APAC Strategic Initiatives Lead, Global Affairs

About the Role

The role is situated at the intersection of policy, partnerships, campaigns, executive engagement, and cross-functional execution, requiring a unique blend of strategic thinking, partnership-building, and policy expertise. The successful candidate will bring structure to ambiguous opportunities, drive accountability across complex workstreams, and help ensure that APAC initiatives are delivered with clarity, speed, and discipline.

As a senior operator, the APAC Strategic Initiatives Lead will help advance Openai's APAC regional strategy by driving the execution of priority regional initiatives, partnerships, and campaigns. The role will involve working closely with country leads, functional partners, and company leadership to turn strategy into clear plans, coordinated execution, and measurable outcomes.

What You Will Do

• Own end-to-end execution of select APAC strategic initiatives, ensuring clear strategy, sequencing, stakeholder alignment, delivery, and measurement
• Partner with the Head of APAC Global Affairs and country leads to identify, shape, and execute priority regional initiatives across Asia Pacific
• Translate regional priorities into actionable workplans, owners, milestones, timelines, risks, and decision points
• Help design and execute APAC-wide and country-level initiatives that advance responsible AI adoption, strengthen Openai's regional presence, and support priority policy outcomes
• Support flagship partnerships, convenings, executive visits, and regional moments with governments, universities, industry, NGOs, civil society, and ecosystem leaders
• Coordinate across policy, communications, legal, product, research, partnerships, go-to-market, finance, and operations teams to ensure regional initiatives are aligned and effectively executed
• Identify emerging policy, geopolitical, reputational, and commercial priorities across APAC and translate them into practical engagement plans and execution recommendations
• Prepare high-quality briefings, memos, strategic updates, and presentations for senior internal and external stakeholders
• Build lightweight systems to track priority initiatives, campaign progress, stakeholder engagement, milestones, risks, and outcomes
• Improve how APAC Global Affairs plans, executes, documents, and measures impact across regional initiatives

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in strategic initiatives, partnerships, campaign execution, program management, or related fields
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to influence without formal authority
• Ability to turn broad goals into concrete initiatives, timelines, owners, and outcomes
• Experience in bringing structure, momentum, and accountability to ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, executive-ready materials
• Understanding of how policy, politics, reputation, partnerships, and business priorities intersect
• Ability to operate effectively across countries, cultures, and time zones
• High standards, strong ownership, and a bias for action
• Experience in using Excel or similar tools for data analysis and project management

Nice to Have

• Experience in AI policy, regulation, or related fields
• Knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region's AI ecosystem and key stakeholders
• Experience in working with governments, universities, industry, NGOs, civil society, and ecosystem leaders
• Familiarity with Openai's products and mission

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a leading AI company and shape the future of AI adoption and regulation
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours and remote work arrangements
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
• Generous paid time off and leave policies

• Tip: Make sure to highlight your experience in driving strategic initiatives and partnerships in your application, and be prepared to provide specific examples of your achievements.
• Tip: Familiarize yourself with Openai's products and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
• Tip: Use Excel or similar tools to prepare data analysis and project management examples to demonstrate your skills.
• Tip: Be prepared to discuss your experience in working with governments, universities, industry, NGOs, civil society, and ecosystem leaders, and how you can leverage these networks to advance Openai's mission.
• Tip: Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools, and be prepared to discuss your experience in working with cross-functional teams.
• Tip: Be prepared to provide examples of how you have brought structure, momentum, and accountability to ambiguous, fast-moving environments, and how you can apply these skills to the APAC Strategic Initiatives Lead role.