Federal Affairs Leader

About Nebius: Nebius is leading a new era in cloud infrastructure for the global AI economy. We are building a full-stack AI cloud platform that supports developers and enterprises from data and model training through to production deployment, without the cost and complexity of building large in-house AI/ML infrastructure. Built by engineers, for engineers. From large-scale GPU orchestration to inference optimization, we own the hard problems across compute, storage, networking and applied AI. Listed on Nasdaq (NBIS) and headquartered in Amsterdam, we have a global footprint with R&D hubs across Europe, the UK, North America and Israel. Our team of 1,500+ includes hundreds of engineers with deep expertise across hardware, software and AI R&D. 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 env