JOB SUMMARY The Director, State Government Affairs, will report to the Vice President, Local Government Affairs & Franchising, but will also support the Vice President, Legislative Affairs & Ethics and may support other members of the corporate State Government Affairs leadership team as needed. Job responsibilities will include supporting and coordinating state and local franchising activities, and providing support for programs and policies of government affairs, including legislative affairs, public policy analysis and development, lobbying and political ethics compliance. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES *Coordinate with VP, Local Government Affairs & Franchising, to support franchise renewals and local government activities, consistent with company policies *Coordinate with VP, Legislative Affairs & Ethics, on public policy and legislative matters and political ethics *Provide legal support to regional government affairs teams that negotiate franchise agreements with local governments and assist in managing franchise compliance *Review, interpret, and communicate meanings of the terms and conditions of franchises, franchise-related agreements, and other contracts for implementation to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards *Coordinate with other business units within the company to inform public policy and legislative activities, to understand the impact of bills, and to help shape our positions, advocacy and response *Track state legislation, analyze bills and provide substantive regulatory advice and input *Prepare talking points, memoranda and other written communications informing the regional teams on legislative issues and on matters involving cable franchising, broadband and telecommunications law, regulation and policy, and political ethics developments QUALIFICATIONS *Ability to communicate and advocate for company positions and policies *Ability to quickly and thoroughly analyze a broad range of issues utilizing varied analytical techniques *Ability to engage in sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers *Knowledge about the professional standards for lobbyists *Demonstrated ability to set and meet objectives while reacting within a dynamic internal and external environment *Ability to synthesize complex problems/policy issues while identifying their related business implications and the actions necessary to advocate a recommended outcome *Uncompromising ethics, integrity, and sound judgment *Ability to take a hands on approach to problem solving, and have a professional executive presence for interacting with and influencing public policy decision makers, senior management and executives internal and external to the company *Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others *Demonstrated flexibility and strong judgment, decision-making skills, and political acumen *Ability to work cooperatively in a fluid team environment *Demonstrated ability to build and foster effective relationships with others *Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Skills/Abilities and Knowledge *Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and straightforward manner *Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks *Ability to make decisions and solve problems while working under pressure *Ability to read, analyze, and interpret contracts, cable franchises, legislation, statutes, regulations, agency notices, and public filings *Ability to work independently *Ability to use personal computer and software applications (ie word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.) *Ability to write talking points, speeches and articles for publication and to effectively present information to top management, legislators and staff, public groups, and/or boards of directors *Knowledge of cable television products and services preferred Regular, consistent and punctual attendance. Must be able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) as necessary Education *Bachelor's degree *Law degree and active license to practice law preferred Related Work Experience *Strong negotiating skills *5+ years of Cable and/or telecommunications or legal experience preferred *Political/government relations experience preferred WORKING CONDITIONS *Office environment *Travel as required