Descriptions & Requirements
We Are:
Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow.
You Are:
You have built your career navigating government, policy, and complex stakeholder landscapes, and you understand that public affairs is never just about tracking legislation. It is about relationships, timing, influence, and knowing how decisions made in state capitols and local offices can ripple through an entire business. You have spent years working with policymakers, regulators, and industry groups, and you know that success comes from being both strategic and pragmatic.
You are comfortable operating at a high level, shaping strategy and advising leadership, but you are equally willing to get into the details, whether that is analyzing the implications of new legislation, preparing a response to a policy proposal, or coordinating outreach with partners and trade associations. You know how to tell a company's story in a way that resonates with both policymakers and the broader ecosystem, and you can anticipate where challenges may come from before they materialize.
Building trust comes naturally to you. Whether you are working with internal executives or external stakeholders, you bring credibility, clarity, and a strong sense of judgment. You understand how to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and move initiatives forward in a complex and evolving environment. At Synopsys, you will play a key role in shaping how we engage with state and local governments, ensuring that our voice is heard and that our business is well-positioned in a complex policy landscape.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Lead state and local government affairs strategy, driving engagement with legislators, regulators, and policymakers across targeted states including California, Oregon, Texas, and Pennsylvania
- Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with key stakeholders across state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and local jurisdictions
- Represent Synopsys in discussions related to legislation, regulation, and public policy impacting microelectronics, R&D, tax, workforce, and supply chain
- Anticipate and evaluate policy developments, assessing risks, opportunities, and potential business impact, then translate findings into actionable recommendations
- Develop and communicate coordinated responses to policy proposals, working closely with internal leadership to align positioning and priorities
- Collaborate with trade associations, industry groups, and external partners to advance Synopsys' objectives and amplify our voice in the policy ecosystem
- Partner with cross-functional teams across Legal, Marketing, Workforce, and Go-To-Market to ensure alignment between public policy strategy and broader corporate objectives
The Impact You Will Have:
- Shape policy outcomes that directly support Synopsys' business priorities and long-term growth in key states and markets
- Strengthen relationships with key state and local stakeholders, positioning Synopsys as a trusted partner and credible voice in technology policy
- Help the company navigate regulatory complexity with confidence and strategic clarity, reducing risk and enabling proactive decision-making
- Enable business expansion by identifying opportunities within evolving policy environments before competitors do
- Enhance Synopsys' visibility and credibility across government and industry networks, building our reputation as a leader in the semiconductor and EDA space
- Deliver timely insights on legislative and policy developments that inform executive decision-making and corporate strategy
- Ensure alignment between public policy strategy and broader corporate objectives, so government affairs becomes a true business enabler
What You'll Need:
- Proven experience in government affairs at the state or local level, ideally within the technology, semiconductor, or engineering sector
- Established relationships with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders across key states such as California, Oregon, Texas, and Pennsylvania
- Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, including how bills move through state legislatures and how regulatory agencies operate
- Experience representing a technology or engineering-driven organization, or working within a relevant industry association on policy matters
- Deep knowledge of policy areas such as microelectronics, R&D incentives, tax policy, workforce development, and supply chain
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree such as JD, MBA, MPA, or MPP is preferred
- Ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into clear business implications for executives and cross-functional teams
Who You Are:
- You know how to move initiatives forward in environments that are constantly evolving and often ambiguous, without waiting for perfect information
- You build relationships at all levels, from local policymakers to senior executives, and maintain credibility with both
- You are proactive and forward-thinking, anticipating risks and opportunities before they become urgent issues that require reactive responses
- You balance strategic thinking with execution, knowing when to lead from the front and when to dive into the details yourself
- You are comfortable managing multiple priorities and stakeholders without losing clarity or focus, keeping everyone aligned and moving
- You communicate clearly and effectively, tailoring your approach depending on the audience, whether that is a state senator or a VP of Engineering
The Team You'll Be Part Of:
You will be part of Synopsys' Government Affairs team, working at the intersection of business, policy, and technology. The team collaborates closely with senior leadership and cross-functional partners to shape and execute strategies that support the company's growth and position in the market. Together, you will navigate complex regulatory environments, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure Synopsys remains a trusted and influential voice in the public policy landscape.
Rewards and Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.
At Synopsys, we want talented people of every background to feel valued and supported to do their best work. Synopsys considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, military veteran status, or disability.
In addition to the base salary, this role may be eligible for an annual bonus, equity, and other discretionary bonuses. Synopsys offers comprehensive health, wellness, and financial benefits as part of a competitive total rewards package. The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of job-related factors, including location, skills, experience, and education. Your recruiter can share more specific details on the total rewards package upon request. The base salary range for this role is across the U.S.