceedings or regulatory actions

Executive & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Prepare senior executives and spokespeople for media interviews, policy briefings, legislative testimony, and public appearances — including developing talking points and providing media coaching
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Brand, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure alignment between policy, LUS, and social impact communications and company-wide messaging
• Engage actively with Lyft's regional teams and travel on-site to key markets as needed to develop localized communications strategies and drive on-the-ground influence efforts

Content & Campaign Development

• Write and edit high-quality communications materials including press releases, op-eds, statements, fact sheets, briefing documents, and messaging guides
• Develop content for owned channels — including blog posts, social copy, and digital campaigns — that translates complex policy and impact issues into accessible public narratives
• Support internal communications efforts that keep Lyft team members informed on policy, LUS, and social impact developments relevant to the business

Experience:

• 8+ years of relevant experience in communications, with meaningful focus on public policy, government affairs, regulatory environments, advocacy, or social impact
• Proven track record developing and executing strategic communications campaigns at a tech company, in-house at a major corporation, or in a government/regulatory communications role
• Demonstrated knowledge of the rideshare, mobility, or transportation policy landscape — including familiarity with driver classification, safety regulation, accessibility, or local government dynamics
• Experience with urban mobility, micromobility, or transit communications is a strong plus
• Exceptional written and verbal communicator — including experience producing polished media materials, executive-ready briefings, and public-facing content under deadline pressure
• Established relationships with policy and tech press; demonstrated success securing media coverage on policy-related topics
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across complex organizations
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Strong judgment and discretion in representing company positions on sensitive policy matters
• Experience with crisis communications and rapid response in regulatory or litigation-adjacent environments is a strong plus
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field

Benefits:

• Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
• Mental health benefits
• Family building benefits
• Child care and pet benefits
• 401(k) plan with company match to help save for your future
• In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
• Subsidized commuter benefits
• Monthly Lyft credits and complimentary Lyft Pink membership

Lyft is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace that fosters belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Lyft highly values having employees working in-office to foster a collaborative work environment and company culture. This role will be in-office on a hybrid schedule — Team Members will be expected to work in the office 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Lyft considers working in the office at least 3 days per week to be an essential function of this hybrid role. Your recruiter can share more information about the various in-office perks Lyft offers. Additionally, hybrid roles have the flexibility to work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year. #Hybrid

The expected base pay range for this position in the Washington D.C. area is $121,440 - $151,800, not inclusive of potential equity offering, bonus or benefits. Salary ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.