Local Government Relations Manager

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

📋 Description

• Establish and nurture relationships with local governments, public works departments, utilities, community leaders, chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and community groups.

• Assist local leadership in addressing right-of-way, permitting, pole attachment/joint use, community, and related issues with state, county, city, and third-party entities.

• Act as the primary liaison for Ziply Fiber’s Network Operations team regarding local government matters and constituent inquiries.

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

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

• Provide support in active fiber build areas by tackling local jurisdiction and community issues as they emerge.

• Proactively identify solutions, eliminate obstacles, and ensure network expansion projects remain on schedule.

• Analyze and interpret right-of-way agreements, franchises, municipal codes, and construction standards to guide construction and installation teams.

• Monitor complaint-resolution performance and report support progress, local market results, key issues, and outcomes to leadership.

• Uphold consistent service levels and perform additional duties to support the evolving business landscape.

⛳️ 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 similar 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.

• Experience navigating governmental processes, municipal codes, public works standards, and utility coordination requirements across various jurisdictions.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply city ordinances, municipal codes, and construction standards in a practical, operations-focused manner.

• Background in public policy/compliance implementation.

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

• Capability 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.

• Experience in the telecommunications industry is preferred.

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

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

• Familiarity with federal, state, local, broadband, and telecommunications issues is preferred.

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

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

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and reasoning skills in a variety of situations.

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

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities, including maintaining accurate database records, updating reports, and tracking and communicating progress.

• Excellent problem-solving, partnership, collaboration, analytical, reporting, negotiation, presentation, and public-speaking abilities.

• Professional integrity, adaptability, cross-functional leadership, composure, compassion, and tenacity.

• Ability to present information to residents, businesses, municipal leadership, community members, and employees.

• Comfort with presenting in public meetings and receiving immediate feedback.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• 401k

• Flexible spending account

• Paid sick leave

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Quarterly performance bonus

• Training

• Career growth

• Education reimbursement programs