Senior Director, Government Affairs

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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 York State. In coordination with the New York 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.

• Build and lead strategic relationships with federal, state, and local government officials, including elected representatives and regulatory agencies. Represent the company at political functions, public hearings, and community events to advance its interests and visibility.
• Direct the company’s legislative, regulatory, and compliance advocacy in New York State. Lead strategic planning and daily engagement in legislative and regulatory proceedings. Monitor and assess developments that may impact the company, identify key issues, and develop strategic responses. Manage external consultants supporting these efforts.
• 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.
• Oversee franchise negotiations and compliance in New York City. Lead renewal negotiations to secure favorable terms aligned with long‑term business goals and city priorities.
• Implement strategic community affairs initiatives that enhance the company’s public image and strengthen relationships with public officials and community leaders. Execute initiatives aligned with political and business objectives.

• 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 NYS regulatory, legislative and municipal processes
• Ability to plan and execute public affairs activities including events involving public officials

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Company collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA‑compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.