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OpenAI's U.S. Policy and Partnerships team is seeking an External Affairs Associate to advance the company's engagement with civil rights organizations, civil society groups, researchers, and community-based organizations shaping the AI policy debate in the United States.
Reporting to the External Affairs Lead, you will be central to the team's partnership and outreach operating model. Your responsibilities include identifying priority stakeholders, designing engagement strategies, and building external relationships and feedback loops grounded in co-design and two-way learning rather than one-way education.
Key responsibilities:
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with civil rights, civil society, research, community, labor, education, and accessibility organizations relevant to OpenAI's U.S. policy priorities
- Execute a repeatable engagement operating model focused on co-design, localized benefits, trusted validators, and regular partner reviews
- Develop stakeholder maps, engagement plans, briefing materials, and follow-up systems for priority policy campaigns and rapid-response moments
- Support federal and state engagement strategies by identifying credible third-party voices, local proof points, and community feedback
- Prepare OpenAI executives and subject-matter experts for external meetings, convenings, roundtables, and public events
- Translate complex AI product, safety, and policy topics into clear materials for external audiences
- Surface external concerns and opportunities related to data trust, deepfakes, child safety, job displacement, energy costs, copyright, civil and human rights, and mental health
- Coordinate closely with Global Affairs, Communications, Legal, Safety, Product, and Research teams
- Track relationship health, engagement outcomes, commitments, and risks
You should have an established network and credibility with civil society and civil rights organizations, deep experience in technology policy or public affairs, strong understanding of federal, state, and local AI governance processes, and demonstrated ability to design stakeholder engagement strategies. Excellent communication skills, strong project management abilities, and sound judgment on sensitive issues are essential. The role is based in Washington, DC and may require frequent travel. Relocation assistance is offered.
