Director of Federal Affairs

Role Overview

The Director of Federal Affairs will lead Encode's engagement with Congress and the executive branch to shape legislative and regulatory outcomes on AI policy. This is a senior role that requires strategic judgment, deep relationships in Washington, and the ability to operate with high autonomy.

Congressional strategy & engagement

• Execute Encode's federal legislative strategy across both chambers
• Build and steward relationships with members, leadership offices, and committee staff — particularly Commerce, Armed Services, Judiciary, Appropriations, and others relevant to AI policy
• Identify legislative vehicles and windows (NDAA, appropriations, standalone bills) to advance Encode's priorities
• Lead Encode's defense against federal preemption of state AI law, including blanket moratorium efforts
• Draft and negotiate bill text, amendments, and report language
• Organize briefings, hearing support, and roundtables

Executive branch & administration engagement

• Build and maintain relationships across relevant agencies
• Track and respond to regulatory actions, RFIs, and executive orders affecting AI policy

What we're looking for

Essential qualities

• Deep DC relationships, established credibility with Hill and/or executive branch staff
• Strategic judgment — you can read the legislative landscape and find the viable path
• High agency — you set direction and drive outcomes without waiting for instruction
• Strong written communication, including drafting and briefing under pressure
• Collaborative leadership — you build coalitions and lead through influence

Experience & skills

• 3–10+ years in federal government affairs, lobbying, senior Hill staff, or executive branch roles. What matters most is a demonstrated record of advancing legislation or regulatory outcomes.
• Strong command of the legislative process, including NDAA and appropriations, plus the federal regulatory process
• Understanding of AI or technology policy preferred, but not required
• Background in policy, law, political science, or a related field

Work style fit

• Comfortable with a fast-paced, demanding environment (40+ hours/week is standard)
• Able to handle emergency requests and weekend work when needed
• Thrives on direct, frequent feedback and open communication

What we offer

• A leadership seat shaping the most important policy challenges of our time
• The ability to execute Encode's federal legislative and regulatory agenda
• A collaborative, high-energy team

Compensation, benefits, and location

This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. Relocation assistance may be available. The salary range for this role is $175,000 – $210,000, commensurate with experience.

Encode offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 100% of healthcare, vision, and dental insurance premiums covered for employees, 50% for spouses and dependents
• Unlimited PTO and ~20 office holidays, including all federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% unconditional employer contribution
• Up to $500 for new full-time employees for home office set-up expenses

About Encode AI

Encode AI advocates for responsible AI development that serves the public interest. We've helped shape major AI policy wins across the federal and state level, including passing California's SB 53, New York's RAISE Act, the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act, America's first nuclear weapons AI safeguards, and twice blocking efforts to place a blanket moratorium on state AI regulation.

We also hold the industry accountable through strategic challenges, including amicus briefs, coalition letters, and direct advocacy which contributed to OpenAI maintaining its nonprofit control status.