The article provides an overview of a job opening for the position of Director, External Affairs with CTIA – The Wireless Association. The Director will be responsible for developing alliances with policy advocates, think tanks, and intergovernmental groups in support of CTIA’s policy goals. They will coordinate messaging and outcomes of advocacy panels, meetings, and published materials within CTIA and other departments. The Director will also contribute to the advancement of wireless devices and services in the accessibility community, emphasizing inclusive and equitable policy making. The role requires strong knowledge of key wireless issues, relationship building within the diversity community, and engagement with third parties and intergovernmental partners.
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Summary
The Director of External Affairs at CTIA – The Wireless Association is responsible for developing progressive alliances with policy advocates, think tanks, and intergovernmental groups in support of CTIA’s policy goals. This position involves coordinating with other departments within CTIA on messaging and published materials, as well as contributing to the department’s efforts to promote the critical role of wireless devices and services in the accessibility community. The Director of External Affairs also plays a crucial role in advancing the overall goals and objectives of External and State Affairs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General Objectives
The Director of External Affairs is responsible for developing a thorough understanding of key wireless issues, such as the spectrum pipeline, small cell deployment, fixed wireless access, national privacy issues, consumer equity measures, and addressing the digital divide. This knowledge will enable the Director to build relationships within the diversity community and provide partners with key facts regarding the benefits of wireless growth, innovation, and competition. Additionally, the Director will coordinate, organize, execute, and report on pro-business and pro-consumer messaging in support of CTIA’s policy goals.
Third Party Engagement
The Director of External Affairs is responsible for compiling and analyzing advocacy content for distribution to members, coalition partners, and other interested constituencies. This includes working closely with third parties to ensure they are aware of CTIA’s policy positions. The Director will attend third-party sponsored meetings, events, and annual forums as directed by the Vice President of External and State Affairs. Additionally, the Director will coordinate with CTIA’s federal and state affairs departments to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach. Throughout the year, the Director will evaluate the productivity and value of partnerships and make recommendations for enhancing their value. The Director will also produce and review content for the Third Party Advocacy newsletter, database communications, and advocacy materials.
Intergovernmental Relations
The Director of External Affairs will establish and maintain strong relationships with legislative and regulatory groups. This includes providing industry fact sheets in support of industry initiatives and identifying opportunities for Association and member companies to participate in briefings, panels, and roundtables throughout the year.
Accessibility
The Director of External Affairs will assist the Manager of External Affairs with accessibility issues, events, and the management of Accessibility partners at the direction of the Vice President of External and State Affairs.
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Competencies
The Director of External Affairs should possess the following competencies:
- Project Management: The ability to coordinate numerous projects, work independently, manage a heavy workload, respond rapidly to changing circumstances and demands, and meet all deadlines.
- Customer Service: The ability to respond quickly and congenially to requests for service and assistance, consistently meet commitments, and follow through in a timely manner.
- Interpersonal Skills: The ability to maintain confidentiality, be congenial, tactful, and trustworthy.
- Written Communication: The ability to write clearly and informatively, edit work and messages for spelling and grammar, and read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork: The ability to contribute to building a positive team spirit and be willing to perform a variety of tasks.
- Judgment: The ability to exhibit sound and accurate judgment.
- Planning/Organizing: The ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, and meet all deadlines.
- Professionalism: The ability to approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure, and treat others with respect and consideration.
- Quality: The ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, exhibit creative and strategic planning and problem solving.
- Attendance/Punctuality: The ability to consistently be at work and on time, and arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
- Dependability: The ability to follow instructions, respond to management direction, take initiative, and operate proactively, with the ability to develop projects and meet goals with minimal supervision.
Qualifications
The Director of External Affairs should have the following qualifications:
- Knowledge: Thorough understanding of strategic public and media relations, knowledge in leveraging social media for advocacy purposes, interest and familiarity with telecommunications skills helpful, coalition-building and consumer advocacy experience a plus, non-partisan political savvy a plus, including campaign, state or federal government elected office experience.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, working knowledge of running an educational and interactive website and accompanying national consumer database are a plus.
- Education and/or Experience: A college degree is required, with 7 to 10 years of experience in public policy. Experience with grassroots/third party relationships is essential.
- Language Skills: Detail-oriented with knowledge of grammar and punctuation, proficiency in proofreading skills, and strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Physical Demands
The physical demands of the Director of External Affairs position include sitting and the use of motor skills. Some job travel may be required as relevant issues demand.
Work Environment
The work environment for the Director of External Affairs is usually quiet. This position may require overtime, and the candidate must be flexible to work overtime if needed.
Location
The Director of External Affairs will primarily work at CTIA’s Washington, DC office. CTIA currently operates on a hybrid work schedule, with in-person requirements on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
