Government Affairs Manager

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with municipal leaders, county officials, township representatives, public works departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as Surf Internet's primary point of contact for government-related matters associated with fiber deployment projects.
• Attend municipal meetings, county commissioner meetings, township board meetings, planning commission meetings, and public hearings as required.
• Cook up communications with local governments regarding construction schedules, restoration efforts, traffic impacts, and project milestones.
• Cook up communications with local governments regarding construction schedules, restoration efforts, traffic impacts, and project milestones.
• Cook up communications with local governments regarding construction schedules, restoration efforts, traffic impacts, and project milestones.
• Aid in negotiating and executing right-of-way agreements, market license agreements, and partnership opportunities.
• Aid in resolving government concerns and escalations related to construction activities.
• Aid in supporting grant-funded broadband expansion projects.
• Promote Surf Internet's mission of expanding broadband access throughout underserved and unserved communities.
• Build partnerships with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community stakeholders.
• Represent Surf Internet at community events, public forums, trade associations, and industry meetings.
• Educate government officials and community leaders about the benefits of broadband infrastructure investment.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement plans for major construction projects.
• Monitor local and state regulatory developments that may impact broadband deployment activities.
• Aid in permit escalations and coordination efforts when projects encounter governmental obstacles.
• Maintain awareness of municipal ordinances, permitting requirements, and broadband-related regulations.
• Aid in compliance documentation as required.
• Serve as a liaison between Surf Internet and homeowners associations, neighborhood groups, businesses, and community leaders.
• Aid in addressing community concerns related to construction, restoration, and project impacts.
• Cook up communication efforts for major project announcements and community outreach initiatives.
• Partner with Construction, Engineering, Operations, Legal, Permitting, and Customer Care teams to identify and address stakeholder concerns.
• Provide updates to leadership regarding municipal relationships, political risks, and potential barriers to project execution.
• Aid in strategic planning for market expansion opportunities.
• Work alongside marketing for construction, events and sponsorships.
• Aid and support the market managers in maintaining market relationships and customer take rate (penetration).
• Aid and support the Director of Special Funding and grants teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in government affairs, community relations, public policy, telecommunications, utilities, construction, or infrastructure-related fields.
• Experience interacting with government officials and public agencies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently throughout service territories.