The Director of External Affairs job with CTIA – The Wireless Association is an opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced professional to make a significant impact in the telecommunications industry. The Director will be responsible for building progressive alliances with policy advocates and think tanks, as well as coordinating messaging and outcomes with other departments within CTIA. Their role will also involve advocating for the critical role of wireless devices and services in the accessibility community, contributing to inclusive and equitable policy making. This position requires a strong knowledge of key wireless issues, as well as excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will have a college degree and 7-10 years of experience in public policy, with experience in grassroots and third-party relationships being essential.
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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 to support the organization’s policy goals. They coordinate with other departments within CTIA on messaging, outcomes of advocacy panels, meetings, and published materials. The Director also plays a role in advancing the accessibility of wireless devices and services within the community. They contribute to the overall goals and objectives of External and State Affairs, focusing on inclusive and equitable policy making.
General Objectives
The Director of External Affairs must develop a comprehensive knowledge of key wireless issues, including the spectrum pipeline, small cell deployment, fixed wireless access, national privacy issues, consumer equity measures, and addressing the digital divide. They are responsible for building relationships within the diversity community to provide partners with information on the benefits of wireless growth, innovation, and competition. The Director works closely with the Vice President to coordinate, organize, execute, and report pro-business and pro-consumer messaging in support of the association’s policy goals. They also support policy departments through the use of third-party and intergovernmental partners. Attendance at annual meetings, summits, and partner events is required, with an approximate travel commitment of 10 to 15 percent annually.
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Third Party Engagement
The Director of External Affairs plays a crucial role in engaging with third parties to ensure they are aware of CTIA’s policy positions. They compile and analyze advocacy content for distribution to members, coalition partners, and other interested parties. The Director attends meetings, events, and forums sponsored by third parties, both within and outside the DC metropolitan area, as directed by the Vice President. It is essential to coordinate closely with CTIA’s federal and state affairs teams to maintain consistency in messaging and outreach. Throughout the year, the Director evaluates the productivity and value of partnerships and makes recommendations for enhancements. They also produce and review content for the Third Party Advocacy newsletter, database communications, and advocacy materials.
Intergovernmental Relations
Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with legislative and regulatory groups is a key aspect of the Director’s role. They provide industry fact sheets to support industry initiatives and identify opportunities for CTIA and member companies to participate in briefings, panels, and roundtables throughout the year.
Accessibility
The Director of External Affairs assists the Manager of External Affairs with accessibility issues, events, and management of accessibility partners. This includes working under the direction of the Vice President to ensure that wireless devices and services are accessible to all individuals.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of External Affairs does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Competency
To perform the job successfully, the Director should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Project Management: The Director must be able to coordinate numerous projects simultaneously, work independently, manage a heavy workload, and respond rapidly to changing circumstances and demands.
- Customer Service: The Director should respond quickly and congenially to requests for service and assistance, consistently meet commitments, and follow up in a timely manner.
- Interpersonal Skills: Maintaining confidentiality and being congenial, tactful, and trustworthy are crucial for the Director’s role.
- Written Communication: The Director should have strong writing skills, ensuring clarity and informativeness in all written work and messages. They should also be able to read and interpret written information effectively.
- Teamwork: Contributing to building a positive team spirit and being willing to perform a variety of tasks is important for the Director’s role.
- Judgment: The Director should exhibit sound and accurate judgment in decision-making.
- Planning/Organizing: Prioritizing and planning work activities, using time efficiently, and meeting all deadlines are essential skills for the Director.
- Professionalism: Approaching others in a tactful manner, reacting well under pressure, and treating others with respect and consideration, regardless of status or situation, is crucial for the Director’s professionalism.
- Quality: The Director should demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks. They should also exhibit creative and strategic planning and problem-solving abilities.
- Attendance/Punctuality: The Director should consistently arrive at work and appointments on time.
- Dependability: The Director should follow instructions, respond to management direction, and take initiative to develop projects and meet goals with minimal supervision.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, the Director should meet the following qualifications:
- Knowledge: Thorough understanding of strategic public and media relations is essential. Knowledge of leveraging social media for advocacy purposes, telecommunications skills, coalition-building, and consumer advocacy experience is helpful. Non-partisan political savvy, including campaign or government elected office experience, is a plus.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required. Familiarity with running an educational and interactive website and accompanying national consumer database is a plus.
- Education and/or Experience: A college degree is required, along with 7 to 10 years of experience in public policy. Experience with grassroots/third-party relationships is essential.
- Language Skills: The Director should be detail-oriented with excellent grammar and punctuation skills. Strong oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in proofreading, are required.
Location
CTIA is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule with in-person requirements on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in its Washington, DC office. The Director of External Affairs would be expected to work from this location.
