Public Policy Manager, State & Local (CA)

Lyft is hiring a Public Policy Manager to lead California state-level policy efforts and support local policy work in Sacramento. The role develops legislative, regulatory, and political strategies, builds relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and coordinates policy priorities across internal teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute Lyft’s legislative, regulatory, and political strategy at the state level and provide support at the local level mainly in Sacramento (SMF)
• Identify, cultivate and manage relationships with strategic third party and business groups, nonprofits and community organizations leveraging Lyft’s internal programs and product offerings, in key markets. Regularly travel to attend community and industry events as needed
• Work closely with business, communications and marketing teams to highlight relevant Lyft partnerships, capture key moments, strategize Lyft’s engagement with large events and leverage relationships for business opportunities
• Represent Lyft in interactions with elected officials, government agencies, staff, and business groups, including drafting and providing testimony in legislative and regulatory hearings and regularly traveling to attend political events and fundraisers as needed
• Track legislation relevant to Lyft and inform company stakeholders and lines of business on legislative and regulatory developments
• Develop strategic public engagement plans positioning Lyft as a “Force for Good” and reliable thought partner to state officials and third party groups in key markets, while identifying other markets where Lyft’s public engagement could advance Lyft’s legislative and political strategy
• Oversee statewide budget and work cross-functionally with Lyft senior management on developing public policy priorities
• Mobilize supporters and activists to show their support during key legislative moments and/or ballot measures
• Collaborate with Lyft’s Legal, Compliance, Communications, Campaigns, Social Impact, and Operations teams to align market strategies with regulatory and legislative developments
• Establish deep expertise on Lyft’s public policy priorities
• Manage external consultants to assist with key Lyft policy priorities
• Draft comments, talking points, and memos for senior Lyft executives
• Track and respond to business groups and government inquiries and requests on policy issues

Requirements:

• 5-8 years of political and/or government affairs experience in California
• Experience directly lobbying elected officials and/or government officials on complex public policy issues in California
• Strong understanding of state-level, county, and municipal policymaking
• Exceptional strategic and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Proven self-starter with experience leading and winning on complex policy issues
• Natural connector and relationship builder
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) – you know how to tell a good story and advocate your position
• Deep relationships with state and local policymakers
• Experience managing and collaborating with external consultants and lobbyists
• Strong understanding of municipal and state policymaking
• Knowledge of transportation, mobility, technology, autonomous vehicle, gig economy, and future of work policy
• Experience planning and executing stakeholder-facing events, including community engagement initiatives
• Lyft user / believer
• Experience directly negotiating,  developing relationships and interacting with organized labor is a plus