California State Policy Manager
About this role
The Policy and Government Affairs team at Waymo shapes the regulatory landscape for autonomous driving technology, working directly with lawmakers and community groups at national, state, and local levels to advance safe transportation policies. Operating within this group, the California State Policy Manager leads direct advocacy and stakeholder engagement across the state legislature, governor's office, and executive agencies to preserve and expand operational freedom. The person in this position evaluates political environments, advises leadership on regulatory risks, and translates legislative developments into actionable guidance for internal engineering, legal, product, and operations groups. A successful candidate brings deep professional experience in California government affairs, a strong network within the state capitol, and the ability to navigate complex political headwinds across both state and local jurisdictions.
What you will do
- Serve as the primary representative in Sacramento by leading direct advocacy and relationship-building with members and staff in the California State Legislature, the Governor's Office, and relevant executive state agencies.
- Drive regional and county-level outreach by cultivating proactive partnerships with local elected officials, county boards of supervisors, and municipal agencies with a focus on Solano, Yolo, and Napa counties.
- Continuously evaluate the political landscape to identify emerging regulatory risks, determine key stakeholder engagement priorities, and advise leadership on sustainable business practices.
- Translate state legislative developments into actionable guidance for legal, communications, product, and operations teams to ensure commercial alignment.
- Steer internal briefing cadences, organize strategic preparation for legislative hearings, and represent the organization at external industry forums, coalition tables, and Capitol events.
What you need
- Bring seven to ten years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative advocacy, or regulatory affairs within California.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of direct Sacramento engagement, including lobbying, building relationships, and negotiating policy outcomes with the state legislature, governor's office, and agencies.
- Navigate local governments including city councils, county supervisors, and local government dynamics in Northern California.
- Apply strategic public policy problem-solving skills to navigate high-stakes political environments, analyze complex legislation, and safeguard commercial freedom.
- Maintain exceptional cross-functional teamwork and organizational discipline to manage fast-moving priorities and align diverse internal stakeholders.
Nice to have
- Subject matter expertise in tech policy and transportation policy, including familiarity with the California DMV, CPUC, and Caltrans
- Established, bipartisan Capitol network spanning leadership offices, relevant policy committees, and regional government associations
- Experience with high-profile public campaigns or coalitions, particularly building alliances with business and community groups
- Public testimony and hearing experience representing an organization in legislative committee rooms, agency workshops, or community town halls
- Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus program
- Equity incentive plan
- Company benefits program
Questions candidates ask
Where is this job located and what is the remote policy?
This role is based in Sacramento as a remote position, with up to 20% travel required for conferences and visits to the Bay Area headquarters.
What is the salary range for this role?
The expected base salary range for this full-time position is $177,000 to $218,000 USD, with actual starting pay based on job-related factors including location, experience, and training.
What kind of experience is required for this position?
Candidates must have seven to ten years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative advocacy, or regulatory affairs within California.