Federal Regulatory Counsel

 

GCI's Federal Regulatory Counsel will provide strategic legal, regulatory, and policy guidance to the company regarding federal telecommunications regulations, advocacy initiatives, and compliance obligations. Partner cross-functionally with business leaders and operational teams to proactively identify legal and regulatory risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support the consistent and effective execution of business initiatives in alignment with corporate governance standards and organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish, develop, and advocate company positions on federal regulatory matters, with a primary focus on FCC regulations and telecommunications industry policy. Perform sound legal analysis to support recommended positions while proactively identifying regulatory issues, risks, and matters of strategic importance to GCI. 
• Build collaborative relationships across the organization to gather operational and technical information, assess business priorities, and develop consensus around regulatory and advocacy strategies. Partner closely with leaders, attorneys, and subject matter experts within the Law, People, and Advocacy Department and across other GCI business units. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-supported written analyses regarding legal issues, regulatory risks, compliance considerations, and recommended courses of action. Monitor and advise on relevant federal legislative proposals, regulatory developments, and industry trends as assigned. Maintain effective communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders, including remote colleagues and regulatory contacts. 
• Support company-wide compliance efforts related to federal regulatory mandates and telecommunications requirements. Advise business leaders on new or changing regulatory obligations, develop compliance strategies and implementation plans, and support ongoing compliance monitoring efforts. Collaborate with other GCI attorneys in monitoring FCC dockets, conducting regulatory research, identifying key proceedings and stakeholders, and preparing and submitting FCC filings and related documentation. 
• Represent GCI before the FCC and other regulatory bodies as appropriate. Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with FCC staff and industry stakeholders built on credibility, trust, responsiveness, and sound legal judgment. In coordination with company leadership, advance GCI’s federal regulatory priorities through written advocacy, oral presentations, meetings, and strategic engagement activities. 
• Advise business leaders and operational teams regarding the impact of FCC regulations and federal telecommunications policies on business operations, strategic initiatives, transactions, acquisitions, contracts, and other corporate matters. Provide practical legal guidance that supports business objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. 
• Enhance company visibility and industry leadership through active engagement with telecommunications industry groups, associations, and policy organizations, particularly within the Washington, D.C. regulatory environment. Represent GCI’s interests in industry working groups, policy discussions, and advocacy forums as assigned. Support the development of both short-term and long-term regulatory advocacy strategies, identify emerging policy opportunities and risks, and recommend opportunities for company participation in industry panels, conferences, and events.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Ability and willingness to take initiative in identifying issues, proposing solutions, and setting strategy for and achieving legal and policy outcomes.
  • Strong analytical, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Adaptable and efficient in fast-paced, dynamic environments with minimal supervision.
  • Proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership and business acumen.
  • Skilled in managing multiple complex projects while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Creative and effective in resolving complex issues using sound judgment and a strategic mindset.
  • Detail-oriented self-starter with exceptional focus and ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; comply with applicable security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into databases or equivalents.

• Telecommunications experience.
• Law firm or FCC experience.
• Experience in the communications field and with the federal legislative and/or regulatory processes.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Exposure to rigorous debates when developing legal positions and strategies, often requiring the reconciliation of differing viewpoints and the defense of complex legal interpretations.
• Significant workload demands and stringent deadlines associated with a dynamic regulatory environment and multiple simultaneous business initiatives. 
• Ability and willingness to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
• Attendance at periodic evening meetings required.
• Occasional out-of-town travel for meetings and training/conferences required. 
• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs, employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after-hour contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.