Director of Government Affairs

Director of Government Affairs | Ripple Fiber 

We are looking for a Director of Government Affairs to join our growing team. This position can be based in Illinois or Michigan and will require travel to other markets as needed. 

About Ripple Fiber

At Ripple Fiber, we deliver more than high-speed internet. We’re creating a ripple effect by producing opportunities and brighter futures for the residents of the communities we serve. Join America’s most innovative, industry-leading fiber internet company, and help shape the future. 

We believe the biggest wave starts as a ripple. 

About our culture 

We are a dynamic fast growing, fast paced, innovative company filled with ambitious, self-starters with entrepreneurial mindsets. We are people centric and place emphasis on employee experience, career growth and development. 

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Government Affairs Director to join our team. This position involves working with elected officials, government agencies, regulators, and key stakeholders at both the state and local level to move the company’s policy and business goals forward. This position will also work closely with the SVP of Public Affairs and VP of Analytics to assess new market areas and initiate engagement efforts with communities and municipalities to facilitate project activities. This position is for our Michigan and Illinois markets. 

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and implementation of Ripple Fiber’s overall public policy and government affairs strategy.
• Represent the company before county/municipal governments and planning departments to identify requirements for fiber deployment projects in new market areas and ongoing network management.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local governments, administrators, and elected officials.
• Monitor legislative activity related to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), particularly related to grant programs.
• Work with Director of Broadband Grants & Initiative to identify and assess available federal and state grant programs to support fiber optic infrastructure projects.
• Support grant proposal preparation as needed with a focus on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
• Attend relevant industry and state/local chamber events and conferences to maintain a strong understanding of broadband related issues.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience working in government affairs, preferably in Telecommunications.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) with company match, and a supportive work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. If you’re passionate about making a difference and being part of a community-focused company, Ripple Fiber is the place for you.  

Ripple Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Ripple Fiber is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.