Sr. Manager or Director, State and Local Policy

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

About the role:
Skydio’s mission is to make the world more productive, creative, and safe through autonomous flight. We are seeking a mission-driven policy leader to advance these goals by shaping and executing our strategy for state and local government engagement. This role will focus on enabling the safe, responsible, and widespread adoption of Skydio’s drone technology by cities, counties, states, and public agencies across the United States. We are open to considering candidates at the Senior Manager or Director level. Final leveling will reflect the individual’s experience, strategic scope, and driving measurable outcomes.

You will develop and lead policy initiatives on a range of dynamic and high-impact issues, including:

- Expanding the use of Drones as First Responders (DFR) by local law enforcement and emergency services.

- Partnering with state and municipal transportation agencies to modernize infrastructure inspections, surveying and mapping, and accident response and clearance rates.

- Building state and local coalitions that promote innovation while ensuring safety, transparency, and public trust.

- Shaping the intersection of AI, autonomy, and public-sector technology policy at the community level.


Location: This position is ideally based at Skydio’s headquarters in San Mateo, California, but we’re open to strong candidates based in other locations across the western and central U.S.


How you'll make an impact:

-  Manage Skydio’s state and local government policy strategy, representing the company before governors, mayors, state legislators, and local government associations.

- Develop and maintain relationships with key organizations such as the National League of Cities (NLC), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), International City and County Manager Associations.

- Monitor and analyze state and state and municipal legislation impacting drone operations, data governance, public-safety technology, and AI policy.

- Collaborate closely with Skydio’s Policy, Regulatory, SLED, and Communications teams to align business development and advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging across all levels of government.

- Represent Skydio at state and local conferences, hearings, and policy roundtables, highlighting how autonomous flight improves community saf