About SoftBank:
The SoftBank Group invests in breakthrough technology to improve the quality of life for people around the world. The SoftBank Group is comprised of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984), an investment holding company that includes stakes in AI, smart robotics, IoT, telecommunications, internet services, and clean energy technology providers, as well as a majority stake in Arm, which is building the future of computing; and the SoftBank Vision Funds, which are investing to help transform industries and shape new ones. To learn more, please
visit www.visionfund.com and https://group.softbank/en.
Position Description
We are seeking a highly capable and execution-oriented government affairs professional to support SoftBank’s U.S. AI infrastructure initiatives. This individual will play a key role in implementing state and local government affairs strategies related to data centers, energy development, and associated infrastructure, working in close coordination with and reporting into the Director of Government Affairs.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of state and local political dynamics, land use and permitting processes, and energy policy frameworks. This role requires a flexible, results-driven operator who can manage multiple projects, engage stakeholders across jurisdictions, and support the advancement of priority development efforts.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Support the development and execution of state and local government affairs strategies for AI infrastructure projects, including data centers, power generation, and transmission.
- Engage with state and local officials, agencies, and economic development organizations to advance project objectives.
- Assist in site selection and development efforts by providing input on political, regulatory, and community considerations.
- Navigate land use, zoning, and permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions.
- Monitor and analyze state and local policy developments related to energy, infrastructure, and technology.
- Support engagement on energy policy issues, including generation, interconnection, transmission, and utility/regulatory dynamics.
- Manage and coordinate external consultants, lobbyists, and local advisors to support project execution.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including utilities, community leaders, and regional partners.
- Help translate federal AI and technology policy priorities into effective state and local engagement strategies.
- Prepare policy briefs, updates, and materials for internal stakeholders and senior management.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align government affairs efforts with development, legal, and business priorities.
- Represent the organization in meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagements.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong understanding of state and local political environments and government affairs strategy.
- Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, energy, or data center projects.
- Familiarity with land use, permitting, and siting processes.
- Working knowledge of state-level energy policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing external consultants and coordinating multi-state efforts.
- Ability to operate independently while aligning closely with senior leadership direction.
- Entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving in complex and evolving environments.
- Resilient and flexible nature to adjust to dynamic project priorities.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 6–10 years of relevant experience in government, government affairs, or political environments.
- Experience working at the state or local level required.
- Private sector or consulting experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with infrastructure development, energy, or technology policy preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- The role can be based in any of our U.S. offices.
- Travel required up to 75%, including frequent site visits and in-state engagement.