External Affairs Manager

Chandler, Arizona (Hybrid – schedule may vary week to week; flexibility required)

Job Summary

The External Affairs Manager is responsible for developing and executing the company's external affairs strategy to support business objectives and strengthen its presence within the industry. This role focuses heavily on government relations, stakeholder engagement, and navigating regulatory environments.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience working with government entities, a deep understanding of policy landscapes, and the ability to build strategic relationships that drive business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned with national business goals
• Build, manage, and maintain relationships with:
• Government officials
• Regulatory agencies
• Industry associations
• Community organizations and third-party groups
• Represent the company in meetings, positioning it as a thought leader and advocating for favorable policies
• Monitor local and state regulatory and policy developments; provide strategic recommendations to leadership
• Manage and coordinate local and state-level lobbyists
• Support corporate reputation through community engagement and media opportunities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Communications, and Public Policy teams
• Advise executive leadership on regulatory risks and opportunities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Business, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in external affairs, government relations, or public policy
• Strong background working with government stakeholders (mandatory)
• Proven ability to build and maintain high-level relationships
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Experience managing cross-functional or distributed teams
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in telecommunications or related regulated industries
• Prior project management experience
• Familiarity with state and local regulatory frameworks