What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Affairs Manager position at Kodiak?
Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Kodiak is looking for a Public Affairs Manager that will be responsible for supporting Kodiak’s public affairs mission in Texas and across the Southern United States. You will interact with policymakers across the country to advocate for autonomous trucks, work with a diverse stakeholder ecosystem to expand public trust in Kodiak’s autonomous trucking technology, and help support Kodiak’s goal of deploying autonomous trucks at scale.
Primary work location: Austin or Dallas preferred.
In this role, you will:
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Kodiak is looking for a Public Affairs Manager that will be responsible for supporting Kodiak’s public affairs mission in Texas and across the Southern United States. You will interact with policymakers across the country to advocate for autonomous trucks, work with a diverse stakeholder ecosystem to expand public trust in Kodiak’s autonomous trucking technology, and help support Kodiak’s goal of deploying autonomous trucks at scale.
Primary work location: Austin or Dallas preferred.
In this role, you will:
- Manage Kodiak’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, public officials, and other key partners, with a focus on Texas and the Southern United States.
- Manage Kodiak’s engagement with key trade associations and organizations at a state and federal level.
- Draft regulator communications and public comments regarding critical autonomous vehicle rulemakings and regulations.
- Represent Kodiak at conferences, in state capitals, and other public events in Texas and around the country.
- Work to continue building trust in autonomous trucking technology among policymakers and the general public.
- Work collaboratively with other autonomous vehicle developers and business partners.
- Be a team-player, who prioritizes trust, transparency, and honesty, and knows there is no project too small or too large for you.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Five years experience in public policy and/or government relations, with experience in transportation, trucking, AI, and/or technology preferred.
- Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently both verbally and in writing.
- A passion for autonomous vehicle technology.
- Experience analyzing legislation and regulations, writing regulatory comments, speaking publicly, building coalitions, and developing and executing policy programming.
- Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
- Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
- Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies
- Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
- Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
- Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
- Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
- Fidelity 401(k)
- Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
- Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.