Director, Government Affairs / Relations

The Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs is accountable for developing and executing strategies on a market or region-wide level to proactively respond to federal, state, local, and other public policy agencies and legislation to maintain the company's positive image and ensure an optimal operating environment. This role promotes and advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to shape and advance company interests. The position remains knowledgeable of legislation, ordinances, and regulations and responds to emerging issues to remove barriers that impede business growth and achievement of company goals and facilitates entry into new markets. Tasks in the work streams include but are not limited to, state-level lobbying, Cox PAC fundraising, political giving strategy, franchise agreements, regulatory reporting, permitting and business opportunity development. These responsibilities are fluid and may shift at any time. Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions Develops and oversees execution of strategies by Government Affairs team for federal, state, local, and other public policy agency legislation. Manages relationships with local franchise authorities, state and local elected officials, and other public opinion leaders to maintain the company's positive image and ensure an optimal operating environment. Requires taking independent action and a high degree of decision-making autonomy. Envisions, develops, and manages department budgets including lobbying. Prioritizes and allocates resources accordingly to achieve strategies. Leads long-term strategic planning initiatives. Develops, plans, and implements grass-roots campaigns to advance company interests. Effectively identifies and nurtures needed stakeholder relationships. Provides analytical review of legislation, ordinances, and other legal documents, validates business impact, risks, liabilities, and opportunities to assess appropriate courses of action in collaboration with other parties. Leverages critical thinking and detailed company knowledge to identify and effectively handle relevant issues/data. Reviews, drafts, edits, and negotiates complex agreements with governmental agencies and third parties such as franchise agreements, audits, renewals, Right-of-Way agreements, settlement agreements, tax legislation, as well as leads and agreements for Cox Business and other Cox entities. Proposes legislation, municipal ordinances, and various company filings with governmental agencies. Proposes changes to statutes, in alignment with our legislative strategy, to help implementation be more successful, then works to implement the strategy. Leads video franchise efforts in coordination and collaboration with Cox legal and policy teams. Remains aware and knowledgeable of applicable Federal Communications Commission laws and regulations and state utilities commission regulations. Partners with and supports other CEI businesses to ensure overall company success on local, state, and federal legislative issues and interactions with governmental agencies. Requires a high degree of overall company knowledge and a high aptitude for lifting up insights and making connections quickly. Makes strategic calls on how and when to engage others. Continually evaluates results of government relations activities and adjusts activities to meet changing local conditions. Consults company leadership on effective methods and tactics for maintaining relationships with public entities. Coaches leadership and subject matter experts on protocols, etiquette, image, and appearance before legislators to ensure the company, activities, and priorities are perceived positively and the company’s interests advocated and advanced. Partners closely with Residential Marketing, Sales, Cox Media, Cox Business, and other departments (e.g., construction) to ensure alignment of strategies and initiatives for maximum benefit and ROI. May similarly work with other subsidiaries, lines of business, or other CEI business as needed/requested. Oversees activities of Government Affairs team and collaborates with key boundary partners such as Public Relations/Communications and/or Community Relations to support business growth and key initiatives. Oversees day-to-day functions of Government Affairs team, hires, develops, sets goals, and trains staff. Recognizes, leads, motivates, and coaches employees to achieve department and company goals. Interprets and communicates company goals and strategic business direction and initiatives to employees. Directs the development of strategic plans for the department; translates strategies into short-term objectives and goals; oversees implementation of initiatives and influences cross-functionally. Develops and standardizes department practices. Identifies and analyzes industry trends that may create political/policy conflicts or gaps; coordinates and collaborates with others to determine appropriate responses. Establishes and leverages strong partnerships with internal/external partners and customers. May oversee community partner programs to align with government and community relations. May manage political donation program or PAC. May manage employee engagement programs as it relates to government affairs/political activities (e.g., employee educational events/programs, Cox Impact Day at the RI state house and/or city, newsletters, and employee grassroots advocacy). Represents the company on external business, economic development, and community boards, committees, and organizations to position the company favorably and to influence public policy through politically-engaged organizations (e.g., Chamber of Commerce). Minimum Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 10 or more years of experience required in related field (i.e., law, public policy, lobby, advocacy, etc.) The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 8 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 5 years’ experience in a related field; or 14 years’ experience in a related field. · 5+ years’ experience in a management or leadership role. · Experience working at the state level both locally and at the state capitol on lobbying efforts required. · Experience working with all levels of an organization, particularly mid- and senior-level executives. · Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, and the ability to adapt communication to different target audiences. · Excellent networking, interpersonal, leadership, and collaborative skills to work effectively with leadership and teams across the organization. · Requires a high level of discretion and confidentiality; ability to deal with ambiguity and influence without direct authority. · Experience in strategy, planning, and delivery of internal and external campaigns including fundraising. · Strong ability to execute and manage projects, details, and budgets. · Demonstrates strong awareness of business and organization sensitivity and adapts communication accordingly. Able to effectively work and influence within a matrix. · Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and exhibit professionalism under pressure. · Strong negotiation, influencing, and problem-solving skills. · Excellent proficiency with MS Office (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.). · Willingness and ability to travel where and as often as needed. · Must be able to be registered/credentialed as a lobbyist in jurisdictions covered, as required by state and local law. · Demonstrates a high level of understanding of legislative and municipal processes including lobbying. · Experience and/or capacity to lead a team. Preferred Qualifications · BS/BA degree in related discipline strongly desired (i.e., Political Science, Public Policy, Law, etc.). · J.D., MBA, or other advanced degree desired. · 5 or more years of experience in a management role or leading cross-functional projects preferred. · Experience working in a state elected office, advocacy, or within public policy, strongly preferred. · Knowledge of, and experience lobbying on telecommunications issues preferred.

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