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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.

Job Summary

 Reporting to the VP Public and Govt Affairs and the Director of Govt Affairs, the Manager, Government Affairs promotes and advances the interests of the company to enable CCI to operate in its markets without undue legislation, regulation, or taxation restrictions.  The Manager leverages extensive professional networks developed and maintained, as well as a strong and evolving knowledge base to play a highly influential role through diverse accountabilities.  Role accountabilities include but are not limited to:  ensuring CCI’s compliance with licensing and other regulations at the federal, state, and local levels; representing and advocating for CCI’s interests regarding public policy that furthers the interests of the company. The Manager also supports business development by advocating for and representing CCI subsidiaries, lines of business, and/or other Cox divisions doing business in states, locations, or regions supported by the role.  

The Manager contributes to the development of 12-18 mo. strategies based on known issues and successfully executes the strategy once approved.  Also plays an important role in employee engagement, PAC involvement, education for employees and elected officials, as well as other grassroots and community involvement activities serving to elevate the company’s presence and brand within the markets served. The role works with a high level of accountability and autonomy and may or may not have direct reports.

 Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

License and Regulatory Compliance 

Negotiates license/franchise agreements and renewals at the local and state level (where applicable). Ensures boundary partners are informed of the terms of and compliant with license/franchise agreements.    

May oversee notifications (e.g. cable franchise-required notifications), and respond to inquiries, problems and issues raised by municipalities, state and federal officials or agencies.

May serve as the main point of contact in the market/state regarding the FCC public file.

Works with other departments to assist with permitting, right of way, license, and legal issues.

Develops and implements tactical plans for department including priorities, objectives, and timelines to meet performance goals.

Send regular communications to municipalities for any channel changes or rate increases, etc. (to comply with FCC rules)

Mange inquiries from local franchising authorities

 Advocacy

Collaborates to develop and execute government affairs strategies in the market/state that advance the goals and objectives of the company at the municipal level of government.

Advocates for the company on key policy issues and initiatives with municipal elected officials and staff.         

Testifies/presents at municipal meetings, as necessary, to represent and advocate for the company’s interests on any matters that may have the potential to impact the business. 

Continually evaluates results of government relations activities, develops strategies, and adjusts activities to meet changing local conditions.       

May manage relationships with local and state lobbying firms/consultants and communicates company goals and objectives. May be required to ensure the lobbying/consulting contract(s) are executed per the terms agreed upon. May be required to ensure alignment on issues and government affairs strategy.

May develop grass-roots campaigns to advocate Cox’ position on important issues, some may be market specific.

Coaches management on tactics for maintaining good relationships with public entities and appearances before local, state and federal elected officials.    

May be required to assemble and file all local and state lobbying reports as required by law.

Work with the Construction Department at the local level on permitting, escalations, work with property owners for rights of way.

May prepare information and coordinate with the federal lobbying team for Congressional meetings held locally or in Washington, DC.

Prepare local economic impact reports 

Attend fundraising events and manage local requests for PAC support

Tracking for lobbying reports and expenses and time expended with elected officials & staff (Knowledgis system)

 Engagement

May manage and/or support political donation programs, including PACs and other influencing strategies.

May plan and execute employee political engagement programs and regional/market communications.

Collaborate to develop and execute a political strategy for candidate and issue support during election seasons.

May represent Cox in non-profit or business-related boards and events that have business impact or to secure stakeholder engagement.

Supports the execution of community events that support or align with public policy issues.

Strategy work with other stakeholders on issues that impact the company

 Business development

Assists in creating economic development and business service strategies in collaboration with Cox Business, Hospitality Network, and Cox Media. 

Partners with representatives from other Cox subsidiaries and divisions (CEI & CAI) as needed for tips on new developments and to leverage networks

Tracking market trends and business climate changes that impact business decisions

Recognizes political issues and market conditions that can impact business development or emerging issues

 General duties

Manages alignment and consistency in people practices, management activities, and customer service delivery in an effort to achieve goals.     

May develop policies and procedures for department to standardize practices.

Analyzes market trends; coordinates and communicates with others to determine appropriate responses.

Establishes and leverages strong partnerships with key departments and internal/external customers

May participate in hiring decisions, employee development, training and managing performance. Motivates and coaches others to achieve department and company goals.      

May be responsible for government affairs budgeting.

May be a People Leader or a Functional Manager without direct reports; directly leverages, influences, and has on-going access to reporting/non-reporting resources to achieve results.

Depending on local market needs, may be required to exercise autonomy in decision making, actions, and influence to meet with local officials, and expect high level of representation of company

Provides Market Leader support as needed depending on the market, such as involvement in business and community organizations that may require alignment of company position on policy measures.

Inform Litigation and Legal strategy based on local and political landscape. 

Qualifications:

Minimum

BS/BA in related discipline (i.e. political science, law, business, communications, etc.) is material for success in the role and is therefore strongly preferred/expected.

5 or more years of experience required in government relations/lobbying, related legal or relevant government staff position(s), and/or public policy. (3 or more years of highly relevant experience required if candidate possesses a related advanced degree.)

Possesses established relationships with elected and key government staff, business and trade associations, and state and local lobbying community.

Demonstrated professional, executive image when representing the company

Excellent leadership, presentation, collaborative, and negotiation skills to work effectively with teams inside and outside the organization.

Must possess effective writing, public speaking, collaboration, organization, multi-tasking, interpersonal, and secondary research skills.

Strong project management expertise with an ability to reach targeted goals in a highly unstructured environment.

Ability to work independently and productively in a highly matrixed environment

Ability to motivate and lead ad-hoc, multi-disciplined project teams of highly skilled associates in resolving critical operational issues in a teaming environment.

Requires strong knowledge of applications such Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Ability to perform confidential assignments using initiative and judgment.

Ability to travel and have overnights outside of residence is required and may occur 25% of the time.

Certification may be required in some areas (i.e. lobbying registration)

Preferred

Fundraising experience

Lobbying skills and experience

Applicable experience related to public utility commission/telecom regulatory issues preferred.

Knowledge of telecommunications, broadband, and CATV industry and technologies preferred.

Experience with local, state govt affairs issues is strongly preferred

Experience with federal government govt affairs a plus /optional 

Issues management and PAC experience desired

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.

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