Senior Associate, Autonomy Policy & Strategy

Senior Associate, Autonomy Policy & Strategy

DoorDash's Public Policy and Social Impact Team develops policies and advocates for legislation that supports the health of our business and empowers our community of Dashers, local business partners, and consumers. Through our advocacy on cutting-edge public policy issues and the programs that we develop, we are shaping the future of local economies. This unique team combines policy development, direct engagement with policymakers at all levels of government, advocacy campaigns, research and analysis, and programs to promote equity, safety, and sustainability.

DoorDash Labs is building the future of last-mile logistics through autonomous deliveryfrom ground-based delivery robots to drones. As we scale operations and engage with stakeholders at all levels, we're looking for a Senior Associate, Autonomy Policy & Strategy to join our growing team. Reporting directly to our Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel, you will serve as a high-functioning "program quarterback" focused on keeping our work organized, strategic, and moving forward across multiple jurisdictions and workstreams.

This is a high-impact, interdisciplinary role at the intersection of public policy, city and state engagement, operations, and strategy. You'll support two growing autonomy portfoliosdelivery robots and dronesand will be critical to the success of DoorDash Labs' policy, permitting, and go-to-market objectives in 2025 and beyond.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and is ready to take on increasing levels of ownership over time. This role sits within the Public Policy team and offers regular opportunities to collaborate with key verticals such as Government Relations, Public Engagement, and Public Affairs.

You're excited about this opportunity because...

• Drive operational excellence across autonomy policy and deployment portfoliosensuring internal and external deadlines are met, projects stay on track, and documentation is crisp and up to date.
• Support executive reporting and strategy by drafting strategic plans, tracking milestones, summarizing legislative activity, and helping prepare for high-stakes meetings (internal and external).
• Own and manage logistics for government and community engagementfrom coordinating city walkthroughs and drone demos to representing DoorDash at events and public forums.
• Partner with autonomy policy and operations leads to deliver internal alignment across ops, product, legal, safety, and communications teamsensuring our messages are clear and consistent.
• Translate complexity into clarity by drafting presentations, policy collateral, and talking points that break down technical concepts and highlight the impact of our technologies.
• Grow into owning your own projects, including developing subject-matter expertise on public policy issues, developing and executing community and government engagement plans, and attending events.

We're excited about you because...

• You're detail-obsessed and thrive on structure, but can also operate in ambiguity when the playbook hasn't been written yet.
• You have 46 years of experience in public policy, state or local government, transportation/mobility tech, or regulatory affairsespecially in emerging tech or infrastructure sectors.
• You've worked in or closely with high-performing policy, legal, operations, or government affairs teamsand know how to track issues, influence stakeholders, and take ownership.
• You're comfortable engaging with public officials, external stakeholders, and internal executiveseither behind the scenes or as the face of a program.
• You're a strong writer and communicator who can develop crisp slides, briefings, and summaries for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• You care about technology that improves how cities work and brings real benefits to communities, small businesses, and consumers.

Bonus points if you...

• Have experience with urban planning, transportation policy, or land use issuesand are comfortable using GIS or other mapping tools to analyze routes, geofences, or regulatory zones.
• Have experience with drones, robotics, AVs, or emerging technologies in regulated industries.
• Have engaged directly with city officials, permitting agencies, or trade associations.
• Have supported legislative or rulemaking campaigns at the state or local level.
• Have worked in a chief-of-staff, program manager, or operations lead capacity.
• Bring curiosity, hustle, and a readiness to learn fast and grow into a more senior role.