Sr Dir Gov Affairs

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Government Affairs is a senior leader responsible for overseeing legislative and regulatory affairs and engagement with government officials for Optimum in New Jersey. Collaborating closely with the New Jersey Government Affairs team, the Senior Director develops and executes comprehensive political, legislative, and regulatory strategies that support and advance the company’s business objectives, including high-impact community affairs initiatives.

The Senior Director is also accountable for cultivating and strengthening relationships with key federal, state, and local officials throughout New Jersey.

Responsibilities

• Government Affairs Leadership: Build and lead strategic relationships with state elected officials and regulatory agencies in New Jersey. Represent the company at political functions, public hearings, and community events to advance its interests and visibility.
• Legislative & Regulatory Strategy: Direct the company’s legislative, regulatory, and compliance advocacy in New Jersey. Lead strategic planning and daily engagement in legislative and regulatory proceedings, managing the company’s involvement both directly and through industry coalitions to mitigate operational risks and costs.
• Business Development Support: Support the development and execution of government strategies that enable and accelerate business initiatives, including permitting for network expansion and upgrades, public-private partnerships, and programming negotiations across New Jersey.
• Franchise Management: Oversee franchise negotiations and compliance in New Jersey municipalities, ensuring alignment with local priorities and franchise obligations. Lead renewal negotiations to secure favorable terms that align with the company’s long-term business goals.
• Community Affairs Strategy: Implement strategic community affairs initiatives that enhance the company’s public image and strengthen relationships with public officials and community leaders throughout New Jersey.
  
  

Qualifications

• 12 years’ experience in government, government affairs/relations or other advocacy roles
• College degree or equivalent experience is required, graduate level degree is preferred
• Excellent relationship skills, written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Track record of developing and executing strategic advocacy campaigns and driving support for policy outcomes at state or local level
• Team building skills, including ability to work effectively with colleagues within the advocacy team and with cross-functional business teams.
• Leadership skills, including ability to advance company interests in venues that require consensus building
• Flexibility and creativity in problem solving, particularly in negotiations with government officials and agencies
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with federal, state and local government officials
• Ability to analyze and understand business impact of proposed legislation and regulations at federal, state and local level
• Working knowledge of NJ regulatory, legislative and municipal processes including experience working with the NJ BPU.
• Ability to plan and execute public affairs activities including events involving public officials