Director, Government Affairs

Company

Cox Communications, Inc.

Legal

Director, Government Affairs / Relations

DirectorHybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Yes, 15% of the time

Day

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $173,900.00 - $289,800.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

The Director of Government Affairs for Cox California is accountable for developing and executing strategies to proactively respond to federal, state, 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 occasionally 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.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Develops and oversees execution of strategies by Government Affairs team for federal, state, public policy agencies, and legislation in California
• Manages relationships with state elected officials and other public opinion leaders to maintain the company's positive image and ensures an optimal operating environment
• Develops and manages government affairs budgets and leads long-term strategic planning initiatives
• Partners with other company business units to support expansion of the company’s network to serve new areas and new customers.
• Develops, plans and implements grass-roots campaigns to advance company interests

• Provides analytical review of legislation, ordinances and other legal documents, validates business impact, risks, liabilities, and opportunities in collaboration with other parties
• Reviews, drafts, edits and negotiates complex agreements with governmental agencies and third parties such as franchise agreements, renewals, Right-of-Way agreements, settlement agreements
• Proposes legislation, municipal ordinances, and various company filings with governmental agencies
• 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 
• 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 on 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 Marketing, Sales, Cox Media, Cox Business, and other departments to ensure alignment of strategies and initiatives for maximum benefit and ROI
• Oversee activities of Government Affairs team and collaborates with key boundary partners such as Public Relations to support business growth and key initiatives
• Oversees day-to-day functions of a highly functioning 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 department; translates strategies into short-term objectives and goals; oversees implementation of initiatives
• Develops and standardizes department practices
• Identifies and analyzes market trends; 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
• Provides strategic direction and management of political contributions and/or PAC solicitation program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of experience required in related field (i.e. law, public policy, lobby, advocacy, etc.) with at least 5 years' experience in a leadership role; The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 8 years' experience; or a Ph.D. or JD and 5 years' experience; or 14 years of required experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience working at the state level at the state capitol on lobbying efforts required. (Experience in the state of California preferred)
• Experience working with all levels of the organization, particularly mid- and senior-level executives
• Strong written and verbal skills, ability to adapt communication to different target audiences
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, presentation and collaborative skills to work effectively with leadership and teams across the organization
• Requires high level of discretion and confidentiality; ability to deal with ambiguity and influencing without direct authority
• Experience in strategy, planning and delivery of internal and external campaigns
• Strong ability to execute and manage projects and details
• Demonstrates strong awareness of business and organization sensitivity and adapts communication accordingly
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and exhibit professionalism under pressure
• Required to register as a lobbyist at the state and local level and may be required to register at the federal level.
• Strong influencing and problem-solving skills
• Excellent proficiency with MS Office (i.e. excel, PowerPoint, word, etc.)
• Willingness and ability to travel
• MBA or JD preferred
• Experience working in an elected office or advocacy, or within public policy, preferred
• Knowledge of, and experience lobbying on telecommunications issues preferred

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.Cox Communications is all about creating moments of real human connection; and for employees, that’s true both in the workplace and in the problems we solve for customers. From building advertising solutions to unleashing IoT technologies to creating an exceptional experience for customers in our retail locations and online, we’re creating a world that is smarter and more connected. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

 

Salary : $173,900 - $289,800