Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Posted:
5/22/2024, 4:44:11 AM

Location(s):
Austin, Texas, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Legal & Compliance

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

Waabi, founded by AI pioneer and visionary Raquel Urtasun, is an AI company building the next generation of self-driving technology. With a world class team and an innovative approach that unleashes the power of AI to “drive” safely in the real world, Waabi is bringing the promise of self-driving closer to commercialization than ever before. Waabi is backed by best-in-class investors across the technology, logistics and the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, and Dallas, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai

At Waabi, we believe that honesty, transparency, an unwavering commitment to safety, and cutting-edge technological innovation are the keys to building a truly successful self-driving solution.  As the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will be responsible for supporting this mission in Texas and across the Sun Belt.  You will be the primary point of contact with state and local officials in your region, working with a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders to expand public trust and understanding of Waabi’s technology, and help clear the path for the company to execute on its commercial mission.

You will...
- Lead Waabi’s engagement with lawmakers, regulators, safety officials, and a wide variety of ecosystem stakeholders across the southern US, with a significant focus on Texas.
- Track and influence relevant legislation and regulations.
- Build relationships with local elected officials, and serve as a public voice for Waabi at conferences and other public events.
- Work collaboratively with other AV developers, technology providers, and business partners.
- Apply your knowledge of advanced technology or transportation policy to build trust in our product, and ensure a responsible regulation framework for Waabi’s autonomous technology.
- Think outside-the-box and be excited to help address the biggest issues facing the autonomous vehicle industry.
- Be a team-player, who prioritizes trust, transparency, and honesty, and knows there is no project too small or too large for you.
- Be based out of Texas. Dallas or Austin preferred.

Qualifications:
- 6+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or public affairs.
- Degree in political science, sociology, economics, or related field.
- Experience in transportation and/or advanced technology issues.  
- Ability to analyze complex policy problems, communicate clearly and efficiently, and build high-level governmental relationships.
- Solid track record of analyzing legislation and regulations, writing regulatory comments, speaking publicly, building coalitions, and developing and executing policy programming.
- Strong relationships across the Texas political landscape, including legislators, regulators, and/or local officials. 
- Passionate about self-driving technologies, solving hard problems, and creating innovative policy solutions.

Bonus/nice to have:
- Deep knowledge of trucking, logistics, and/or autonomous vehicle policy.
- Experience working on high profile public affairs or legislative campaigns in a fast moving environment.
- Familiarity with the logistics and/or automotive stakeholders across Texas and the Sun Belt.
- Strong understanding of automotive safety.

Perks/Benefits:
- Competitive compensation and equity awards.
- Health and Wellness benefits encompassing Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (for full-time employees only).
- Unlimited Vacation.
- Flexible hours and Work from Home support.
- Daily drinks, snacks and catered meals (when in office).
- Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events both on-site, off-site & virtually.
- As we grow, this list continues to evolve! 

Waabi is a technology start-up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!

Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.