Public Affairs Lead, Americas

As we scale rapidly in North America, we're building a world-class Public Affairs function to shape policy, strengthen our regulatory positioning, and elevate our influence across government, academia, and leading institutions.

The Role

We're seeking a North America Lead, Public Affairs to serve as IFS's primary voice and relationship manager across the U.S. policy landscape. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, you'll be responsible for monitoring policy developments, engaging with federal and state government stakeholders, managing relationships with premier institutions like the World Economic Forum and Milken Institute, and positioning IFS as a credible, influential voice in technology policy debates.

This role requires exceptional judgment, diplomatic skill, and the ability to translate complex technology issues into compelling narratives for policymakers, media, and internal stakeholders. You'll operate at the intersection of technology, policy, and global affairs—building coalitions, shaping positions, and ensuring IFS stays ahead of regulatory and legislative developments that impact our business.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor and track federal and state legislative and regulatory developments impacting Industrial AI, data governance, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and related technology policy areas
• Analyze policy proposals and translate implications for IFS's business operations and strategic priorities
• Prepare regular briefings for leadership on emerging policy trends, risks, and opportunities
• Support regulatory adherence by ensuring the company stays informed and proactive on compliance requirements

Government Engagement

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across federal agencies, congressional offices, and state government bodies
• Coordinate and participate in policymaker and regulator interactions on behalf of IFS
• Support executive engagement with government officials, ensuring productive dialogue and strategic alignment
• Provide input to trade associations and industry coalitions on IFS's behalf

Institutional & Academic Partnerships

• Assist in the U.S. management of IFS's relationship with the World Economic Forum (WEF), and other influential global institutions
• Identify and cultivate relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, and policy research organizations
• Position IFS as a thought leader through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives

Communications & Messaging

• Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to develop policy positions, public consultation responses, and advocacy messaging
• Support executive messaging on policy and regulatory matters, ensuring clarity, consistency, and credibility
• Engage with national and beltway media to amplify IFS's perspective on technology policy issues
• Educate internal stakeholders on policy developments and their business implications

Events & Executive Support

• Support planning and execution of policy-focused events, roundtables, and briefings
• Support team and executives for media appearances, congressional testimony, and public speaking engagements
• Coordinate logistics and messaging for high-profile engagements with government and institutional partners

What We’re Offering

• Salary Range: $135,000-$150,000, plus bonus
• Flexible paid time off, including sick and holiday
• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401K with Company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Community involvement and volunteering events

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 5–8 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or related roles, with a focus on technology policy, regulatory affairs, or federal advocacy
• Proven experience engaging with federal agencies, congressional offices, or state government entities
• Track record of building and managing relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, or multilateral organizations
• Experience working with national and beltway media, including drafting op-eds, coordinating interviews, and managing press relationships
• Strong understanding of technology issues (AI, data governance, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure) and their intersection with public policy

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional judgment and diplomacy: Ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive situations with tact and strategic insight
• Coalition builder: Demonstrated ability to engage and build consensus with diverse stakeholders, including functional leaders, policymakers, and external partners
• Strategic thinker: Capable of anticipating policy trends, identifying risks, and recommending proactive responses
• Clear communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into accessible, compelling narratives
• Self-starter: Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving priorities
• Global perspective: Understanding of international affairs and how global policy trends intersect with U.S. domestic policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at a technology company, consulting firm, government agency, or think tank
• Familiarity with Industrial AI applications in sectors like aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or energy
• Existing network of contacts within federal government, trade associations, or policy research organizations

We believe that coming together as a community, in person, is important for innovation, connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Our roles have the right balance of remote and in-office working to enable flexibility for managing your life along with ensuring a real connection with your colleagues and the broader IFS community.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer