Municipal Relations Manager - Telecom and Utilities (Greater Chicago Area)

Municipal Relations Manager

Location: Illinois

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Industry: Telecommunications / Utilities

Position Overview

We are hiring a Municipal Relations Manager on behalf of our client, a growing telecommunications provider expanding its fiber broadband network throughout Illinois.

This position will serve as a key liaison between the organization and local municipalities, public works departments, and community stakeholders. The primary focus will be building municipal relationships, coordinating solutions to right-of-way (ROW) and permitting challenges, and resolving issues that could delay infrastructure construction. The ideal candidate will have a background in telecommunications or utilities, with experience navigating municipal processes, resolving construction-related challenges, and working collaboratively with local government officials and internal project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Municipal and Government Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with mayors, city council members, county commissioners, township officials, public works departments, and other municipal representatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government-related matters associated with fiber infrastructure projects.
• Attend municipal meetings, planning commission meetings, township board meetings, and public hearings as needed.
• Support the coordination of market license agreements, right-of-way agreements, and municipal partnerships.
• Monitor local government requirements, ordinances, and regulatory developments affecting infrastructure deployment.

Right-of-Way, Permitting, and Construction Coordination

• Partner with Construction, Engineering, Permitting, and Operations teams to resolve challenges affecting fiber deployment.
• Coordinate with municipalities to address ROW issues, utility easements, permitting delays, and construction-related disputes.
• Help resolve concerns involving construction activities, traffic disruptions, property restoration, and public infrastructure.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and government agencies to minimize project delays.
• Identify potential municipal obstacles and coordinate solutions before they impact construction schedules.

Community Relations and Market Expansion

• Build relationships with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Address concerns from residents, businesses, and neighborhood organizations related to construction activities.
• Represent the organization at community events, public forums, and industry meetings.
• Support expansion into new municipalities by establishing relationships and coordinating local requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams on market development, broadband adoption, and grant-funded infrastructure projects.
• Provide leadership with updates regarding municipal relationships, project risks, and potential construction delays.

Required Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in telecommunications, utilities, municipal relations, or infrastructure development.
• Experience working within the telecommunications or utility industry, preferably supporting infrastructure construction or network expansion.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with municipalities, public works departments, and government officials to resolve right-of-way, permitting, or construction-related issues.
• Understanding of municipal permitting processes, utility easements, ROW requirements, and local government operations.
• Strong relationship management, negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable representing an organization in meetings with municipal officials and community stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout assigned Illinois territories.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting fiber broadband deployment, outside plant (OSP) construction, or utility infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with market license agreements, municipal franchise agreements, and right-of-way processes.
• Established relationships with Illinois municipal officials or public works departments.
• Knowledge of local and state regulations affecting telecommunications or utility infrastructure.
• Familiarity with broadband expansion initiatives and government-funded infrastructure projects.

*If the application for this position prompts you to respond to a question with number of years, e.g., your number of years of relevant work experience, please enter ‘30’ if your answer is 30 years or more. Please be aware that we are acting as a recruitment partner for one of our clients in this search.*