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 environment; comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities.  

Proven ability to manage outside counse …