About Airbnb – A Global Community of Belonging
Founded in 2007, Airbnb has grown from a humble San Francisco living‑room experiment to a global platform that connects over 4 million hosts with more than 1 billion guests each year. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. By enabling authentic, community‑driven stays and experiences, Airbnb helps travelers discover new cultures, supports local economies, and fosters a spirit of shared hospitality that transcends borders.
Behind this transformative vision is a vibrant, purpose‑driven team of innovators, storytellers, and policy champions who work tirelessly to protect and expand the space for home‑sharing. If you are passionate about shaping public policy, influencing legislation, and championing equitable regulations that empower hosts and guests alike, you have found your next career home.
Why This Role Matters – The Impact You’ll Have
The Remote Senior Public Policy Manager for the Great Lakes & Smoky Mountains region serves as a strategic linchpin between Airbnb’s global objectives and the nuanced political ecosystems of the United States and Canada. You will lead the design, execution, and measurement of policy campaigns that safeguard the interests of our host community while ensuring that guests continue to enjoy safe, affordable, and innovative lodging options.
In this role you will:
- Translate high‑level corporate goals into concrete legislative strategies.
- Build and nurture coalitions with local officials, industry groups, and community leaders.
- Provide actionable insights to senior leadership that shape Airbnb’s public‑policy roadmap.
Key Responsibilities – What Your Day Looks Like
Strategic Policy Development
- Research, analyze, and synthesize emerging legislative proposals, regulatory trends, and stakeholder positions that affect Airbnb’s operations in the Great Lakes & Smoky Mountains region.
- Draft policy briefs, position papers, and briefing memos that clearly articulate Airbnb’s stance and recommended actions.
- Collaborate with the Public Policy Lead to align regional priorities with global advocacy initiatives.
Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain a robust network of contacts across local, state, provincial, and national legislative bodies, as well as key executive agencies.
- Represent Airbnb in formal meetings, public hearings, and industry roundtables, delivering compelling arguments that reflect both data‑driven insights and community narratives.
- Organize and lead coalition-building efforts with allied groups, advocacy organizations, and host associations to amplify shared goals.
Campaign Management & Execution
- Design integrated advocacy campaigns that combine direct lobbying, media outreach, grassroots mobilization, and digital engagement.
- Oversee external consultants, research firms, and public‑affairs agencies to ensure deliverables meet quality, timing, and budget expectations.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as legislative outcomes, stakeholder sentiment, and media coverage; report progress to senior leadership on a regular cadence.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Legal, Trust & Safety, Communications, and Host Operations teams to ensure policy initiatives are consistent with business objectives and compliance requirements.
- Provide real‑time feedback loops that inform product roadmaps, risk assessments, and market entry strategies.
- Act as a regional subject‑matter expert, advising internal stakeholders on the political implications of new features or market expansions.
Thought Leadership & Public Speaking
- Develop and deliver presentations at conferences, webinars, and community events that position Airbnb as a responsible and innovative leader in the sharing economy.
- Publish op‑eds, thought pieces, and policy commentaries that shape public discourse and reinforce Airbnb’s brand narrative.
Essential Qualifications – The Foundations You Bring
- Experience: Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in public policy, government affairs, or regulatory advocacy within sectors such as tourism, e‑commerce, platform regulation, housing law, or tax policy.
- Technical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to quickly master complex regulatory frameworks and translate technical jargon into clear, persuasive arguments.
- Project Management: Proven track record of managing multiple high‑stakes projects simultaneously, navigating matrixed organizations, and delivering on time and on budget.
- Analytical Skills: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis capabilities; ability to produce insightful memos, data‑driven briefs, and budget forecasts.
- Communication Excellence: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior executives, legislators, and public audiences.
- Interpersonal Strength: Exceptional relationship‑building abilities; skilled at influencing diverse stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart
- Advanced degree (J.D., MPA, MPP, or related) or equivalent professional certifications.
- Experience leading a team of policy analysts or managing external advocacy firms.
- Demonstrated success in shaping legislation that directly impacts a platform‑based business model.
- Familiarity with the political landscape of the Great Lakes and Smoky Mountains states, including key legislators, regulatory bodies, and community groups.
- Fluency in a second language (e.g., French or Spanish) that enhances cross‑border collaboration.
Core Skills & Competencies – How You’ll Thrive
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the “big picture” while meticulously executing details.
- Creative Problem‑Solving: Entrepreneurial mindset that seeks innovative advocacy solutions.
- Resilience: Maintains poise under pressure, adapts quickly to evolving political dynamics.
- Data Literacy: Comfortable using analytics tools, spreadsheets, and visualization software to support arguments.
- Ethical Judgment: Strong sense of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Collaboration: Works seamlessly across functions, fostering alignment and shared ownership.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Airbnb invests heavily in the professional development of its people. As a senior policy leader, you will gain access to:
- Leadership Development Programs: Tailored workshops and mentorship that prepare you for broader regional or global policy leadership.
- Cross‑Functional Rotations: Opportunities to work briefly with Legal, Product, or Trust & Safety teams, enhancing your holistic understanding of the business.
- Industry Conferences: Sponsored attendance at key public‑policy events (e.g., National Conference of State Legislatures, Global Platform Regulation Summits).
- Executive Sponsorship: Direct mentorship from senior Airbnb executives who champion your growth vision.
Work Environment & Company Culture
Airbnb’s culture is built on the belief that belonging is a fundamental human right. You will join a remote‑first team that values:
- Inclusivity: Diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every voice matters in shaping policy outcomes.
- Flexibility: While the role is remote, we encourage occasional in‑person meet‑ups, retreats, and community events to forge strong relationships.
- Innovation: Experimentation is encouraged; we iterate quickly on advocacy tactics and celebrate bold ideas.
- Work‑Life Harmony: Generous PTO, mental‑health resources, and a supportive environment that respects personal boundaries.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
Airbnb offers a competitive total‑reward package designed to attract top talent:
- Base Salary: $142,000 – $168,500 USD, commensurate with experience and market benchmarks.
- Variable Compensation: Performance‑based bonuses and equity grants that align your success with Airbnb’s growth.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health plans.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company match and financial planning resources.
- Travel Credits: Employee Travel Credits for stays on Airbnb, encouraging personal exploration of the platform.
- Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement, certifications, and internal learning platforms.
- Family Support: Parental leave, adoption assistance, and childcare resources.
Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
Airbnb believes that a diverse workforce fuels innovation. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact [email protected] with your name, the role you are applying for, and the assistance you need.
Location Requirements
This position is remote‑first but requires you to be based in the United States, preferably within the Great Lakes or Smoky Mountains region. Candidates must be able to work from a location where Airbnb is authorized to employ. Current exclusions include Alaska, North Dakota, and Mississippi; this list may be updated periodically.
How to Apply – Simple, Transparent Process
Ready to shape the future of home‑sharing policy across a dynamic region? Follow these easy steps:
- Click the “Apply Now” button below.
- Submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your most relevant policy achievements, and any supporting work samples.
- Our recruiting team will review your application and reach out within 5–7 business days to discuss next steps.
We look forward to learning how your expertise, passion, and vision can help Airbnb continue to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere.
Apply Now