Vice President, Government Affairs

Job Summary

The Vice President, Government Affairs (East) is responsible for managing the state and local government, legislative, regulatory, and franchising affairs for Altice USA’s video, broadband, voice, data and wireless services across more than 500 communities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The role requires developing and executing complex and multi-dimensional strategies involving legislative, regulatory, and general governmental elements that advance and support business objectives, foster strategic relationships, and leverage community programs.

This position is part of the Government Affairs leadership team, reporting to the General Counsel and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and will work collaboratively across the company to develop and execute strategic objectives for the company.

To achieve these duties, this position manages a team of professionals and directs the work of various government and legal advisors. This position is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of the Company’s priorities across the Eastern operating area.

Responsibilities

Government Affairs : 

Oversees the development and maintenance of key relationships at the state and local level. Manages and directs team and outside consultants to advance business priorities. Designs and implements an annual political contribution plan targeting key state and local officials. Represent the company with elected officials, government agencies, and at community events and fundraisers. Attends or coordinates with staff to attend fundraisers to build and deepen relationships with public officials and their staff. Develops and executes targeted outreach plans to support business priorities that intersect with government. 

Legislative & Regulatory Affairs : 

Manages all state and local legislative, regulatory, and compliance advocacy to preserve business flexibility. This includes strategic planning and direct day-to-day engagement in all aspects of legislative and regulatory proceedings in support of video, broadband, voice, data and wireless services to achieve a better governmental environment for the company’s products and services and protect the company’s interest in areas where Altice USA operates. 

Franchising & Local Issues: 

Ensures the renewal and maintenance of franchises and local communities in consultation with the Counsel for local Government Affairs. This role includes management of all aspects of the franchise relationship (renewals, audits, assessments) new franchise activities, and compliance.

Business Support: 

This position secures government support for business opportunities, such as broadband subsidies, tax incentives site approvals and related authorizations.  Work with multiple departments to develop and manage outreach strategy. This includes coordination of strategic policy initiatives with State and Local teams of other telecommunications and media companies.

Community Affairs : 

Responsible for coordinating the strategic targets for execution of community affairs initiatives to advance the company’s image and relationships with public officials. Work alongside marketing, media, regional General Managers to successfully support local brand, product, community and Company activities. 

Qualifications

BA/BS degree is required. A law degree or equivalent graduate level degree is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have 12 years’ experience as state or local government affairs executive in the media or technology industry or senior level position in state or local government department or agency. Deep functional experience in government and public affairs, with proven relationships and coalition building skills, is essential The individual must be capable of understanding the substantive policy issues of the media and technology industry with which Altice USA is associated as well as the business issues affecting the enterprise. S/He must have an appreciation and sensitivity to working within the context of a multifaceted organization. Manage diverse team of direct reports, including providing clear direction, setting expectations and maintaining accountability for results.  Ability to anticipate emerging state government, public or community/social issues of importance to the Company and to position the Company effectively to handle such issues in all aspects.  Capable of creating and communicating a vision, both internally and externally, of the future of the Company and its differentiation versus peers.  Team building skills, including ability to work effectively with colleagues that are not direct reports. 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.  Build and maintain relationships with state and local government officials, analyze and understand business impact of proposed legislation and regulations at state and local level.  A strong working knowledge of state and local regulatory, legislative and franchising processes.  An ability to plan and execute public affairs activities including events involving public officials and develop budgets and oversee their execution.  Experience developing and executing complex political strategies. 

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