Director of State and Local Government Affairs

About Lumen

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up – committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress.

Lumen’s commitment to workplace inclusion and employee support shines bright. We’ve made the Newsweek 2024 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity list and achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the fifth consecutive year. Plus, we’re the top employer in the communications and telecom industry, ranking 12th overall across all industries in The American Opportunity Index.

We’re looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.

The Role

The Director of State and Local Government Affairs is responsible for development and implementation of the vision, strategy and management of Lumen’s state and local government affairs activities in Colorado. 

Location

This role is designated in Denver metropolitan area. 

The Main Responsibilities

• Develop and execute on advocacy strategies to remove, limit or avoid statutory, regulatory or competitive barriers that hinder company efforts to deliver the best customer experience through network enhancements, launch of new products and services, and market expansion.  
• Develop and implement effective and proactive advocacy strategies, monitor legislation and other policy developments with executive and regulatory agencies, and coordinate external lobbyists and 3rd party organizations.   
• Work with state and local authorities to address barriers to construction, including permitting and right of way escalations and related policy issues, and support expansion of enterprise networks to build the connectivity backbone for AI and other applications.   
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with state, local and federal officials, including senior officials in the governor’s office, state agencies, legislators and local elected officials. Travels and attend meetings, hearings, or other events to represent the company.  
• Work with Public Policy, Legal, Network Implementation and business units to advise and determine the company’s policy position and response to new and emerging policy issues, and to ensure alignment with company goals.  
• Address concerns from elected officials and state agencies regarding customer complaints, public safety, community investment or other issues.   
• Support sales team where appropriate with state and local government agencies.   
• Manage political contributions and engagement with state candidates in Colorado.

What We Look For in a Candidate

• Ten or more years of experience in government affairs, public policy, political campaigns and/or law at the state or federal level, including as a government official or staff.   
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in problem solving, particularly in negotiations with government officials. 
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, presentation, and collaborative skills to work effectively with leadership and teams across the organization, including with senior executives.   
• Strong written and verbal skills, ability to adapt communications to different targeted audiences. 
• Strong ability to execute and manage projects and details and the ability to multi-task.  
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and exhibit professionalism and discretion under pressure. 
• BS/BA degree in related discipline (i.e, Political Science, Public Policy, Law).  
• Masters, JD or equivalent preferred.  
• Knowledge of the tech, telecommunications, AI infrastructure or related industries strongly preferred.   

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience