Director, Government AffairsWhat You'll DoGovernment and Community Relations- Serve alongside Local Operations leaders as a public-facing representative of WOW!, strengthening our relationships within the communities we serve.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with municipal officials, state and federal lawmakers, regulators, community leaders, economic development organizations, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent WOW! at government meetings, public hearings, community events, economic development initiatives, chambers of commerce, trade groups, and industry associations.
- Coordinate visits and engagement opportunities between key state and federal representatives and WOW! executives.
- Engage with developers, building officials, and community leaders involved in housing and commercial development.
- Identify opportunities for WOW! to participate in local boards, coalitions, associations, and other organizations that support shared policy and community objectives.
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy- Monitor federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, public utility commission proceedings, and other policy developments affecting broadband operations.
- Evaluate proposed legislation and clearly communicate its potential impact on WOW!'s operations, customers, and growth strategy.
- Advocate for WOW!'s positions through regulatory comments, testimony, direct engagement, industry coalitions, and coordination with outside lobbyists.
- Identify, evaluate, recommend, and help manage external government affairs consultants and state- or locally focused lobbyists.
- Coordinate WOW!'s public policy response to outages, disputes, or other matters that may attract regulatory, legislative, or public attention.
Network Expansion and Market Support- Partner closely with Construction, Engineering, and Local Operations teams to proactively identify and resolve issues affecting network construction and expansion.
- Develop and manage the municipal relationships needed to maintain and expand WOW!'s network infrastructure.
- Support engineering and construction teams throughout franchise, right-of-way, permitting, and approval processes.
- Maintain strong two-way communication between market leaders, internal teams, government stakeholders, and community partners.
- Monitor local market activity and identify potential risks or competitive threats associated with other fiber builders and infrastructure developments.
- Explore and recommend technology- and AI-enabled solutions that improve visibility into construction activity, market opportunities, and competitive risks.
Strategic Communications and Partnerships- Partner with Communications and Marketing on public-facing initiatives, sponsorships, coalition-building, and community engagement efforts that advance WOW!'s government and community relations objectives.
- Translate technical, operational, and legal matters into clear, accessible messages for government officials, community stakeholders, and other non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate across the organization to ensure government affairs strategies align with WOW!'s operational and business priorities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You'll BringEducation and Experience- Bachelor's degree required.
- Advanced degree, such as a J.D., M.P.A., or related degree, is preferred but not required.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory affairs, or a related field.
- Experience within the broadband, cable, telecommunications, utility, or infrastructure industries is strongly preferred.
Skills and Qualifications- Demonstrated success building relationships with municipal officials, state legislators, regulators, public utility or public service commissions, and community stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of franchise agreements, rights-of-way, permitting, and other approval processes associated with telecommunications network construction and expansion.
- Experience managing outside lobbyists, consultants, and multi-stakeholder advocacy initiatives.
- A strong track record of representing an organization in public hearings, government meetings, community events, trade groups, and industry associations.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, advocacy, and written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to translate complex technical, legal, and operational topics for a variety of audiences.
- Experience partnering across Legal, Operations, Construction, Engineering, Communications, and Marketing teams.
- Familiarity with-or a strong interest in-using technology and AI tools to improve infrastructure oversight and identify emerging opportunities and competitive risks.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and composure when managing sensitive matters involving regulatory or public scrutiny.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a highly visible role.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements- Frequent travel throughout WOW! markets is required.
- Regularly required to communicate verbally and listen effectively.
- Regular use of hands to type, handle documents, and operate standard office equipment.
- Frequent use of close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
