Government Affairs and Public Policy Director

Company Description

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.  

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!  

Job Description

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 constituencies. In 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 Brightspeed’s 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 Brightspeed’s business strategy, goals, and objectives through effective internal and external communications (including social media) that positively impact the company’s image and reputation. You will also assist with strategic planning and play a key role in developing the strategy, advocacy, and execution of the company’s broadband grant initiatives, including through county and state advocacy as well as providing strategic review and direction for broadband grant program requirements.

This position is posted for remote work, but the required location is within the vicinity of Jefferson City, MO.

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 Company’s 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 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

Qualifications

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• 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
• Bachelor’s 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
• Master’s 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. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion 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/Veterans/Disabled

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

• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice