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.