[Hiring] Senior Lead, Federal Government Affairs @Shopify

Role Description

Shopify's U.S. Government Affairs team is hiring a strategist to own and drive a core set of priorities within Shopify's federal portfolio. You will manage relationships across Congress, the Administration, and federal regulators, and set priorities on the issues that shape whether entrepreneurs can start, run, and grow a business.

The mission of the Government Affairs team is to:

• Develop and broadcast Shopify's positioning on a wide variety of policy issues.
• Prevent, manage, and mitigate political, legislative, and regulatory threats to Shopify.
• Promote a political, legislative, and regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

This role isn't about working the federal landscape on autopilot; it's about pioneering how a digital-first, merchant-focused company shows up in Washington. You'll lead distinct priority areas end-to-end, partnering closely with fellow leadership to advance Shopify's full federal agenda across an ever-evolving political landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a robust, bipartisan network of relationships with key decision-makers across Congress, the Administration, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Develop and execute strategies that align Shopify's business objectives with legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for Shopify in high-stakes conversations with members of Congress, senior congressional staff, agency leadership, and the Administration.
• Facilitate impactful connections between policymakers and Shopify merchants.
• Manage relationships with trade associations, coalitions, and external consultants engaged on Shopify's behalf in Washington.
• Coordinate closely with Shopify's State & Local, EU, and international Government Affairs leads.
• Anticipate political transitions and policy shifts and position Shopify to navigate both with credibility intact.

You'll excel if you can:

• Advocate compellingly and empathetically for small businesses while embodying Shopify's values of inclusivity and innovation.
• Make quick, confident decisions while ruthlessly prioritizing high-impact initiatives aligned with our strategic objectives.
• Communicate clearly and authentically across the political spectrum.
• Think across federal, state, and international policy trends.
• Bring a builder's mindset to government affairs.
• Coach more junior teammates and external partners on effective government engagement.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in federal government affairs at a senior level.
• A deep, established network across Capitol Hill.
• Working relationships across the executive branch.
• Expertise in critical policy areas relevant to Shopify.
• Demonstrated ability navigating complex, multi-stakeholder policy environments.
• Proven track record of translating policy insights into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated, fluent use of AI tools as a core part of how you work.
• A willingness to travel, as needed.
• Based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.