NAELA's CareerCenter

---

Counsel, Government Affairs

Next-generation 5G networks—100 times faster than current networks—are already reshaping the global economy, ushering in a new era of connected devices, powering smart cities, and enabling autonomous vehicles, enhanced telemedicine, and advanced manufacturing. Through public affairs and advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) works to support the widespread deployment of wireless infrastructure. You will have two key areas of focus: leading policy development and legal analysis of regulatory issues affecting the wireless infrastructure industry for the Association, and acting as WIA’s advocate with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies.

As Counsel, you will have the opportunity and autonomy to identify, analyze, and conduct in-depth complex legal research on policy issues for industry leaders. You will lead policy development, strategy and legal analysis for issues affecting the wireless infrastructure industry, and advocate for WIA’s positions before policy makers at the FCC, Congress, and the Executive branch. You will review position papers on important issues, policy statements and guidance, rulemaking proceedings, public notices, briefing materials, data requests, and memoranda/reports outlining the facts and legal issues to provide guidance to WIA leadership and our member companies. Working as WIA’s advocate for the FCC, you will leverage your existing contacts, cultivate new relationships, draft all filings and comments for submission, monitor all rulemaking proceedings, and draft executive summaries for WIA leadership on any pertinent findings.

With the recent passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, WIA is working to ensure the $42.5 billion for broadband development is implemented in a positive way, aligned with our mission of supporting our members to deliver broadband access to all communities; part of your portfolio will include advocating for the inclusion of wireless companies to have access these funds in the federal arena. Your work as Counsel for WIA is new, exciting, and challenging – we don’t spend our days re-litigating the same tired debates; we are exploring novel legal issues and working towards providing everyone with access to the new era of 5G technology.   

Our members are the companies that make up the wireless infrastructure ecosystem in the United States, including wireless carriers, infrastructure providers, and professional services firms that collectively own and operate telecommunications facilities around the globe. We provide outreach and education at all levels of government to build strong relationships and represent the interests of members and the industry. Our mission is to help members succeed in enabling wireless communications to deliver broadband access to all citizens and communities.

Responsibilities    

• Monitor and analyze government legislative, regulatory, and executive initiatives related to wireless infrastructure.
• Prepare and present briefings on legal and policy matters of significant importance pertaining to communications law or administrative law; propose approaches to these matters and advise on the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
• Develop specific policy positions and interventions by working with member committees and related industry coalitions.
• Draft proposed legislation, regulatory comments, position papers, issue briefs and media articles.
• Support all internal team members and departments following the association mission and values while promoting association culture.
• Represent the association’s positions before policy makers, industry members and the general public regarding wireless infrastructure by planning and executing.
• Build and maintain relationships with the FCC, monitor all relevant rulemaking proceedings, and draft comments and filings for submission.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in good standing of the bar with any U.S. state or territory.
• 3-5 years of legislative, advocacy, or policy related experience in telecommunications, preferably with knowledge of wireless infrastructure industry.
• Working knowledge of FCC’s ECFS, legislative, and judicial databases: Lexis, WestLaw, Thomas, etc.
• Exceptional communication and analytical skills with the ability to write strategically in a clear and concise manner.
• Proven ability to respond to legislative changes and political developments, and develop alternative legislative approaches.

Attributes

• Results-oriented. Internal and external stakeholders respect you for your knowledge and abilities and find you both approachable and responsive.

• Persuasive. You are confident, engaging, and influential. People follow your lead.
• Collegial. You thrive as both a self-guided researcher and a team contributor. You carry your weight in the team, learning from others and contributing in equal measure.
• Politically astute. You are excited by policy and proudly call yourself a policy wonk. You are energized by different viewpoints and the give and take of the political process.

• Analytical. You have incisive analytical skills and the ability to make critical assessments. You can identify and frame problems and set priorities.
• Exceptional communicator. You are articulate. You have concise, accurate, and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Curious. You like learning new things and collecting and sharing information. You ask questions, listen, and learn. 
• Mission-driven. You can easily translate our objectives into community impact. You get what matters to our members and what serves the mission.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?  

• You will be joining a team of strong, talented colleagues who are dedicated to our mission. Our colleagues are friendly, respectful of different perspectives, and supportive of each other both personally and professionally.
• This is a high-visibility role; you will interface with industry leaders and have the autonomy to be entrepreneurial and lead the charge.
• Work life balance at WIA is terrific. You will work hard, but there is balance and flexibility.
• We are the workforce leader in a rapidly growing industry. 5G and rural broadband access will transform every industry of the U.S. economy. Our work is interesting and varied; the issues facing our industry are constantly changing and we are pioneers of new ideas.
• We offer competitive compensation and generous benefits that include vacation, sick, and bereavement leave; volunteer days; parking/Metro allowance; income security options; and health and wellness benefits that include an on-site gym facility.

To Apply

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Simply email your resume to Aileen Hedden at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “WIA – Counsel, Government Affairs #2022-2679 ASAE” as the subject of the email. Please include your resume as a Word or PDF attachment to the email and paste your cover letter in the body of your email.

Please note: Our practice is not to disclose the salary ranges our clients would consider. Any salary information included in this posting was estimated without our input.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended an evidence-based approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. This position may require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. You can learn more about our actions on our blog.

WIA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/assignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.