Government Affairs Director jobs in Richmond, VA

Position Summary:

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Director, Government Affairs who be a key member of the public-private-partnership team and help the company manage relationships and pursue grant opportunities as it builds out thousands of fiber miles in 23 Virginia counties. The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of All Points’ government affairs activities in Virginia, including ongoing communication and outreach with federal, state and local agencies and units of government. They will coordinate the Company’s legislative advocacy activities before the Virginia General Assembly. In addition, this individual will help to identify, analyze, respond to and capture public-private-partnerships, broadband grant programs, and other procurement opportunities. The position’s primary focus will be on state and local government affairs within Virginia, but this individual will support the business development team in the Company’s portfolio of projects in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and potential expansion into additional states.

Director, Government Affairs critical responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for coordinating and conducting the Company’s communications to federal, state and local agencies and units of government in Virginia.
• Represent the company publicly with elected officials and at public events.
• Write and compose grant applications, procurement responses, policy memos, talking points, press releases, and more written correspondence.
• Monitor legislation and regulation to ensure that government policies are consistent with the organization’s goals.
• Coordinate the Company’s participation in media and public events.
• Take ownership of relationships with state telecom and broadband industry associations and coalitions.
• Cultivate, develop and maintain the Company’s relationships in the Virginia General Assembly and with other industry and policy stakeholders.
• Build, develop and maintain the Company’s relationships with Virginia’s executive branch and relevant state agencies.
• Oversee and manage the company’s retained lobbyists in Virginia.
• Oversee and manage the company’s political contributions in Virginia. 

Qualifications of a strong candidate:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience with significant responsibility working with the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia’s executive branch, local governments, or state agencies.
• Familiarity with federal, state and local broadband deployment support programs.
• Must currently be located in Virginia and be familiar with Virginia broadband issues/initiatives.
• A Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, business administration, or another relevant field is required.
• Experience in telecommunications, with particular emphasis on fiber-to-the-home networks is preferred.
• Experience in lobbying before the Virginia General Assembly is preferred.
• A commitment to the Company’s culture, mission and values.
• Demonstrated relationships and credibility with elected and appointed officials at the state and local levels in Virginia.
• Ability to be a self-starter and work independently on initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• A hands-on, collaborative, results-oriented team member with the ability and confidence to quickly earn the respect of the executive management team, and other internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to exhibit the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics.
• Possesses the desire to lead and develop the people in her/his organization to achieve their maximum performance levels.
• Able to adapt to and accommodate existing cultural norms.
• High-energy; able to work well with multiple priorities and global responsibilities.
• Flexible and adaptable, seeks out and is open to new ideas and approaches.