SVP, Government Affairs

Versant•Washington, DC

7d•$280,000 - $350,000

About The Position

As a Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at Versant Media, you will drive the company’s policy objectives by cultivating strong relationships with policymakers, agencies, and trade associations at both the Federal and State level. You will oversee strategy development aligned with the company’s mission and goals, provide strategic insights for leadership, and lead a comprehensive government affairs program. You will be responsible for coalition building across the industry, managing government affairs consultants and budgets, ensuring effective internal and external messaging, representing the company at events, and participating in lobbying activities.

Requirements

12–15+ years of experience in government affairs (including work inside a company and government.
Deep knowledge of the regulatory and political landscape relevant to media, broadcasting, telecommunications, digital media, and related industries (content regulation, distribution, advertising law, data/privacy, etc.).
Experience working with industry trade associations
Strong track record of building relationships with government officials, agencies, legislators, and stakeholders; experience in advocacy, lobbying, or public-policy campaigns.
Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills — able to craft and convey complex policy positions, align internal stakeholders, and represent the company externally.
Leadership experience: ability to manage consultants; to set strategic direction; to coordinate across departments (legal, compliance, business, communications, etc.).
Comfort working efficiently in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment; good judgment, flexibility, and ability to anticipate regulatory or political shifts.

Responsibilities

Design and lead an effective government affairs program that advances the company's strategic direction and objectives
Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, lawmakers, trade associations, and other stakeholders to advance Versant’s policy objectives.
Serve as Versant’s chief external representative on regulatory and legislative issues; lead lobbying efforts, craft messaging, provide testimony or comments, and serve as a liaison between business leaders and policymakers.
Develop and implement a comprehensive government affairs and public-policy strategy aligned with Versant’s business objectives
Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, regulatory changes, court decisions, and political developments at federal, state, and local levels that could impact Versant’s operations — including content regulation, data/privacy laws, advertising/stakeholder regulation, and distribution policies.
Collaborate with business, legal, compliance, and communications teams to translate regulatory risks and opportunities into actionable company strategy. Inform senior leadership (C-suite/Board) about policy trends and their implications for the business.
Manage external consultants, set priorities, drive cross-functional coordination, and oversee budget and resource allocation for lobbying and advocacy efforts.
Engage in coalition-building with industry partners, trade associations, or stakeholder groups when appropriate — especially on issues common to media & entertainment companies (e.g. content regulation, digital rights, advertising law).
Oversee all aspects of PAC operations, including budget management, contribution solicitations, donor engagement, disbursement tracking, and compliance with federal and state laws.