In A Nutshell
Co-define and co-lead Omidyar Network’s California agenda with significant autonomy to drive legislative and regulatory work, influence corporate governance practices, and foster cultural change across the state.
Responsibilities
Policy Strategy & Government Relations
- Lead and refine Omidyar Network’s California policy strategy, ensuring alignment with ON’s policy goals and national approach.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive policy roadmap covering privacy, data governance, online safety, competition, AI governance, tech-and-labor issues, and emerging priorities.
- Define clear policy goals and milestones; report progress regularly to leadership.
- Oversee and manage external consultants and lobbyists, managing contracts, strategy alignment, and coordination.
- Draft policy briefs, white papers, fact sheets, testimony, amendments, and comment letters on legislative and regulatory proposals.
- Monitor emerging legislative, regulatory and political trends; brief senior leadership and external partners.
- Navigate fast-moving legislative processes to advance responsible tech governance, identifying proactive opportunities and defensive strategies.
- Ensure California policy strategies are informed and responsive to underrepresented communities most impacted by technology governance.
- Manage mission-related grants and contracts.
Partnerships & Coalition Engagement
- Convene and participate in coalitions across civil society, labor, industry, and academia that reflect California’s demographic and sectoral diversity.
- Build collaborative relationships to influence public policy and amplify organizational impact.
- Maintain strong relationships with ON grantees and partners, ensuring alignment between advocacy campaigns and ON’s philanthropic investments.
- Curate and convene strategic events and roundtables in Sacramento to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, advocates, and tech leaders.
Strategic Communications
- Collaborate with team members to develop targeted messaging for policymakers, partners, media, and the public.
- Serve as organizational spokesperson and policy expert for media and communications efforts.
- Educate the public about the ON’s mission and policy priorities.
- Integrate California policy perspectives into ON’s broader responsible tech strategy.
Skillset
- 10+ years working in or adjacent to California state policy with deep legislative expertise in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy roles either in government, civil society, or the private sector.
- Subject matter expertise and a deep understanding of the California political and technology policy landscape.
- Established relationships in California state government, including policy makers, advocacy groups, state agencies, communities, and tech companies.
- Proven coalition-building skills with ability to foster trust and align diverse partners around common policy goals.
- Exceptional communication skills – crisp writing, active listening, and persuasive speaking ability.
- Experience translating complex technical concepts for policymakers and public audiences.
- Excellence in public speaking, ideally including legislative hearings, public panels, and media appearances.
- Diplomatic approach and collaborative style that elevates both mission and people.
- Passion for equitable, public-interest driven responsible technology.
- Creative, self-starter excited about building from the ground up.
- Alignment with ON’s values, policy approach, and strategy.