Careers

*Please note this page is for full-time, permanent positions. If you would like to know more about our internship opportunities please visit our Internship Program page.

The Bay Area Council is a business-sponsored, public policy and advocacy organization for the nine-county Bay Area. It is a nonprofit organization supported by more than 325 member companies representing the top employers in the Bay Area. The Council proactively advocates for a strong economy, a vital business environment, and a better quality of life for everyone who lives in the Bay Area.

In a recent anonymous employee survey, colleagues said they like working at the Council because of:

• “The people, love that we are a noble cause organization, am so proud of the work we do, love our members, our ability to help the region. I really like the BAC culture, friendliness, humor and fun in the workplace.”
• “Being allowed to bring who I am as a person to my role and performance as a BAC employee.”
• “Challenges, latitude to innovate, ability to manage my time and goals fairly independently, great friends and team members.”
• “Many really smart people to work around all willing to do whatever is necessary to get things done.”
• “The BAC has an awesome mission, and an ability to rally together to achieve lofty goals. The staff feels like a family.”

Our Mission

We engage business and civic-minded leaders to solve the most challenging regional issues to ensure the Bay Area is the most innovative, sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive place in the world.

Open Positions

• Senior Vice President, Public Policy – Technology and Innovation Focus

  Location: San Francisco, San Jose, and hybrid within the Bay Area
  Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

  
  ORGANIZATION

  The Bay Area Council is a business-sponsored, public policy advocacy organization representing the most influential companies across the nine-county Bay Area. With over 350 member companies and a reputation as the region’s leading voice of business, the Council advocates for policies and initiatives that strengthen the economy, improve quality of life, and ensure a more equitable and competitive future for the Bay Area and California.

  
  Founded in 1945, the Bay Area Council has a proud legacy of solving the region’s biggest challenges—from building BART to advancing climate leadership to addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. The Council operates at the intersection of government, business, and community to deliver real outcomes.

  
  SUMMARY

  The Senior Vice President of Public Policy – Technology and Innovation Focus is a senior leader within the Bay Area Council’s policy team, responsible for shaping and advancing policy initiatives related to technology, innovation, digital infrastructure, data centers, AI, and new areas as the emerge from the Silicon Valley ecosystem. The SVP will serve as a key voice for the tech and innovation sector in government relations, policy development, coalition-building, and public engagement.

  
  This role will lead the Council’s expanding presence in San Jose and Silicon Valley and also spearhead policy and regulatory efforts to support data center growth, AI ecosystem development, innovation-friendly permitting, and digital equity.

  
  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  Technology and Innovation Policy Leadership
  Lead the Bay Area Council’s work on key tech-forward policy areas, including:
  Responsible AI regulation
  Data center permitting and grid modernization
  Hardware and semiconductor industry growth
  Startup ecosystem support
  Broadband and digital equity
  Innovation-enabling tax and regulatory reforms

  
  · Data Center and Grid Policy

  Drive statewide and local reforms to accelerate siting and interconnection for energy-intensive digital infrastructure. Partner with utilities, regulators, and industry to modernize the permitting and approval processes.

  
  R&D and Innovation Sector Expansion
  Identify and help companies in AI, advanced computing, and hardware to start, stay and grow in the Bay Area. Recruit non-Bay Area global companies to expand R&D centers in our region. Partner with local governments, global trade offices, and real estate stakeholders to remove barriers and fast-track R&D and operational growth.
  Public-Private Partnership Development
  Build coalitions across sectors to implement regional innovation strategies and convene stakeholders around shared goals, including hosting high-profile events, roundtables, and delegations.
  Fundraising and Grant Development
  Secure philanthropic and corporate funding for innovation and tech-related initiatives. Collaborate with the development team to engage new members and sponsors aligned with the tech sector.
  Public Engagement and Thought Leadership
  Serve as a visible and credible spokesperson for the Bay Area’s innovation economy in the media, at conferences, and in government forums.

  
  QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  Deep knowledge of innovation policy, technology regulation, and the Bay Area/Silicon Valley ecosystem
  Strategic thinker with a track record of turning policy into action
  Experience navigating complex regulatory and permitting landscapes
  Excellent public speaker and writer with strong external presence
  Collaborative leader who can work effectively across political, corporate, and community boundaries
  Highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented
  Comfortable engaging C-suite executives, elected officials, and community stakeholders
  Strong project management, organizational, and planning skills
  Proven ability to fundraise, manage grants, and support organizational growth

  
  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  Bachelor’s degree
  At least 6–12 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or innovation sector leadership
  Strong familiarity with California regulatory agencies, tech sector priorities, and regional politics
  Deep professional networks in at least one of the following: AI, data infrastructure, digital economy, or clean tech

  
  COMPENSATION

  The salary will be $150,000 – 200,000. The Bay Area Council also provides a generous benefits package, including:
  Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
  401(k) with generous employer match
  Nine paid holidays and paid time off (up to 20 days per year)
  Opportunities for advancement and leadership within a growing, mission-driven organization

  
  HOW TO APPLY

  Please submit your resume and a cover letter as one pdf e-mail attachment with your last name and “SVP, Public Policy” in the file name (i.e., LASTNAME_SVP) to jgrubb@bayareacouncil.org. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bay Area Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender differences or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.  Answers to application questions will be used for applicable, job-related reasons only.