At Cox, we’re forward-thinking innovators who put people first. Our award-winning workplace culture is centered on inclusion and kindness, and we’re looking for people to join our mission to be a force for good in the world. Come build a better future with us across automotive, communications, the environment and more.

We want to do everything we can to keep our employees safe and healthy. Therefore, where permitted by applicable law, you will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for this U.S.-based job. Reasonable accommodations for medical and religious objections will of course be considered.

Keep reading to learn more about this opportunity to join the Cox family of businesses.

The Director of Government Affairs for Cox Southwest Region is accountable for developing and executing strategies to proactively respond to federal, state, local and other 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 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, local, and other public policy agency legislation in Arizona and Nevada

Manages relationships with local franchise/license authorities, state and local 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:

BS/BA degree in related discipline strongly desired (i.e. Marketing, Business, etc.)

MBA or JD preferred

10 or more years of experience required in related field (i.e. law, public policy, lobby, advocacy, etc.)

5 or more years of experience in a management role or leading cross functional projects preferred (Experience as a people leader preferred)

Experience working in an elected office or advocacy, or within public policy, preferred

Knowledge of, and experience lobbying on telecommunications issues preferred

Experience working at the state level at the state capitol on lobbying efforts required (Experience in the state of Arizona 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

Who We Are

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique.

About Cox 

We are the Cox family of businesses. We’ve been making our mark since 1898 by building and evolving world-class businesses, staying true to our values, and encouraging top talent to always look for growth and impact while building a career with us.  Our primary divisions – Cox Communications and Cox Automotive – are driving a new wave of innovation, powering smart cities with powerhouse broadband communications and pioneering greener, more progressive transportation alternatives for individuals and fleet operators.  We’re also expanding into new spaces like cleantech and healthcare to rev up our momentum toward building a better future for the next generation.  We’re looking for the talent today who will be our leaders tomorrow. Sound intriguing? Learn more about where we are today, where we hope you’ll be going with us, and the common purpose that unites us at coxenterprises.com. 

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.

Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:  Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services.   Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.