Government Affairs and Public Policy Director

Brightspeed is looking for an outgoing high-energy self-starting professional who can convey complex business and regulatory strategies information and ideas to a wide variety of internal and external this role you will be responsible for developing building and maintaining business relationships with key stakeholders including state public utility commissions broadband grant offices and other state and local government officials internal business teams and local and state government customers in states within Brightspeeds operating territory. You will be a key member of the government affairs team engaged with supporting legislative regulatory public policy and compliance matters and you will support Brightspeed public policy initiatives.

As Government Affairs and Public Policy Director you will play an important role in advancing the interests of the company its customers and its stakeholders before state and local governmental officials. You will also support Brightspeeds business strategy goals and objectives through effective internal and external communications (including social media) that positively impact the companys image and reputation. You will also assist with strategic planning and play a key role in developing the strategy advocacy and execution of the companys broadband grant initiatives including through county and state advocacy as well as providing strategic review and direction for broadband grant program requirements.

You will need to be based in the Austin TX vicinity to be considered for this position.

As Government Affairs and Public Policy Director your duties will include:

• 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 Companys vision and plans and to obtain support for Brightspeed initiatives
• Development and implementation of 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
• Ownership of relationships with state telecom and broadband industry associations and coalitions
• Proactive evaluation of proposed legislation and regulations and working 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 companys 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 Brightspeeds 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

Qualifications :

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Based in the Austin TX area 
• Demonstrate a high degree of personal and professional integrity due to the nature of information involved and the public visibility of this position
• Comfortable with an ever-changing technology and industry landscape
• You enjoy working independently as well as with cross functional teams and you exhibit energy intelligence and a drive for success
• Bachelors degree in a relevant field or the equivalent in relevant training or experience
• At least five years of experience in a state/local government affairs or state regulatory/legislative affairs environment
• Strong problem-solving partnership and collaboration skills
• Strong verbal and written communications skills and analytical abilities
• Extensive portfolio of relationships across state and local government

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• Experience in the telecommunications/cable industry (e.g. wireline wireless broadband cable)
• Knowledge of and experience working on federal state local broadband and telecommunications issues
• Time spent on local community engagement and public affairs
• Public policy/compliance implementation experience
• Masters degree in a relevant field or a Juris Doctorate degree

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Additional Information :

WHY JOIN US

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area whenever possible to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed we have roles that are designated as remote hybrid office or field-based depending on the position business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program including competitive medical dental vision and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real. 

When we bring our authentic selves to work everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible inclusive and high-quality internet because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact to initiate the accommodations process. 

For all applicants please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:  

• Brightspeeds Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeeds Privacy Notice

Remote Work :

Yes

Employment Type :

Full-time