Government Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Overview 

The Government Affairs Manager serves as the primary liaison between Surf Internet and local, state, and regional government stakeholders to support the successful deployment of broadband and fiber infrastructure projects. 

This role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with municipalities, counties, townships, public officials, economic development organizations, and regulatory agencies to facilitate permitting, right-of-way access, community engagement, and broadband expansion initiatives. The position works closely with Engineering, Construction, Permitting, Legal, and Operations teams to proactively identify and resolve external challenges that could impact project schedules and customer experience. 

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, relationship builder, and problem solver who can represent the company professionally while navigating political, regulatory, and community environments. 

Reports To: Director of Business Development and Community Relations  

Department: Business Development 

Job Status: Exempt 

Responsibilities:

Government & Municipal Relations 

• 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. 

Broadband Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Promote Surf Internet's mission of expanding broadband access throughout underserved and unserved communities. 

• Build partnerships with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community stakeholders. 

• Represent Surf Internet at community events, public forums, trade associations, and industry meetings. 

• Educate government officials and community leaders about the benefits of broadband infrastructure investment. 

• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement plans for major construction projects. 

Regulatory & Permitting Support 

• Monitor local and state regulatory developments that may impact broadband deployment activities. 

• Assist with permit escalations and coordination efforts when projects encounter governmental obstacles. 

• Maintain awareness of municipal ordinances, permitting requirements, and broadband-related regulations. 

• Support compliance documentation as required. 

Community Relations 

• Serve as a liaison between Surf Internet and homeowners associations, neighborhood groups, businesses, and community leaders. 

• Assist in addressing community concerns related to construction, restoration, and project impacts. 

• Coordinate communication efforts for major project announcements and community outreach initiatives. 

• Help ensure stakeholders receive timely and accurate project information. 

Internal Collaboration 

• Partner with Construction, Engineering, Operations, Legal, Permitting, and Customer Care teams to identify and address stakeholder concerns. 

• Provide updates to leadership regarding municipal relationships, political risks, and potential barriers to project execution. 

• Assist with strategic planning for market expansion opportunities. 

• Work alongside marketing for construction, events and sponsorships. 

• Assist and support the market managers in maintaining market relationships and customer take rate (penetration).  

• Support the Director of Special Funding and grants teams 

Required 

• 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. 

Preferred 

• Broadband, telecommunications, utility, or infrastructure experience. 

• Knowledge of permitting, right-of-way processes, and municipal government operations. 

• Familiarity with state and federal broadband grant programs. 

• Experience working in public affairs, economic development, or community engagement roles.