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.

Role Summary

 Reporting to the Director of Government Affairs, the Senior Manager of Public Affairs plays a vital role in developing positive relationships with elected officials, community organizations, and business leaders in Hampton Roads.  The Senior 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: representing and advocating for Cox’s public policy interests, creating and executing communications plans in support of company initiatives, developing partnerships, and applying for grants to support broadband expansion.

The Senior 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.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Creates an overall Public Affairs strategy to promote and advance Cox's interest across government, community, and external organizations.

Focus on positive outcomes and promoting Cox's interests at the local, state, and federal levels to shape emerging issues and to enable Cox to operate in its markets without undue legislation, regulation, or taxation restrictions.

Coordinate local partnerships and maximize government programs that facilitate network expansion to unserved areas and adoption of broadband services.

Responsible for building and maintaining positive image with community leaders, media outlets, the general public and employees.

Be the Face of the Company through participation in community, civic, and business organizations. Establish, support, and leverage positive company relationships to grow the business. 

Serves as a spokesperson for Cox to community and government officials. 

Creates Public Affairs programs that positively position Cox's residential and commercial services to current and potential customers and align closely with marketing campaigns, using communications tools and practices, reinforce the competitive advantages and overall value of Cox's products. 

Establishes and leverages strong partnerships with key departments and internal/external customers to drive positive measurable outcomes for Cox, Cox Business and Cox Media

Counsels senior management on tactics for maintaining good relationships with public entities, elected officials, and community leaders.

Creates tools and training to help company leaders be effective communicators and deliver appropriate messages. 

Respond to inquiries, problems and issues raised by regulatory jurisdictions or resolve escalated customer issues coming to the attention of local franchise or regulatory authorities. 

May assist in negotiation of franchise agreements and renewals at the local and state level.              

May monitor legislation and create coalitions with groups having similar interests on legislative issues to shape public policy.           

May coordinate local political donation programs and advise leadership on leverage opportunities.            

Qualifications:

Required 

7+ years of experience required in Community Relations, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, or related field

Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong presentation skills.

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

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.

Ability to define, monitor, and analyze information utilizing strong critical thinking skills.

History of community engagement.

Ability to engage, inspire and influence at all levels internally and externally.

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

Preferred  

BS/BA degree in related discipline strongly preferred 

Advanced degree (MS/MA/MBA) desired. 

Five (5+) years of experience in a senior leadership role preferred 

Experience in telecommunications industry desired. 

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

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.