Director, Public Policy & Government Affairs

Responsible for providing leadership, oversight, coordination and execution of industry research, standards, regulations, and activities. Working closely with engineering, business development, number administration services, and customer engagement, defines, develops, and implements solutions and strategies to engage and further deepen the relationships between Somos, regulators, and the industry.  Provides a bridge between the global, federal, state and industry bodies.  Plays a key role developing strategic alliances to drive increased adoption and extensibility of Somos’ administrative services and products.  This role ensures that all activities are aligned with the mission and vision of Somos, and in compliance with regulatory oversight.

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Maintain and expand relations with relevant industry associations and government counterparts and represent Somos in meetings with trade associations, regulatory/legislative staff, and government agencies.
• Work with key internal stakeholders to engage in efforts to align strategies with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute advocacy initiatives to influence impactful regulations and legislation. Initiate and manage state and federal lobbying initiatives, working directly with regulatory staff, lobbyists, and trade associations.
• Develop and build mutually beneficial relationships with regulators, in the industry, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in industry forums including but not limited to the North American Numbering Council (NANC), the International Telecom Union (ITU) and Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA)
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communications to internal and external audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of 10 years of related, progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, or legal, including five years within the telecommunications industry in government, industry and/or private practice, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The applicant must be able to develop and nurture strategic relationships with key federal regulatory agencies, industry coalitions, and other state, federal and international stakeholders.
• The candidate will should be familiar with the Telecommunications industry across Local, US and International geographies.
• The applicant should understand the voice and messaging networks.
• Solid external relations and public policy experience in the telecommunications industry
• Ability to communicate effectively at an executive level.
• Strong understanding of telecom technologies and networks
• Proven experience managing strategic relationships and developing new strategic relationships.
• Skill, experience, and success advocating before and persuading a wide variety of stakeholders, including government, industry, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a high level of professionalism
• Detail oriented and excellent problem-solving skills including adhering to confidentiality and neutrality requirements.
• Excellent time management and ability to complete tasks independently, and within required timeframe.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience interfacing with the Federal and State regulators and regulatory compliance.

 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position.   Aspects of this job description may change at any time, with or without notice.

This job description is not intended as and does not create an employment contract.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.