Public Policy Specialist

About the role

Riot is seeking a motivated, analytically strong public-policy professional to support the company’s growth in new and existing communities. This role is ideal for someone with approximately five years of professional experience who is eager to learn by doing, comfortable working independently, and excited by the opportunity to help solve real-world challenges at the intersection of infrastructure, communities, government, and business.

The Public Policy Specialist will help evaluate prospective sites and communities; conduct on-the-ground research; identify policy, political, and reputational risks and opportunities; prepare materials for public engagement; and support Riot’s relationships with government and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong political instincts, excellent writing and presentation skills, intellectual curiosity, and a humble, team-first mindset. Experience with data centers, energy, local campaigns, government, public affairs, or infrastructure development is valuable but not required.

This is a flexible U.S.-based position that requires travel to communities and project sites

What you'll do

• List the essential duties and functions of the role. 
• Conduct research and on-the-ground “reconnaissance” for prospective development sites and communities, identifying local political dynamics, stakeholder interests, public-policy considerations, and potential risks and opportunities.
• Monitor local and state government activity, public meetings, legislation, regulations, media coverage, and community discussions relevant to Riot’s business.
• Prepare concise research memos, stakeholder maps, community profiles, issue analyses, briefing books, presentations, and meeting materials.
• Support the development of strategies for public hearings, community engagement, government outreach, and approval processes.
• Draft talking points, public comments, testimony, letters, presentations, FAQs, and other external-affairs materials.
• Assist with outreach to local elected officials, government staff, community organizations, economic-development groups, and other stakeholders.
• Attend public meetings, hearings, community events, and other external engagements; summarize key takeaways and recommend follow-up actions.
• Partner closely with internal colleagues across development, operations, energy, legal, communications, and executive teams.
• Help maintain accurate tracking of policy developments, stakeholders, commitments, meeting notes, and project-specific action items.
• Contribute to public-facing and social-media efforts when appropriate, including monitoring conversations, identifying emerging issues, and helping create clear, respectful communications.
• Support special projects and rapidly evolving priorities with energy, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

What you'll bring

• Approximately 5 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government affairs, political campaigns, public affairs, community engagement, communications, infrastructure development, energy, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in public policy, political science, communications, business, planning, economics, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in local or state campaigns, government offices, legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, consulting, economic development, utilities, data center development, or similar environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong political awareness and an ability to understand how local decision-making and stakeholder relationships influence project outcomes.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, editing, presentation, and verbal-communication skills.
• Ability to distill complex issues into clear, actionable recommendations for varied audiences.
• Strong attention to detail, project-management ability, and comfort managing multiple workstreams in a fast-moving environment.
• A proactive, resourceful approach to problem-solving and a willingness to travel to communities and engage directly with local stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across functions and seniority levels.
• Professional maturity, humility, discretion, and a team-oriented approach.
• Familiarity with data center development, energy policy, utility issues, land use, local permitting, or public hearings is a plus.
• Social-media fluency and experience monitoring or participating in digital public-affairs conversations are a plus.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant. 

• Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match. 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans. 

• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work. 

Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.