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Head Of Public Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX

$114K - $140K/yr

Seattle, WA Overview BusPatrol is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional to join our team as Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. This role is ideal for someone with ...

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$225K - $250K/yr

Qualifications * 7-10 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or lobbying at the state or large municipal level. * Demonstrated success advancing policy initiatives in ...

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$114K - $140K/yr

Qualifications * 7-10 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or lobbying at the state or large municipal level. * Demonstrated success advancing policy initiatives in ...

Whatnot

Director, U.S. Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Public Policy will report to the Head of Global Public Policy. You will: * Lead Whatnot's advocacy across the U.S., articulating how Whatnot supports sellers and buyers across America and becoming an ...

New

Houston Parks Board

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY

Houston, TX · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Public Policy is responsible for developing and executing a public policy strategy to advance Houston Parks Board's (HPB) mission to expand, improve ...

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Head Of Public Policy information

See salary details

$53K

$131.7K

$146K

How much do head of public policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of public policy in the United States is $131,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head of public policy do?

A Head of Public Policy leads an organization's efforts to influence and respond to government legislation, regulations, and public affairs. They develop strategies to advocate for the company's interests, build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and monitor policy developments affecting the business. This role often involves managing a team, collaborating with other departments, and representing the organization at industry events and meetings with government officials.

How does the head of public policy typically collaborate with internal stakeholders to align advocacy efforts with organizational goals?

As the Head of Public Policy, you will regularly work cross-functionally with teams such as legal, communications, government affairs, and executive leadership. This collaboration ensures that advocacy strategies are consistent with the organization’s business objectives and brand values. You’ll often lead internal briefings, coordinate unified messaging, and synthesize input from various departments to inform policy positions. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as you act as the bridge between the organization’s internal priorities and its external advocacy efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head of public policy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head of Public Policy, you need deep expertise in policy analysis, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by an advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field. Familiarity with policy research tools, government relations management systems, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic leadership skills help you build relationships and influence diverse audiences. These skills ensure effective advocacy, informed decision-making, and positive organizational impact within complex regulatory environments.

What is the difference between Head Of Public Policy vs Public Policy Manager?

AspectHead Of Public PolicyPublic Policy Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire public policy strategy, leads advocacy efforts, manages teams, and influences high-level policy decisions.Develops and implements policy initiatives, conducts research, and supports advocacy at a departmental level.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public policy, law, or related fields; extensive experience in policy roles.Usually requires a bachelor’s degree, with experience in policy analysis or government relations.
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in corporate or government settings, often involving high-level stakeholder engagement.Operational role within organizations, focusing on policy development and implementation.

The Head Of Public Policy holds a senior leadership position with broader strategic responsibilities, while the Public Policy Manager focuses on executing policy initiatives. Both roles require relevant education and experience, but the Head Of Public Policy typically manages teams and influences organizational or governmental policy at a higher level.

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Head Of Public Policy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Of Public Policy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,692 per year, or $63.3 per hour.

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX

BusPatrol
Software Development • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about BusPatrolexternal

$114K - $140K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Location:

This role is open to candidates across the United States; however, preference will be given to those based in or near the following metropolitan areas:

  • New York City Metro Area

  • Boston, MA

  • Washington, DC

  • Austin, TX or Houston, TX

  • Las Vegas, NV

  • Los Angeles or San Francisco, CA

  • Seattle, WA

Overview 


BusPatrol is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional to join our team as Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. This role is ideal for someone with strong political strategy skills, excellent writing and communication abilities, and deep knowledge of state and local laws. The Director will support policy development, coalition building, and communications strategy to advance traffic safety initiatives through technology. This position plays a critical role in shaping legislation, guiding compliance across our business, and helping advance BusPatrol’s mission of keeping children safe on the journey to and from school. 


  • Conduct state-by-state policy research and analysis to identify differences in laws and regulations. 
  • Draft and support the negotiation of legislation, providing analysis and recommendations to leadership. 
  • Partner with external contract lobbyists and advocacy partners to advance state-level policy goals. 
  • Collaborate across internal teams — operations, product, legal, government ops, finance, and implementation — to translate policy requirements into actionable steps. 
  • Provide subject matter expertise on regulatory and legislative issues impacting growth and compliance. 
  • Develop briefing materials, legislative summaries, and policy papers to position BusPatrol as a thought leader in traffic safety technology. 
  • Represent BusPatrol at conferences, policy forums, and industry events; participate in panels and speaking engagements as needed. 
  • Contribute to the development of communication strategies that support coalition-building and stakeholder engagement.

  • 7–10 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or lobbying at the state or large municipal level. 
  • Demonstrated success advancing policy initiatives in transportation, education, or technology-related areas. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and educate stakeholders. 
  • Experience with public speaking and media engagement preferred. 
  • Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail. 
  • Highly organized, self-starter, and problem solver with a passion for child safety, transportation, and public policy. 
  • A Juris Doctorate/law degree is preferred; however, an advanced degree in public administration or a similar field will be accepted.

WHO WE ARE 

BusPatrol is a technology company with a public safety mission. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are strengthening trust, safety, and transparency across the student transportation space and making the trip to and from school safer for students. As a leader in smart transportation, BusPatrol brings cutting-edge AI, machine learning and IoT safety tech solutions to school buses across North America. BusPatrol’s technology has been deployed onto more buses and has been used to issue more school bus stop arm citations than any other company in the world. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

BusPatrol employees get: 

  • A competitive salary and benefits package 
  • Comprehensive personal time off, including volunteering and birthday days off 
  • An opportunity to help build a company dedicated to children’s safety 
  • The chance to join an innovative and dedicated team, focused on leading edge technology 
  • The occasion to participate in BusPatrol’s culture of safety, learning, and teamwork 

BusPatrol’s school bus safety programs are violator-funded, meaning that those who break the law pay for the technology that protects children. We build solid partnerships in the communities in which we operate which, coupled with our innovative business model, leads to sustainable efforts to change driver behaviors. 

HOW WE WORK 

On our mission to make the journey to and from school safer for children, the way we work together and with our partners is built on foundational cultural pillars. 

  • SAFETY 
    Safety is our focus, for the children we protect and for each other. We follow the letter and spirit of occupational safety law, relentlessly employ safety best practices, and foster learning and development on our worksites. We are safe to be ourselves and to make mistakes, and we create safe environments for our teams. 
  • CONNECTION 
    We build strong relationships and teams in support of our mission. We promote and provide opportunities for employees to grow together. 

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