What are the responsibilities and job description for the U.S. Public Policy Manager position at Sonder?
Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamlessly managed experience. Officially launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder is making a world of better stays open to all with a variety of accommodation options — from rooms to suites and apartments — found in more than 30 cities spanning eight countries and three continents. Sonder's innovative app empowers guests by making self-service features and 24/7 on-the-ground support just a tap away. From simple self check-in to boutique bathroom amenities, we bring the best of a hotel without any of the formality.
Sonder's global public policy department supports every aspect of Sonder's domestic and international growth strategy. The Sonder public policy team partners with its business colleagues to proactively engage policy makers and other community stakeholders as we launch in new cities around the world. We aim to comply with all applicable regulations and engage with cities positively and proactively in order to align our business strategy to local requirements.
We're looking for a Public Policy Manager to lead our public policy advocacy and outreach to support our growth efforts across the East or West coasts of the United States (depending on location). This public policy professional will be responsible for activities including directly engaging with government officials on priority public policy issues, supporting new city launches, understanding local regulations, and engaging external consultants. The ideal candidate for this position will have a background in and a passion for hospitality, housing or technology policy, and politics. This public policy professional will work closely with Sonder's North America team, and will report into Sonder's Senior Director, Public Policy, North America. This role can be based in California, the Northeast, Georgia, or Florida.
AT SONDER YOU WILL:
- Lead Sonder's public policy and government affairs programs in the western or eastern region and serve as a spokesperson for the company to government, industry groups, and civil society stakeholders.
- Collaborate with operations, expansion, policy, communications, and legal teams internally to ensure that any efforts assigned or undertaken are in alignment with the company's overall mission, messaging, and strategy.
- Establish and execute strategies for policy, legislative advocacy, political engagement and working with internal partners to build local partnerships with the community.
- Maintain and develop strong relationships with elected and appointed officials.
- Develop written analysis, testimony, and background materials as necessary in support of the company's objectives.
- Identify allies and build coalitions of like-minded groups including but not limited to think tanks, industry associations, public interest groups, and academia.
- Hiring and managing consultants in key markets, as needed.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR:
- Proven track record of learning quickly, taking initiative, working proactively and being resourceful
- Excellent knowledge of the legislative or regulatory process
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience working on public policy issues in relevant regional markets
- Experience working with city-level regulators and elected officials
- Ability to effectively communicate complex policy information to a wide variety of audiences
- Energetic, collaborative, and willing to take on all variety of assignments as part of a small but dynamic team
- Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently as well as on teams with diverse personalities and skill levels
- A creative problem solver who is open to new ideas and new approaches
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant policy or political experience (with at least 3 of those years spent in the relevant region)
We also have great benefits to make your life easier so you can focus on what you're best at:
Competitive compensation
Generous stock option plan
Medical, dental and vision insurance (where applicable)
Flexible vacation
Annual free credits and discounts to stay in Sonders
A company with a huge vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, ambitious and fun to work-with colleagues!
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status or other protected classes.
