# Lead, Global External Affairs

**Company:** [Cohere](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/cohere)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** Other
**Salary:** $220k – $330k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Public Policy, Strategic Partnerships, Ai Policy, Data Governance, Model Safety, Thought Leadership, Stakeholder Alignment, Budget Management, Industry Coalitions, External Affairs
**Posted:** 2026-07-14

> Lead Global External Affairs at Cohere by building and executing strategy for partnerships with think tanks, academics, NGOs, and coalitions to validate and amplify the company's responsible enterprise AI policy narrative. Requires 10+ years in external affairs/public policy with a deep global network and AI policy expertise.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Build and execute a comprehensive global External Affairs strategy that aligns with and amplifies Cohere’s broader public policy and commercial objectives.
- Identify, build, and manage deep relationships with leading technology policy think tanks, academic researchers, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Partner with external experts and institutions to generate thought leadership, research, and independent validation of Cohere’s approach to enterprise AI, data privacy, and model safety.
- Serve as Cohere's primary representative on key industry coalitions, trade associations, and multi-stakeholder forums, ensuring our unique enterprise perspective shapes broader industry consensus.
- Work seamlessly across the GAPP, Corporate Communications, Legal, and Go-To-Market teams to ensure our external partnerships and investments are driving measurable impact for the business.
- Organize and host high-level roundtables, policy briefings, and summits that position Cohere as a central convener in the global AI policy debate.

## Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in external affairs, public policy, or strategic partnerships, ideally within a major technology company, leading trade association, or prominent policy institution.
- An extensive, active network of relationships across major think tanks, academic centers, and civil society organizations globally.
- A sophisticated understanding of the current global debates surrounding artificial intelligence, including data governance, safety, open-source models, and enterprise adoption.
- Proven experience managing budgets for sponsorships, memberships, and grants, ensuring ROI and alignment with corporate policy goals.
- The ability to persuasively articulate complex technical and policy narratives to highly influential external audiences.
- A self-starter who thrives on establishing a new function from the ground up, designing the operational workflows and strategies necessary for scale.

## Nice-to-Haves
- Advanced degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, or a related field.
- Experience navigating the specific nuances between consumer AI policy and enterprise/B2B AI policy.

## Compensation and Benefits
**Compensation Range**:
- United States: $220,000 – $330,000 USD
- Canada: $250,000 – $375,000 CAD

**Benefits**:
- Weekly lunch stipend of $75/£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.
- Budget for traveling to other offices if remote, plus an annual company offsite.
- $500 home office stipend.
- Co-working benefit for those not near an office.

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