Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.  

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!  

We are looking for a Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager to join our growing team! In this role, you will play a critical role in advancing Brightspeed’s broadband deployment and business objectives through strategic engagement with state and local government officials, community leaders, and key stakeholders. You will support fiber expansion initiatives by facilitating permitting, resolving government-related issues, and strengthening Brightspeed’s presence and reputation within the communities it serves. You will also contribute to advocacy efforts, community outreach, and cross-functional coordination to enable successful execution of the company’s broadband strategy. You will need to be based in the Jefferson City, MO area to be considered for this position.

As Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with state and local government officials, broadband offices, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to support Brightspeed’s broadband deployment and operational priorities
• Engage local governments and municipalities to facilitate fiber network expansion, including navigating permitting processes, addressing regulatory requirements, and resolving deployment-related issues
• Serve as a primary liaison between government entities and internal teams, including Network Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Legal, Real Estate, and Corporate Communications, to resolve issues and support business initiatives
• Support broadband grant initiatives by coordinating community outreach, strengthening relationships with broadband offices, and assisting in advocacy efforts aligned with funding opportunities
• Partner with sales and go-to-market teams, including SLED and Door-to-Door channels, to support market entry, community engagement, and business growth objectives
• Develop and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and community groups to enhance Brightspeed’s reputation and community presence
• Support construction and operational teams by helping resolve permitting, right-of-way, and buried service wire issues impacting broadband deployment timelines
• Monitor state and local legislative and regulatory developments related to telecommunications and broadband and assess potential business impact
• Support public messaging and communications efforts by coordinating with Corporate Communications to ensure alignment with Brightspeed’s brand and strategic priorities
• Contribute to government affairs strategy, planning, and execution to advance Brightspeed’s policy, regulatory, and operational objectives

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Government Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, community relations, public affairs, or a related field
• Based in the Jefferson City, MO area 
• Experience working with state or local government agencies, elected officials, or public sector stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of state and local government processes, permitting, and regulatory environments
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse audiences
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex business and technical information clearly
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business communication tools
• Travel is required, primarily by car, within Brightspeed’s local service footprint to visit the markets the company serves

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• Experience in the telecommunications, broadband, cable, or related infrastructure industry
• Knowledge of broadband deployment, permitting, regulatory frameworks, and public funding programs
• Experience supporting broadband grants, public funding initiatives, or infrastructure deployment projects
• Established relationships with state or local government officials within Brightspeed’s service footprint
• Experience in public policy implementation, community engagement, or public affairs strategy

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WHY JOIN US?

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real. 

When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected] to initiate the accommodations process. 

For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:  

• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice