Government Affairs and Public Policy Director

Summary

Join Brightspeed as the Government Affairs and Public Policy Director and be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including state public utility commissions and government officials. You will play a crucial role in advancing the company's interests, supporting legislative and regulatory matters, and executing broadband grant initiatives. This remote position, based near Jefferson City, MO, requires strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. You will work independently and with cross-functional teams to achieve success. Brightspeed offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401K plan with company match, and a host of voluntary benefits.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a high degree of personal and professional integrity due to the nature of information involved and the public visibility of this position
• Be comfortable with an ever-changing technology and industry landscape
• Enjoy working independently as well as with cross functional teams, and exhibit energy, intelligence, and a drive for success
• Have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or the equivalent in relevant training or experience
• Have at least five years of experience in a state/local government affairs or state regulatory/legislative affairs environment
• Possess strong problem-solving, partnership, and collaboration skills
• Possess strong verbal and written communications skills and analytical abilities
• Have an extensive portfolio of relationships across state and local government

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for regulatory, state legislative, and local government issues affecting Brightspeed and its customers, as well as larger telecom industry issues that impact the Company
• Meet regularly with mayors, city council members, county commissioners, administrators, and staff of key cities and counties to articulate the Company’s vision and plans and to obtain support for Brightspeed initiatives
• Develop and implement public policy and legislative positions and strategies, monitoring legislation, and coordinating with local lobbyists, industry players and third-party organizations
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key public and government officials and other industry players
• Resolve right-of-way, permitting, pole attachment/joint use and similar issues with states, counties, and cities and third parties
• Own relationships with state telecom and broadband industry associations and coalitions
• Proactively evaluate proposed legislation and regulations, and work with legislative staff to draft and ultimately incorporate proposed revisions that benefit Brightspeed and the telecom industry
• Analyze broadband grant requirements and execute on the company’s strategic plan of maximizing the award of broadband grants from various state and federal broadband grant programs
• Establish and maintain relationships with local chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and local community groups to build and enhance the business and community reputation of Brightspeed
• Act as principal contact for Brightspeed’s state Network Operations team on local government issues and resolution of constituent inquiries
• Coordinate with various departments within Brightspeed, such as real estate, engineering, regulatory operations, and legal on local and state government issues
• Support and advance the goals of local go-to-market programs
• Coordinate with Brightspeed Corporate Communications on proactive and reactive public messaging

Preferred Qualifications

• Have experience in the telecommunications/cable industry (e.g., wireline, wireless, broadband, cable)
• Have knowledge of, and experience working on, federal, state, local, broadband, and telecommunications issues
• Have time spent on local community engagement and public affairs
• Have public policy/compliance implementation experience
• Have a Master’s degree in a relevant field or a Juris Doctorate degree

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• An employee assistance program
• A 401K plan with company match
• A host of voluntary benefits
• Paid time off programs