Local Government Relations Manager

Accountabilities:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with mayors, city council members, county commissioners, administrators, public works officials, utilities, community leaders, and other government stakeholders.
• Serve as a key point of contact for local government matters and constituent inquiries related to network operations and infrastructure deployment.
• Support local leadership in resolving right-of-way, permitting, pole attachment, joint-use, construction, and related issues involving cities, counties, states, utilities, and third parties.
• Maintain continuous engagement with local leadership and internal field, operations, and marketing teams to identify issues and drive timely, professional resolutions.
• Ensure internal teams remain informed about field issues, inquiries, complaints, and community concerns and work collaboratively toward satisfactory outcomes.
• Track complaint-resolution performance and help maintain consistent service levels across supported jurisdictions.
• Meet regularly with government and community stakeholders to communicate network plans, infrastructure initiatives, and project objectives while building local support.
• Establish and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, economic development councils, community organizations, residents, and businesses.
• Work directly with residents and businesses to resolve concerns associated with construction activities and develop practical solutions that address stakeholder and project needs.
• Support active network build areas by coordinating with cities, counties, and communities and addressing issues as they arise.
• Lead and manage projects and tasks while coordinating cross-functional resources and maintaining critical deadlines.
• Monitor evolving government, public policy, permitting, infrastructure, broadband, and telecommunications issues that may affect network deployment.
• Apply strong judgment, problem-solving, communication, and partnership skills when handling sensitive or publicly visible matters.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred, with relevant training or experience potentially considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3–5 years of experience in a customer-support-focused environment.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with local governments, public works departments, utilities, 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 multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience implementing public policy or compliance requirements.
• Extensive relationships across state and local government networks.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure stakeholder engagement, municipal coordination, and community issue resolution.
• Ability to lead projects and manage multiple tasks while effectively representing an infrastructure organization in public and community settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to residents, businesses, government officials, community groups, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, confidentiality, responsiveness, and professional judgment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, partnership, and collaboration capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work, manage changing schedules, and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and business needs while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record required.
• Telecommunications industry experience is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with state, county, and municipal officials on infrastructure projects, right-of-way management, or public utility coordination is preferred.
• Knowledge of outside plant and operations teams is an advantage.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local broadband and telecommunications issues is preferred.
• Knowledge of municipal public works processes, utility permitting workflows, and fiber or infrastructure deployment requirements is beneficial.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; sponsorship is not available.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds and perform periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, or stooping as required.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment background screening; drug screening may also be required.

Benefits

• Base salary of $85,000–$120,000 USD annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Quarterly performance bonus opportunity.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• Paid sick leave and paid time off.
• Parental leave.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Education reimbursement programs.
• Fully remote work arrangement.
• Opportunity to support major fiber infrastructure expansion and community connectivity initiatives.
• Exposure to local government relations, public works, permitting, right-of-way, utilities, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Cross-functional collaboration with network, field operations, marketing, and other business teams.
• High-visibility stakeholder role with opportunities to build relationships across government and community organizations.
• Environment emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, innovation, continuous improvement, and trust.
• Accommodation support for qualified individuals with disabilities.