Director, Local Government Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Director, Local Government Relations

Base Salary: $139,400 to $197,700 annually DOE

Bonus: Target annual bonus

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending account, paid sick leave and paid time off, parental leave, quarterly performance bonus, training, career growth and education reimbursement programs.

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the communities we serve. We offer the fastest home internet in the nation, a refreshingly great customer experience, and affordable plans that put customers in charge. 

As our state-of-the-art fiber network expands, so does our need for team members who can help us grow and realize our goals.  

Our Company Values:  

• Genuinely Caring:  We treat customers and colleagues like neighbors, with empathy and full attention. 
  

• Empowering You:  We help customers choose what is best for them, and we support employees in implementing new ideas and solutions. 
  

• Innovation and Improvement:  We constantly seek ways to improve how we serve customers and each other.  
  

• Earning Your Trust:  We build trust through clear, honest, human communication. 
  

Job Summary

Ziply Fiber is seeking an experienced, strategic leader who will lead a capable team of Local Government Relations Managers who are experts at conveying complex information and ideas across multiple jurisdictions with a wide variety of opportunities to find success. Our Director, Local Government Relations will support multiple states in a collaborative team environment under the supervision of the Vice President – Regulatory and External Affairs.

Your team is an integral part of Ziply Fiber’s success in fiber market expansion through building and maintaining strong relationships with municipal public works departments, municipal government leadership and other community leaders, residents, businesses, and internal departments to ensure the organization's interests are represented.

Internally, this Director will provide local intelligence of various municipal expectations, regulations, specifications and laws to inform fiber market expansion success. The Director of Local Government Relations works extensively across many of Ziply Fiber’s departments focused on municipal government and resident/business to positively impact the company’s image and reputation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed below are a range of duties performed by the employee and not intended to reflect all duties performed.

Strategy and Policy Advocacy

•           Define and lead the 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 that affect fiber deployment; prepare public comments and briefing materials.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership

·        Direct, develop, and scale a multi-state team of Local Government Relations Managers and specialists; set goals and KPIs, coach for performance, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

·        Partner closely with Network/Outside Plant, Construction, Field Operations, Marketing, Legal/Regulatory, and Brand/Communications to ensure build readiness, timely issue resolution, consistent messaging, and positive community outcomes.

Franchise Agreements and Issues Management

·        Oversee negotiation, renewal, and compliance tracking for franchise, right-of-way, and permitting agreements with municipalities; maintain a central record of jurisdictional requirements, terms, and key dates.

·        Serve as an escalation point for high-profile community or government issues, coordinating the multi-disciplinary response and elevating major matters to senior leadership for decision; partner with Communications on media strategy and with Legal/Regulatory on sensitive matters.

Other Duties

·        Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization .

Required Position Competencies:

• Strategic leadership - Demonstrated ability to set vision, establish multi‑year plans, and convert strategy into executable roadmaps with clear KPIs and outcomes.
  
• Executive communication and influence - Polished, persuasive communicator with experience briefing C‑suite and public officials; adept at simplifying complexity, negotiating alignment, and managing high‑stakes conversations.
  
• Government affairs expertise - Deep knowledge of local government processes related to permitting, right‑of‑way, inspections, and pole attachment/joint‑use; proven success improving timelines and standardizing practices across jurisdictions.
  

• People leadership - Track record building and leading multi‑state teams; coaching, performance management, and talent development with an emphasis on accountability and engagement.
  
• Stakeholder and relationship management: Proven ability to build durable, trust-based relationships with community, public, and government leaders and staff.
  
• Negotiation and conflict resolution - Skilled in negotiating agreements and resolving escalations with municipalities, utilities, and third parties under time and reputational pressure.
  
• Risk and crisis management - Ability to anticipate risks, develop mitigation plans, and lead coordinated responses to protect operations and brand.
  
• Program and project leadership - Ability to orchestrate complex, cross-functional initiatives with clear milestones and accountability.
  
• Analytical and policy skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ordinances, franchise agreements, regulations, and contracts, and to translate them into clear guidance for internal teams.
  

Required Qualifications:

·        High school diploma or GED.

·        Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business, communications, law, or a related field required, or equivalent experience in local government relations, government affairs, or telecommunications.

·        Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in local government relations, including permitting, right-of-way, and franchise matters.

·        Minimum of five (5) years of people leadership experience direc