Director of Public Affairs Communications

The Director of Public Affairs Communications will lead strategic communications to support Lumen's public policy, legislative and regulatory priorities at the federal, state and local levels. As part of an integrated External Affairs function, this highly-visible role partners closely with the Company's public policy and government affairs team, legal, and business unit leaders to develop compelling narratives and programs-including positioning, messaging, PR and thought leadership-influence external stakeholders, and position Lumen as a trusted, strategic national asset, delivering secure and future-ready network infrastructure to advance the country's growth, innovation, security priorities.

The Public Affairs Communications unit is future-facing-focused on proactive positioning, strategic advocacy, and elevating Lumen's policy voice through sustained, integrated campaigns.

The Director will oversee a dedicated Public Affairs Manager and work with external consulting partners, serving as a senior counselor to executives on public positioning related to legislation, regulation, public-sector infrastructure deployment, and national priorities.

• Strategic Communications Leadership
  • Develop and execute integrated public affairs communications strategies that align with Lumen's corporate objectives, ensuring consistent messaging across all external-facing platforms and stakeholder engagements.
• Executive Counsel & Policy Alignment
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to government affairs leadership, providing strategic communications counsel on public policy, regulatory developments, and reputational risk. Translate complex policy issues into actionable communication strategies that support business goals.
• Stakeholder & Government Relations
  • Cultivate and manage communications relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and community leaders. Work with internal subject matter experts to support advocacy for Lumen's interests through proactive engagement and coalition building.
• Media & Issues Management
  • Lead media relations efforts, including proactive story pitching, rapid response to inquiries, and crisis communication related to the public policy and regulatory environment. Monitor public sentiment and media coverage to inform decision-making and mitigate reputational risk.
• Narrative Development & Content Strategy
  • Oversee the creation of high-impact communication materials-press releases, op-eds, speeches, Q&A briefs, and social media content-that articulate Lumen's position on key policy issues and elevate its public profile.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Legal, Regulatory, Investor Relations, Marketing, and HR to ensure message discipline and alignment across all channels. Facilitate internal coordination to support unified external communications.
• Legislative & Regulatory Intelligence
  • Partner with public policy and government affairs to track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the federal, state, and local levels. Provide timely insights and strategic communications recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Crisis Preparedness & Response
  • Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans. Act as a spokesperson during high-stakes situations, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and alignment with legal and regulatory standards.
• Public Opinion & Reputation Monitoring
  • Leverage media analytics and stakeholder feedback to assess the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives. Continuously refine strategies to enhance Lumen's reputation and influence.
• Practices & Processes
  • Build best-in-class public affairs communications practices and processes that will drive efficiencies in how Lumen' communications team operates.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Mentor and lead a high-performing team of public affairs professionals. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Law, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 15 years of relevant work experience in public affairs, government relations, or policy advocacy, with a demonstrated ability to influence complex regulatory and legislative outcomes.
• Executive presence and consistent track record of influencing and leading cross-functional teams, ideally in a ground-breaking telecom / technology space.
• Proven track record of advising executive leadership and shaping public narratives in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Prior work on Capitol Hill, Executive Branch and/or experience in working with relevant reporters, influencers and policymakers.
• Strong media instincts with expertise in both traditional and emerging media channels to manage a fast-paced news cycle, including rapid response and crisis communications.
• Innovative thinking, not afraid to take risks and advance Lumen's public policy positions, ensuring the company's freedom to operate and innovate.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment-ideally within a company undergoing significant transformation, modernization, or organizational change.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication capabilities, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate nuanced issues, strategies, and briefs clearly.
• Inherent curiosity, looking for an exciting opportunity on a fun, collaborative team.