Federal Affairs Leader

The role

Nebius is looking for a Federal Affairs Leader to become the company's first dedicated federal hire and build its presence in Washington, D.C. from the ground up.

This is a founding role for someone who wants to build a function, not inherit one. You will establish Nebius's federal footprint, shape the company's policy strategy, and scale the function as our U.S. operations grow. You will work on issues that matter: AI regulation, trade policy, energy and infrastructure permitting, and national security policy, among others. You will have a seat at the table internally and externally starting day one.

This role is a fit if you already have the DC experience and relationships to be credible from the start, and you're excited by the challenge of building a program rather than maintaining one.

This is a remote position based in Washington, D.C., with periodic travel to data center sites and industry conferences.

Your responsibilities will include:

Build and lead federal engagement

Develop and execute Nebius's federal policy strategy across AI regulation, trade, energy and infrastructure policy.

Build and manage bi-partisan relationships on Capitol Hill and across the executive branch, including relevant committees, agencies, and White House offices.

Serve as Nebius's primary representative in federal initiatives (i.e. the Genesis Mission) and relevant trade associations and coalitions.

Shape policy outcomes

Engage directly in the legislative and regulatory process on issues material to Nebius's business.

Track policy developments, assess risk, and develop action plans – then execute them, often quickly.

Work across Nebius's legal, regulatory, infrastructure, and communications teams to align strategy and messaging.

Build the function

As the role and issue set scale, hire and develop additional staff to build out a full federal affairs capability.

Support state-level government relations efforts alongside in-market public affairs leads and manage relationships with outside lobbying firms as needed.

Report regularly to senior leadership on political and regulatory risk, legislative progress, and stakeholder positioning.

What Success Looks like – Year One:

A clear federal policy agenda, aligned with internal stakeholders, that reflects Nebius's priorities across AI, export controls, and infrastructure.

Active relationships with priority cross-party Hill offices and key executive branch counterparts.

Nebius represented and respected in the right trade associations and coalitions.

A staffing plan and playbook for scaling the function ready to execute.

We expect you to have:

7–10 years of federal government affairs, Hill, or executive branch experience, with a track record of building relationships across party lines.

Hands-on experience with technology, energy, trade, or national security policy — familiarity with AI policy is a plus but not required.

Experience working in or alongside a fast-moving company or startup environment; comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Proven ability to manage outside counsel, trade associations, and coalition partners.

How you work:

A relationship-builder: credible and comfortable in rooms with senior officials, trade association leaders, and internal executives alike.

A clear communicator: you translate policy complexity into crisp executive summaries and briefings that decision-makers can actually use.

A self-starter that can independently work towards key objectives, set goals and achieve them.

Collaborative across functions: you work naturally with legal, comms, and business teams rather than operating in a silo.

Solutions-oriented: when you surface a problem, you bring a recommended path forward.

Key employee benefits in the US:

Health insurance: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families.

401(k) plan: Up to 4% company match with immediate vesting.

Parental leave: 20 weeks paid for primary caregivers, 12 weeks for secondary caregivers.

Remote work reimbursement: Up to $85/month for mobile and internet.

Disability & life insurance: Company-paid short-term, long-term and life insurance coverage.

Pay Transparency

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, the level at which the candidate is hired, and geographic location, consistent with applicable law.

Base Compensation Range

$150,000—$187,500 USD