Government Affairs Director

GCI's Government Affairs Director will be responsible for developing, executing, and achieving the company’s public policy objectives with a primary focus on state-level engagement, in coordination with the Dir. Sr., Government Affairs. Serves as a point of contact for state-level public policy development, coordinating advocacy efforts before the Alaska State Legislature and state administrative agencies. Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including state officials, policymakers, and public policy influencers, to advance the company’s mission and strategic objectives. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

State-Level Public Policy Strategy & Advocacy:

• Develop and implement strategic public policy plans that align with the company’s legal, regulatory, and business objectives at the state level.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for state-level public policy strategy development and advocacy before the Alaska State Legislature and state administrative agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state officials, key legislative and administrative staff, and other public policy stakeholders to advance the company’s objectives.
• Develop and execute strategic communications strategies targeting state officials and key stakeholders, including outreach initiatives and delegation tours in Alaska for State and Federal Government Relations.
• Work closely with the Senior VP, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer and Dir Sr, Government Affairs to hire and manage state and local lobbyists and consultants supporting government affairs activities.

Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring:

• Research, monitor, analyze, and evaluate state legislative and regulatory issues to assess their potential impact on the company and its competitors.
• Provide continuous updates and detailed reports on legislative and administrative initiatives to the Senior Director, Government Affairs and senior executives throughout legislative sessions and election seasons.
• Develop policy briefs, advocacy materials, and strategic recommendations based on research and analysis of legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Coordinate efforts with the Washington, DC team and regulatory teams to ensure unified goals and advocacy positions across all government levels.

Strategic Communications & Outreach:

• Plan and direct State PAC activities, including developing annual plans for contributions and distributions, ensuring compliance, and representing the company at fundraising events.
• Develop internal communication plans to educate GCI employees about key industry issues and advocacy efforts.
• Identify and leverage opportunities to enhance relationships with community and political leaders to advance the company’s interests.
• Collaborate to develop and implement advocacy strategies aimed at achieving desired outcomes before state legislative, administrative, and regulatory bodies.

Coordination with State & Federal Political Action Committees (PACs):

• Develop GCI’s state PAC strategy, to include fundraising and disbursements, on an annual basis. 
• Serve as primary manager and representative of GCI’s state PAC.

Collaboration & Relationship Management:

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with state officials, their staff, and other public policy stakeholders to promote the company’s policy objectives.
• Utilize GCI’s state lobbyists and consultants effectively to expand advocacy efforts and enhance outreach capabilities.
• Provide recommendations on deploying GCI management and subject matter experts to effectively advocate and inform public officials and policymakers.
• Strategically contributes to working groups across the company to ensure alignment of business and policy objectives.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. 
  • Positive self-starter with ability to take initiative on identified needs and work independently following appropriate consultation with Manager, and minimal direction once the plan is established. 
  • Demonstrated capability to work independently and effectively within a geographically distributed organization and across internal departments; ability to leverage assets within larger departments to achieve policy goals.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. 
  • Demonstrated success in working with cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives.
  • Must be comfortable and effective working with senior leadership in all capacities and must demonstrate an ability to maintain and grow a network of contacts to support our priorities. 
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. 
  • The ability to present information and respond to questions in a concise, articulate manner using effective verbal, written, and electronic communication skills,  persuasiveness in communication is a must.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
  • Understanding legal and regulatory compliance requirements associated with lobbying and advocacy.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. 
  • Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Regulatory Knowledge: 
  • Ability to track and analyze federal, state and local transportation laws, legislation, regulations, guidelines and practices.
  • Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, including budget and revenue issues, timelines, and rules as well as the overall public policy/political environment in the State of Alaska.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into databases or equivalent.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change.
• DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action.
• PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team.
  • Ability to manage multiple initiatives effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Work effectively within a budget.
  • Demonstrated success in helping to shape and implement a proactive policy agenda that meets quantifiable outcomes.
  • Ability to manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing, without losing sight of the big picture.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of six years (6) experience in government affairs, public policy, legal, or regulatory roles. *
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and executing advocacy strategies at the state level.
  • Comprehensive understanding of state-level legislative and regulatory processes.

Preferred: 

• Advanced degrees (Juris Doctor, Master’s in Public Policy, or related field).
• Experience working within the telecommunications industry or a similar highly regulated environment.
• Established relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Relevant certifications in public policy, lobbying, or regulatory compliance.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.
• Frequent out-of-town travel for meetings and training/conferences. 

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after-hour contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO:  GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal. About Us