Senior Director - State & Local Government Relations

About the position

The Senior Director of State & Local Government Relations at Verizon is responsible for advocating the company's public policy goals across multiple state legislatures and local jurisdictions in the western U.S. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with key political figures, coordinating outreach with stakeholders, and developing strategies for complex policy issues. The position requires strong leadership and negotiation skills, as well as a commitment to ethics and compliance in lobbying activities.

Responsibilities

• Advocating for the company's public policy goals in multiple state legislatures and local jurisdictions in the western U.S.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with state legislators, regulators, governors, staff, and state agencies.
• Coordinating outreach with third-party stakeholders to advance Verizon's priority issues.
• Developing and executing strategies for complex policy and regulatory frameworks addressing broadband, privacy/AI, taxation, and other critical business issues.
• Overseeing state political outreach, including coordinating corporate and PAC contributions to candidates.
• Representing Verizon in state political forums, business coalitions, community-based organizations, and internal forums.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local lobbying rules, including lobbyist registration and reporting requirements.
• Tracking legislation and monitoring committee hearings, including testifying as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Affairs, Political Science or related fields.
• 8+ years of lobbying experience in the telecom and technology industry, relevant trade association, or other regulated industry.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, as needed.
• Established network of state and local political/governmental contacts in the western U.S.
• Experience managing outside lobbyists and consultants at the state level.
• Proven ability to navigate complex problems, build consensus, and collaborate on mutually beneficial solutions.
• Strong, demonstrated leadership, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Unwavering commitment to ethics and legal compliance.

Nice-to-haves

• Law or other advanced degree.
• Self-starter and evidence of intellectual curiosity.
• Experience working for a lobbying or law firm with a lobbying practice.

Benefits

• Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• 401(k)
• Remote work