Policy Lead, Southeast Asia

The Community You Will Join: 

Airbnb's Public Policy Team works closely with various central and local governments, legislature and law-makers, regulators and law-enforcement agencies, public entities, industry associations, research institutions and academia, user communities, as well as the broader public, to introduce them to the numerous benefits of sharing/collaborative economy exemplified by Airbnb and its corporate values. The team highlights the significant socio-economic contributions our business makes to the nation and local communities, and showcases best practices from around the world. We operate proactively and reactively, building policy solutions that ensure our host community can thrive. 

We work across the region, drawing on a wide range of policy tools and campaign disciplines - from detailed policy work, through high-impact strategic partnerships, proactive policy media amplification, community organizing, creative digital tactics and initiatives, informative polling, innovative data science and research, and persuasive policy narratives and messages.

The Difference You Will Make:

The Policy Lead is responsible for developing and executing a fully integrated plan across the Southeast Asia region, with a focus on the larger economies in the region, using all available strategies and resources, informed by data, local insights and best practices that aims to protect and further the growth of Airbnb and our community.

The Policy Lead is also responsible for working in partnership with the supporting the relevant cross functional teams in identifying strategic business opportunities in the region, ensuring that opportunities to implement projects and initiatives in the region are flagged. This role is can be based in Singapore or Bangkok.

A Typical Day:

• Team leadership: Lead and manage an energetic, passionate and diverse group of campaign and government relations experts who deliver complementary strands of work to serve the overall strategy. The role is expected to inspire others to get behind a common vision and to deploy first-rate organizational skills to ensure that local  strategies are executed, prioritization is clear, targets are set, and projects are delivered, on time and on budget.
• The role is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive culture and operating principles for their team, in line with Airbnb’s Core Values, including committing to embracing diversity and fostering belonging. 
• Strategy development: Develop and drive comprehensive strategies for each priority geography in Southeast Asia , as determined through close collaboration with the Regional Policy Director for Asia Pacific and Country Manager for Southeast Asia. This includes detailed plans for achieving policy outcomes using earned and paid media, digital communication, mobilization tactics and partnership development. Working with cross functional partners in communications, business leadership, legal and compliance, this role will define the ultimate policy goals and priorities, and develop operational plans that deliver measurable progress towards those goals. 
• Communicate and drive accountability: This role will work with other functions to align campaign plans with critical business priorities and outcomes. As a leader on the policy team, it is expected that this role will ensure that internal stakeholders understand the campaign strategy, outcomes and benchmarks expected and to cascade that information to the appropriate internal channels.  This role will also  ensure that progress is being reported regularly, and that roadblocks and successes are being flagged appropriately. The successful applicant in this role is expected to be able to confidently communicate with senior leaders and external stakeholders about their campaign priorities, to manage expectations and to coordinate with other teams to achieve company priorities.
• External Advocacy: When appropriate, this role will  represent Airbnb at the most senior political levels in Southeast Asia and also as Airbnb’s primary media spokesperson in the region. You will ensure that Airbnb builds and maintains relationships with the widest possible network of contacts in local, regional and national legislative, executive and administrative offices, and also with coalitions who can advance Airbnb’s advocacy initiatives.
• This role manages consultants who provide on-the-ground support, ensuring that they are properly briefed and engaging energetically on behalf of Airbnb in line with the agreed strategy.

Your Expertise:

• At least ten (10) years experience working with complex political or regulatory issues in a relevant business or non-governmental organisation, or in a political, governmental or regulatory context. Ideally, this experience has been built in travel, urbanism or technology;
• Senior leadership experience, with track record of supporting and developing diverse multidisciplinary teams;
• At least six (6) years of proven ability in core management skills - effective delegation, performance management, coaching and talent development;
• Experience of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Highly organized and able to stay on top of multiple projects simultaneously, while staying focused on key priorities and overall strategic goals;
• Ability to communicate quickly, effectively and accurately to various audiences, and to work independently with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines, adjust to changes in priorities, and balance short term needs with long term strategic initiatives; 
• Experience developing campaigns including understanding the use of paid and earned media and mobilization to influence policy outcomes;
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on complex technical and regulatory issues, and understand how these can be managed using a broad range of campaigning strategies;
• Expert communicator with great interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills;
• Travel is expected frequently in this role;
• Ability to speak a Southeast Asian language.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.