Lead

Responsibilities

• Lead US Advocacy: Partner closely with Cohere’s senior leadership, legal, public policy, and responsible AI teams to develop, coordinate, and implement a government affairs strategy across both US federal and state levels. Opportunity to expand this advocacy to support strategic growth across Latin America.
• Dig Deep on AI Policy: Serve as the internal and external expert on US AI policy while monitoring key regulatory shifts in neighboring markets. Proactively report on trends and work with cross-functional teams to craft thoughtful responses to governmental initiatives, regulatory issues, and legislative drafts that impact Cohere’s business.
• Cultivate Key Relationships: Guide and coordinate Cohere’s political engagement by cultivating deep relationships and representing the company with key lawmakers, regulators, federal agencies, state leaders, and regional trade bodies.
• Bridge the Corporate and Political: Leverage dual experience in both the political and corporate spheres to translate complex technical and business objectives into effective policy advocacy.
• Support Strategic Growth: Work closely with public sector sales teams in shaping technology and procurement policies in regulated sectors, ensuring Cohere is a trusted resource and partner for government stakeholders.
• Manage External Partners: Direct government relations consultants, lobbyists, and trade associations in the US, with the scope to manage regional external partners as geographic needs evolve.
• Ensure Compliance: Oversee compliance of all lobbying and political activities with federal, state, and relevant international laws.

Requirements

• 10 to 15+ years of proven leadership experience blending corporate government affairs roles within the technology sector and direct political or government experience.
• Exceptional ability to dig deep on artificial intelligence policy, its applications, and its risks, with a proven track record of shaping relevant tech policies and regulations.
• Extensive experience navigating intricate and fluid political debates across both US federal and state jurisdictions, with an adaptability to new regulatory environments.
• A growth mindset and a self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently, prioritize issues, and push projects over the finish line.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to distill complex AI policy into compelling documents, thought leadership, and briefings for a variety of audiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior experience in or working closely with the defense sector, military, or national security apparatus.
• Experience navigating tech policy, trade, or digital regulatory frameworks in Latin America, along with professional fluency in Spanish or Portuguese.
• Proven experience supporting public-sector sales and government procurement teams.

Compensation and Benefits

• Weekly lunch stipend of $75 or equivalent.
• Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget for mental health.
• RRSP matching, 401K, Pension Scheme.
• 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months.
• Annual enrichment benefits for arts & culture, fitness/wellness, quality time, and workspace improvement.
• Education & learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching.
• 6 weeks of paid vacation (30 working days).
• $500 home office stipend.
• Co-working benefit for remote employees.
• Budget for traveling to other offices if remote, plus an annual company offsite.