Job Summary:

i3 Broadband is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as Director of Community Affairs Northern Illinois. This individual will bring strong knowledge of state and local government operations, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute across multiple initiatives. The role requires a self-starter who can manage complex projects, foster strong municipal partnerships, and help guide the company’s growth into new markets.

Because of our current and future expansion strategy, the ideal candidate will be based in the Chicago suburban region and will bring either extensive existing relationships with municipal leaders, community organizations, and regional stakeholders, or the demonstrated ability to quickly network and build them. The Director will also serve as a public-facing representative of i3 Broadband on select occasions, engaging with community groups, local media, and other public forums.

Key Responsibilities:

This critical leadership position will:

1. Cultivate and manage municipal relationships — Strengthen our presence by developing structured engagement plans with suburban municipalities, leveraging existing or newly built relationships, and ensuring consistent follow-through.
2. Oversee project follow-up and completion — Track, monitor, and coordinate with municipalities to drive timely completion of current projects, maintaining detailed records of status and next steps.
3. Lead market development planning — Support the identification, due diligence, and structured evaluation of potential new markets across the region to enable efficient, data-driven expansion.
4. Plan and execute market entry strategies — Negotiate and communicate with municipalities to build local support (“bearhug”) and align launch efforts with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Provide executive-level reporting — Prepare clear, well-organized reports and updates for the C-Level team and Board of Directors, ensuring decision-makers have accurate and timely information.
6. Represent i3 Broadband in the community — Participate in local and regional organizations, expanding the company’s presence while proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
7. Serve as a public spokesperson when needed — Occasionally represent i3 Broadband in media appearances (radio, news, or television) and community forums, delivering clear, professional, and well-prepared messaging.
8. Coordinate across teams — Support management in developing strategies, aligning priorities, and maintaining strong relationships with governmental officials and regional partners.

This role requires exceptional organizational discipline, the ability to juggle competing priorities, and the foresight to anticipate obstacles while keeping projects on track. Some travel and occasional extended hours are required in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Prior experience in an entrepreneurial environment where responsibilities spanned beyond a narrowly defined role is preferred.
• Existing, well-established relationships with municipal officials and community leaders in the Chicago suburban region, or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop and expand such networks.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and planning abilities, with a demonstrated record of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in environments involving state and local government operations/regulatory functions.
• Ability to develop and execute structured engagement strategies with both internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to differing priorities, especially when working with governmental officials.
• Excellent presentation skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfortable with public engagement, including occasional participation in media interviews or public forums.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods, working at a computer up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate personal computers, copy machines, telephones, and other standard office equipment. 
• Work is performed in a professional office environment, with frequent travel to suburban municipalities and community meetings throughout the region, and possible travel outside of the Chicagoland region.
• The role requires flexibility in scheduling, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate municipal schedules, community events, or urgent project needs.
• Work is conducted in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities may shift quickly.

Equal Opportunity:

i3 Broadband is an equal-opportunity workplace that respects the diversity of our customer base and our team. We will treat customers, employees, and applicants fairly without regard for gender, race, age, or any other characteristics protected by law. Our employment decisions are made on the basis of qualification, merit, and business need.