Sr. Manager or Director, State and Local Policy

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

About the role: Skydio’s mission is to make the world more productive, creative, and safe through autonomous flight.

We are seeking a mission-driven policy leader to advance these goals by shaping and executing our strategy for state and local government engagement.

This role will focus on enabling the safe, responsible, and widespread adoption of Skydio’s drone technology by cities, counties, states, and public agencies across the United States.

We are open to considering candidates at the Senior Manager or Director level. Final leveling will reflect the individual’s experience, strategic scope, and driving measurable outcomes.

You will develop and lead policy initiatives on a range of dynamic and high-impact issues, including:

• Expanding the use of Drones as First Responders (DFR) by local law enforcement and emergency services.

• Partnering with state and municipal transportation agencies to modernize infrastructure inspections, surveying and mapping, and accident response and clearance rates.

• Building state and local coalitions that promote innovation while ensuring safety, transparency, and public trust.

• Shaping the intersection of AI, autonomy, and public-sector technology policy at the community level.

Location: This position is ideally based at Skydio’s headquarters in San Mateo, California, but we’re open to strong candidates based in other locations across the western and central U.S.

How you'll make an impact:

• Manage Skydio’s state and local government policy strategy, representing the company before governors, mayors, state legislators, and local government associations.

• Develop and maintain relationships with key organizations such as the National League of Cities (NLC), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), International City and County Manager Associations.

• Monitor and analyze state and state and municipal legislation impacting drone operations, data governance, public-safety technology, and AI policy.

• Collaborate closely with Skydio’s Policy, Regulatory, SLED, and Communications teams to align business development and advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging across all levels of government.

• Represent Skydio at state and local conferences, hearings, and policy roundtables, highlighting how autonomous flight improves community safety, efficiency, and resilience.

• Drive storytelling and thought leadership that communicates the public value of autonomy in real-world terms—bridging innovation with public trust.

What makes you a good fit:

• 7+ years of experience in state or local government relations, public policy, or strategy, ideally focused on technology, public safety, transportation, or innovation policy.

• Proven success working with state and local officials, senior staff, and agency leaders to advance technology, public safety or infrastructure initiatives.

• History of developing legislation and policy frameworks at the state or municipal level related to drones, AI, public safety, transportation, or public-sector innovation.

• Experience building partnerships and driving strategic initiatives that connect policy objectives with business development opportunities, enabling real-world adoption of new technologies.

• Demonstrated success fostering relationships that support both policy impact and market growth across the public sector.

• Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts—like drones, autonomy and AI—into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers and communities.

• Collaborative leadership style and track record of building coalitions across government, industry, and advocacy organizations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing elected officials, executive staff, and public audiences.

• Strong organizational and strategic skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-moving environment.

• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

• A B.A. or B.S. degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or related field preferred.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages.

Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles.

The annual base salary range for this position is $175,000. - $250,000*.

Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success.

Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans.

Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan.

This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/