Director, Government Affairs

WideOpenWest•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

WOW! is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director, Government Affairs to serve as a visible representative of our company in the communities and markets we serve. Reporting to the General Counsel, this leader will build strong relationships with municipal officials, regulators, lawmakers, community stakeholders, and industry partners. The Director will help advance WOW!’s broadband operations and network expansion by supporting permitting and construction activities, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, identifying competitive risks, and advocating for policies that support our customers and business. This is a highly visible, externally facing opportunity for someone who can navigate complex public policy matters, build trust across diverse stakeholder groups, and translate business priorities into meaningful government and community engagement. The position requires regular travel throughout WOW! markets and close collaboration with leaders across Legal, Construction, Local Operations, Engineering, Communications, and Marketing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory affairs, or a related field.
Experience within the broadband, cable, telecommunications, utility, or infrastructure industries is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success building relationships with municipal officials, state legislators, regulators, public utility or public service commissions, and community stakeholders.
Working knowledge of franchise agreements, rights-of-way, permitting, and other approval processes associated with telecommunications network construction and expansion.
Experience managing outside lobbyists, consultants, and multi-stakeholder advocacy initiatives.
A strong track record of representing an organization in public hearings, government meetings, community events, trade groups, and industry associations.
Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, advocacy, and written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to translate complex technical, legal, and operational topics for a variety of audiences.
Experience partnering across Legal, Operations, Construction, Engineering, Communications, and Marketing teams.
Familiarity with—or a strong interest in—using technology and AI tools to improve infrastructure oversight and identify emerging opportunities and competitive risks.
Sound judgment, discretion, and composure when managing sensitive matters involving regulatory or public scrutiny.
The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a highly visible role.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, such as a J.D., M.P.A., or related degree, is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve alongside Local Operations leaders as a public-facing representative of WOW!, strengthening our relationships within the communities we serve.
Build and maintain productive relationships with municipal officials, state and federal lawmakers, regulators, community leaders, economic development organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Represent WOW! at government meetings, public hearings, community events, economic development initiatives, chambers of commerce, trade groups, and industry associations.
Coordinate visits and engagement opportunities between key state and federal representatives and WOW! executives.
Engage with developers, building officials, and community leaders involved in housing and commercial development.
Identify opportunities for WOW! to participate in local boards, coalitions, associations, and other organizations that support shared policy and community objectives.
Monitor federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, public utility commission proceedings, and other policy developments affecting broadband operations.
Evaluate proposed legislation and clearly communicate its potential impact on WOW!’s operations, customers, and growth strategy.
Advocate for WOW!’s positions through regulatory comments, testimony, direct engagement, industry coalitions, and coordination with outside lobbyists.
Identify, evaluate, recommend, and help manage external government affairs consultants and state- or locally focused lobbyists.
Coordinate WOW!’s public policy response to outages, disputes, or other matters that may attract regulatory, legislative, or public attention.
Partner closely with Construction, Engineering, and Local Operations teams to proactively identify and resolve issues affecting network construction and expansion.
Develop and manage the municipal relationships needed to maintain and expand WOW!’s network infrastructure.
Support engineering and construction teams throughout franchise, right-of-way, permitting, and approval processes.
Maintain strong two-way communication between market leaders, internal teams, government stakeholders, and community partners.
Monitor local market activity and identify potential risks or competitive threats associated with other fiber builders and infrastructure developments.
Explore and recommend technology- and AI-enabled solutions that improve visibility into construction activity, market opportunities, and competitive risks.
Partner with Communications and Marketing on public-facing initiatives, sponsorships, coalition-building, and community engagement efforts that advance WOW!’s government and community relations objectives.
Translate technical, operational, and legal matters into clear, accessible messages for government officials, community stakeholders, and other non-technical audiences.
Collaborate across the organization to ensure government affairs strategies align with WOW!’s operational and business priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.