Director, State Government Affairs

Are you passionate about shaping public policy at the state and local level? Spectrum seeks a Director of State Government Affairs to champion our interests, cultivate influential relationships, and drive strategic initiatives that help us serve communities and stakeholders. Your leadership will ensure Spectrum’s voice is heard in key government arenas, delivering measurable impact to our organization’s objectives. 

How You’ll Make an Impact       

• Contribute to and support Spectrum’s government affairs and public policy strategies and tactics 
  
• Develop, build and expand relationships with public officials and other influential policy makers at the federal, state and local level 
  
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, peers and outside consultants to develop and grow grass roots and third-party support for the benefit of the company and its interests 
  
• Develop budgets and effectively plan and execute initiatives to grow the company’s image within the communities managed 
  
• Assist in the development and management of the company’s political contribution strategies, where permitted under applicable law 
  
• Represent the company before external constituencies, including elected officials and other state and local government agencies, commissions and authorities, and organize and represent the company at community events and other external functions 
  
• Draft, analyze and/or present legislation, franchise/contract language, amendments, and testimony as necessary and perform legislative and regulatory advocacy 
  
• Manage outside counsel, consultants or lobbyists as necessary 
  
• Manage interactions with local governments on permitting, right-of-way and other local concerns 
  
• Review, interpret, and communicate terms and conditions of franchises, franchise-related agreements, and other contracts for implementation to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations 
  
• Respond to and monitor resolution of escalated complaints from local, state or federal government authorities 
  
• Manage franchise renewal and franchise transfer efforts for assigned franchises consistent with the strategies and policies for the company 
  
• Prepare franchise renewal applications and supporting data for renewal negotiations, develops renewal strategy and participates in franchise renewal negotiations with municipalities 
  
• Help identify government-related business opportunities and facilitate discussions with business and assist them in developing responses for government procurement 
  

Working Conditions       

• Normal office conditions  
  
• Frequent travel required  
  
• Able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) as necessary  
  
• Vision ability: close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus 

What You’ll Bring to Spectrum

       
Required Qualifications

       
Education       

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience 
  

Experience       

• 4+ years of political/government relations experience 
  

Skills       

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English and communicate orally and in writing in a clear and straightforward manner  
  
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks  
  
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems while working under pressure  
  
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legislation, regulation, contracts, franchises and legal documents  
  
• Ability to use personal computer and software applications (i.e. word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.)  
  
• Ability to work independently, but also collaborate effectively with colleagues, peers and other internal and external constituencies  
  
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance and operate with integrity and within company values; maintain high standards for ethical practice  
  
• Knowledge of cable, telecommunications and broadband products, services and regulation preferred  
  
• Background in law or public policy required  
  
• Understanding of state and local government  
  
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record within company standards and auto insurance 
  

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience 

• 8+ years of advocacy, lobbying and negotiation experience 
  
• 8+ years of political/government relations experience 
  
• 8+ years of related experience in the cable industry, government, public policy or legislative arenas