Director, Local Government Relations

Ziply Fiber•Berwyn, IL

1d•$139,400 - $197,700

About The Position

Ziply Fiber is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to direct a team of Local Government Relations Managers supporting multiple states. Reporting to the Vice President – Regulatory and External Affairs, this role supports fiber market expansion by building and maintaining relationships with municipal public works departments, government leaders, community leaders, residents, businesses, and internal departments. The Director provides local intelligence about municipal expectations, regulations, specifications, and laws to help inform successful fiber expansion and support the company’s image and reputation. The Director defines and leads multi-year local government relations strategy aligned with fiber expansion and operational goals, translating it into annual plans, budgets, and measurable objectives. The role monitors and responds to proposed local ordinances, fees, and regulations affecting fiber deployment, and oversees negotiation, renewal, and compliance tracking for franchise, right-of-way, and permitting agreements. It also leads and develops a multi-state team, partners across company functions, and coordinates responses to significant community or government issues. The position requires regular travel across the multi-state service territory, including attendance at evening or weekend council, commission, and community meetings as needed. Work is primarily performed in a modern office setting and includes extensive computer use. The role requires current U.S. work authorization; sponsorship is not available. A pre-employment background check is required, and a drug screening may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business, communications, law, or a related field, or equivalent experience in local government relations, government affairs, or telecommunications.
At least seven years of progressive local government relations experience, including permitting, right-of-way, and franchise matters.
At least five years of people leadership experience directing, coaching, and developing a team, including leading managers and multi-state or multi-jurisdiction teams.
Demonstrated knowledge of and hands-on experience with state and local broadband and telecommunications policy and regulatory issues.
Demonstrated experience implementing public policy and compliance programs.
Experience in the telecommunications industry or public utilities.
Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks while effectively representing Ziply Fiber.
Willingness to travel regularly across the multi-state service territory and attend evening or weekend meetings as needed.
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment on jurisdictional, regulatory, and franchise matters.
Ability to manage multiple jurisdictions and meet critical deadlines as priorities and schedules change.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to provide excellent service to municipal officials, community leaders, and internal partners.
Currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer; sponsorship is not available.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds and periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, or stooping.

Responsibilities

Define and lead multi-year local government relations strategy aligned to fiber market expansion and operational goals across multiple states; translate strategy into annual plans, budgets, and measurable objectives.
Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed local ordinances, fees, and regulations affecting fiber deployment; prepare public comments and briefing materials.
Direct, develop, and scale a multi-state team of Local Government Relations Managers and specialists; set goals and KPIs, coach for performance, and foster accountability and continuous improvement.
Partner with Network/Outside Plant, Construction, Field Operations, Marketing, Legal/Regulatory, and Brand/Communications to support build readiness, issue resolution, consistent messaging, and positive community outcomes.
Oversee negotiation, renewal, and compliance tracking for franchise, right-of-way, and permitting agreements with municipalities; maintain records of jurisdictional requirements, terms, and key dates.
Serve as an escalation point for high-profile community or government issues, coordinate multidisciplinary responses, and elevate major matters to senior leadership for decisions.
Partner with Communications on media strategy and with Legal/Regulatory on sensitive matters.
Perform other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.
Travel regularly across the multi-state service territory and attend council, commission, and community meetings, including evening or weekend meetings as needed.
Maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.