Sr Dir Gov Affairs (70000900)

About the Role

The Senior Director, Government Affairs is responsible for state legislative and regulatory affairs as well as all engagement with state, local, and Federal government officials on business matters for Optimum in Arizona, Mississippi, Ohio, and Optimum’s West Texas footprint (“Primary Areas”). This role also manages the renewal and compliance with the cable franchises negotiated with local governments across the Western Footprint covering 4 of the Optimum OMS regions. The position will work with appropriate state and local agencies to secure broadband expansion grants for designated areas in the Primary Areas, as well as other markets should opportunities arise. In coordination with Corporate Government Affairs, this position must develop and execute political, legislative, and regulatory strategies and initiatives that support and enhance the company’s business objectives, including strategic community affairs initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Government Affairs Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with Governors’ offices, Attorneys General, state utility commissions, state legislatures (including leadership, key committee chairs, and staff), congressional district directors, and local government officials in the Primary Areas. Attend political functions and community events on behalf of the Company.
• Legislative & Regulatory Affairs: Manage all state-level legislative advocacy, regulatory advocacy, and compliance. Includes strategic planning and direct day-to-day engagement in all aspects of legislative and regulatory proceedings, and coordination (both direct and indirect through industry allies and business associations) of company involvement to minimize operational impact and costs. Efforts seek to achieve a better governmental environment for the company’s products and services.
• Business Initiatives: Develop and execute government strategies to garner support for business initiatives, including permits to support network expansion/upgrades, programming disputes, and siting of retail locations. Work with applicable state and local agencies to secure government broadband grants for deployment of the broadband network.
• Franchising: Manage all local government relationships and franchise management, including securing renewals on favorable terms and compliance throughout the entire Western footprint. Support expansion in communities outside the company’s franchise areas through negotiation and management of alternative right-of-way agreements as needed.
• Community Affairs: Develop strategic targets for execution of community affairs initiatives to advance the company’s community image and relationships with public officials.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years experience in the telecommunications industry, government sector, or other relevant areas.
• Strong knowledge of telecommunications business, laws, and regulation is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Team-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues not in a direct reporting relationship.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to advance company interests in venues that require consensus building.
• Flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, particularly in negotiations with government officials and agencies.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with federal, state, and local government officials as well as community stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and understand the business impact of proposed legislation and regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to develop strategic plans for advancing business objectives with government agencies.
• Strong working knowledge of state regulatory, legislative, and municipal processes.
• Ability to plan and execute community affairs activities, including events involving public officials.

About Optimum

At Optimum, every action and interaction is driven by our three Guiding Principles: Do What’s Right, Drive One Optimum, and Make It Happen. These principles help us build trust, create real community, and embrace new ways of thinking. Our employees are empowered to do the right thing for our customers and co-workers and to recognize and reward these behaviors when we see them. It’s all part of the bigger picture of “Be The Difference,” where each employee knows they have the power to enact real change, share new ideas, and understand that learning never stops.