Local Government Relations Manager

Company Overview

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the communities it serves. It offers the fastest home internet in the nation, a refreshingly great customer experience, and affordable plans that put customers in charge. As the state‑of‑the‑art fiber network expands, the company seeks team members who can help grow and realize its goals.

• Genuinely Caring: Treat customers and colleagues like neighbors, with empathy and full attention.
• Empowering You: Help customers choose what is best for them, and support employees in implementing new ideas and solutions.
• Innovation and Improvement: Constantly seek ways to improve how we serve customers and each other.
• Earning Your Trust: Build trust through clear, honest, human communication.

Job Summary

The Local Government Relations Manager supports Ziply Fiber’s network expansion by building strong relationships with local governments, public works departments, utilities, and community leaders. This role serves as a key liaison across multiple jurisdictions, helping navigate permitting, right‑of‑way, construction coordination, and community issues. It also provides critical local insight to internal teams to support timely project execution and maintain positive community partnerships, strengthening Ziply Fiber’s presence and reputation as a collaborative, community‑focused infrastructure partner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Issue Resolution: Continuously engage with local leadership (FDC, Field Ops, Marketing) to ensure issues are attended to timely and professionally; support resolution of right‑of‑way, permitting, pole attachment/joint use, and similar issues with states, counties, cities, and third parties; track complaint resolution performance and maintain consistent service levels.
• Community and Government Relations: Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key community, public, and government officials; meet regularly with mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and administrators to articulate the company’s vision and obtain support for initiatives; act as principal contact for the Network Operations team on local government issues.
• Stakeholder and Business Engagement: Establish and maintain relationships with local chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and community groups; work with residents and businesses to resolve construction‑related issues and create win‑win solutions.
• Construction and Build Area Support: Collaborate with city/county and community stakeholders for active build areas, ensuring issues are addressed as they arise.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.

Required Position Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Resolve conflict, maintain confidentiality, listen actively, keep emotions under control, respond promptly to resident/business needs, solicit feedback, and meet commitments with high integrity.
• Managing People: Include team in planning and decision‑making, develop team skills, prioritize and plan work activities, set goals, provide regular performance feedback, and make self‑available to others.
• Communication: Write and speak clearly and persuasively in both positive and negative situations; present information effectively to individuals and small groups; demonstrate strong group presentation skills and active participation in meetings.
• Strong problem‑solving, partnership, and collaboration abilities; extensive portfolio of relationships across state and local government.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3–5 years of experience in a customer‑support‑centric 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.
• Public policy/compliance implementation experience.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Ability to lead and manage projects while effectively representing Ziply Fiber.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or relevant training/experience in lieu of degree).
• Experience in the telecom industry.
• Experience collaborating with state, county, and municipal officials on infrastructure projects, right‑of‑way management, or public utilities coordination.
• Knowledge of operations and outside‑plant teams.
• Familiarity with federal, state, local, broadband, and telecommunications issues.
• Understanding of municipal public works processes, utility permitting workflows, and coordination requirements for fiber or infrastructure deployment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Work independently and apply sound judgment to varied situations.
• Multi‑task and collaborate effectively to meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work within critical deadlines and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Provide excellent customer service.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: $76,500 to $108,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Flexible spending account.
• Paid sick leave and paid time off.
• Parental leave.
• Quarterly performance bonus.
• Training, career growth, and education reimbursement programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, stoop, sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods; most time spent sitting with frequent opportunities to move.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Office setting with extensive use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi‑line telephone system.
• Primarily a modern office environment.
• Employees must maintain Ziply Fiber as their primary employer; outside employment requires written approval.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Sponsorship is not available for this position.