Government Affairs Lead - Broadband Deployment

Surf Internet; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Internet is seeking a Government Affairs Manager to serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and regional government stakeholders to support broadband deployment. You will build relationships with municipalities, counties, townships, public officials, and regulatory agencies to facilitate permitting and right-of-way access.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Legal, and Operations teams to address external challenges, advocate for broadband expansion, and represent Surf Internet

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.

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.
• Coordinate communications with local governments regarding construction schedules, restoration efforts, traffic impacts, and project milestones.
• Support the negotiation and execution of right-of-way agreements, market license agreements, and partnership opportunities.
• Assist in resolving government concerns and escalations related to construction activities.
• Support of grant-funded broadband expansion projects.
• Promote Surf Internet's mission of expanding broadband access and educate officials about benefits of infrastructure investment.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public speaking

Relationship management

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Surf Internet is seeking a Government Affairs Manager to serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and regional government stakeholders to support broadband deployment. You will build relationships with municipalities, counties, townships, public officials, and regulatory agencies to facilitate permitting and right-of-way access.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Legal, and Operations teams to address external challenges, advocate for broadband expansion, and represent Surf Internet