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Riot Platforms, Inc. · 1 week ago

Public Policy Specialist, Data Centers & Energy

Washington, DC

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$100K/yr - $115K/yr

3+ years exp

Riot Platforms, Inc. is a Bitcoin-driven industry leader dedicated to developing and operating large-scale data centers for high-performance computing and Bitcoin mining. The Public Policy Specialist will help lead the policy strategy at the intersection of AI, data centers, and energy markets, shaping Riot’s position on emerging policy and regulatory frameworks while engaging with stakeholders to support responsible growth initiatives.

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Responsibilities

Help lead the development and execution of Riot’s public policy agenda across AI, data centers, energy, and digital asset infrastructure

Monitor, analyze, and forecast federal, state, local, and international policy developments impacting AI compute, data center siting, energy procurement, and environmental compliance

Engage directly with policymakers, regulators, utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and trade associations; represent Riot in hearings, working groups, and industry coalitions

Draft public comments, testimony, issue briefs, and thought leadership on topics including AI governance, energy market participation, grid reliability, and water stewardship

Partner with Data Center, Operations, Power, and Legal teams to align business execution with evolving policy requirements, such as interconnection queues and incentive programs

Help build and maintain a dynamic policy risk/opportunity framework and briefing cadence for executive leadership and the Board

Support responsible growth initiatives, including community engagement and workforce development programs tied to AI/HPC deployments

Develop and track KPIs for policy impact and interface with external advisors and trade associations

Qualification

Public policy expertiseAICompute infrastructureEnergy market knowledgeRegulatory affairs experienceData analysis skillsMultitasking abilityCommunication skillsProblem-solving abilityAttention to detailHigh ownership mindset

Required

3-5+ years of experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, or government relations within AI, hyperscale data centers, grid regulations, or energy markets

Demonstrated success shaping complex, multi-stakeholder policy outcomes and managing direct engagement with agencies and legislative bodies

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Public Policy, Energy Systems, or a related field

Deep understanding of AI and compute infrastructure, including model training/inference workflows, data center performance, and cooling technologies (PUE/WUE metrics)

Strong grasp of power systems fundamentals, interconnection processes, demand response, and ISO/RTO market structures

Familiarity with ERCOT or FERC regulations and NERC standards; ability to interpret tariffs, rate cases, rulemakings, and environmental permits

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convert technical detail into clear, action-oriented policy positions

Strong ability to use data to support evidence-based advocacy and interpret complex reliability standards

High ownership mindset, bias for action, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Familiarity with federal/state incentive programs (e.g., energy efficiency, demand flexibility) and experience with environmental permitting or large energy users/hyperscalers