Local Government Relations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Establish robust relationships with local governments, public works departments, utilities, and community leaders.

• Manage permitting, right-of-way, construction coordination, and community concerns across various jurisdictions.

• Assist local leadership in addressing right-of-way, permitting, pole attachment/joint use, and related challenges with states, counties, cities, and third parties.

• Monitor field issues, community inquiries, complaint resolution, and service level performance.

• Engage with mayors, city council members, county commissioners, administrators, and municipal staff to communicate company objectives and garner support for initiatives.

• Act as the primary contact for Network Operations regarding local government matters and constituent inquiries.

• Sustain relationships with chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and community organizations.

• Collaborate with residents and businesses to address construction-related challenges and develop mutually beneficial solutions.

• Support active construction areas and seek solutions to eliminate obstacles and keep projects on schedule.

• Assess and interpret right-of-way agreements, franchises, municipal codes, and construction standards.

• Provide guidance to construction and installation teams on local regulations and build obligations.

• Track and report on progress towards organizational performance goals and local market results.

• Attend evening municipal council and board meetings.

• Carry out other responsibilities as necessary to support the business and its evolving needs.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, communications, business, or a related discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience collaborating with local governments or public agencies on capital projects, land use and right-of-way issues, permitting, public works, utility coordination, or related municipal infrastructure matters.

• Proven experience working directly with local governments, public works departments, utilities, and/or agencies involved in right-of-way, permitting, construction oversight, or municipal coordination.

• Familiarity with navigating governmental processes, municipal codes, public works standards, and utility coordination requirements across diverse jurisdictions.

• Capability to read, analyze, and apply city ordinances, municipal codes, and construction standards in a practical, operations-oriented context.

• Experience in public policy/compliance implementation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks while effectively representing Ziply Fiber.

• Willingness to travel locally up to 50%, especially during peak construction periods.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.

• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the US for any employer; sponsorship is not available.

• Experience in the telecom sector is preferred.

• Background in collaborating with state, county, and municipal officials on infrastructure projects, right-of-way management, or public utilities coordination is preferred.

• Understanding of operations teams and outside plant teams is preferred.

• Knowledge of and experience with federal, state, local, broadband, and telecommunications issues is preferred.

• Familiarity with municipal public works processes, utility permitting workflows, and coordination requirements for fiber or infrastructure deployment is preferred.

• Extensive network of relationships across state and local government is preferred.

• Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment and reasoning skills.

• Capacity to multi-task and collaborate effectively with other personnel to meet deadlines.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities.

• Ability to operate within critical deadlines.

• Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules.

• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check; pre-employment drug screening may be required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401k plan.

• Flexible spending account.

• Paid sick leave and paid time off.

• Parental leave.

• Quarterly performance bonuses.

• Training opportunities.

• Career advancement and education reimbursement programs.