National Security Lead, State and Local Government, Global Affairs

About the Role

As a key member of the Global Affairs team, the National Security Lead will develop and execute a strategy for policy engagement on state and local risks from advanced AI. This includes AI-enabled cyber attacks, threats to critical infrastructure, election-related deception or interference, and biological threats. The role requires regular travel throughout the United States to engage with state officials, major metropolitan leaders, and relevant stakeholder communities.

The National Security Lead will also identify opportunities for beneficial state and local uses of AI, including improved cyber defense, disaster preparedness and response, threat analysis, and resilient public services. This role demands strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex AI capabilities and risks into practical policy and operational relevance for state and local leaders.

What You Will Do

• Build and sustain substantive relationships with state and major metropolitan homeland security advisors, emergency management directors, CISOs, election security officials, law enforcement and public safety leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and execute a strategy for policy engagement on state and local risks from advanced AI, including AI-enabled cyber attacks, threats to critical infrastructure, election-related deception or interference, and biological threats.
• Represent OpenAI in engagements with governors' and mayors' offices, state and municipal agencies, relevant associations, and policy organizations on AI-related security and resilience issues.
• Identify opportunities for beneficial state and local uses of AI, including improved cyber defense, disaster preparedness and response, threat analysis, and resilient public services.
• Draft crisp policy briefs, strategy memos, stakeholder materials, and responses to inquiries on the national security and public safety implications of advanced AI.
• Coordinate closely with OpenAI's State and Local Government team and relevant internal partners, including policy, partnerships, legal, security, preparedness, communications, and public sector teams.
• Track state and local policy developments, operational priorities, and emerging concerns affecting the responsible deployment and governance of AI in homeland security and public safety contexts.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on AI policy issues to OpenAI teams, including product, engineering, and business development teams.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including think tanks, research institutions, and non-profit organizations, to advance OpenAI's mission and policy objectives.

What We Are Looking For

• Deep knowledge of the U.S. homeland security, emergency management, cybersecurity, or critical infrastructure ecosystem, especially at the state and local level.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in homeland security, emergency management, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, election security, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of AI capabilities, risks, and policy implications, including AI-enabled cyber attacks, threats to critical infrastructure, and biological threats.
• Proven experience in building and sustaining substantive relationships with senior public officials, including governors, mayors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex AI capabilities and risks into practical policy and operational relevance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-moving environment, with strong judgment, discretion, and a clear commitment to the responsible use of technology in service of public safety and democratic resilience.
• Experience with policy analysis, development, and implementation, including the ability to draft crisp policy briefs, strategy memos, and stakeholder materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for beneficial state and local uses of AI.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning technologies, including natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
• Knowledge of state and local government operations, including budgeting, procurement, and regulatory processes.
• Experience working in a nonpartisan, policy-focused capacity, with a strong understanding of the complexities of AI policy and governance.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI policy issues, with a focus on homeland security, cybersecurity, and election security.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team of experienced professionals passionate about AI policy and governance.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and a generous PTO policy.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and networking events.
• Access to cutting-edge AI technologies and tools, including OpenAI's suite of AI products and services.
• A culture of innovation and experimentation, with a focus on responsible AI development and deployment.

• Develop a strong understanding of AI capabilities, risks, and policy implications, including AI-enabled cyber attacks, threats to critical infrastructure, and biological threats.
• Highlight your experience in building and sustaining substantive relationships with senior public officials, including governors, mayors, and other stakeholders.
• Showcase your ability to translate complex AI capabilities and risks into practical policy and operational relevance for state and local leaders.
• Emphasize your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for beneficial state and local uses of AI.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with policy analysis, development, and implementation, including the ability to draft crisp policy briefs, strategy memos, and stakeholder materials.
• Be ready to provide specific examples of your work in a nonpartisan, policy-focused capacity, with a strong understanding of the complexities of AI policy and governance.