Community Relations Manager

Job Summary

Join a company that fosters career growth through formal job training and strategic leadership development programs. The amazing career opportunities at Hunter Communications are fueled by our rapidly expanding, state‑of‑the‑art fiber internet and world‑class customer service. At Hunter Communications, all employees are provided a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, an employee assistance program, vacation, sick, and holiday time off, a 401k program with an employer match, a 529 college savings match, and a bonus opportunity.

• Serve as Hunter’s primary community representative within the Salem market
• Develop and execute a Salem‑specific community engagement strategy aligned with Hunter’s growth and expansion plans.
• Identify key stakeholders, influencers, and decision‑makers across the local market and establish consistent, proactive engagement.
• Provide executive leadership with insight into local dynamics, risks, competitive activity, and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with city and county officials, planning and permitting departments, economic development leaders, Chamber of Commerce and business groups, school districts, workforce partners, HOAs, neighborhood associations, and community‑based nonprofits.
• Represent Hunter at chamber meetings, civic forums, public hearings, economic development events, and other strategic community events.
• Serve as a trusted local point of contact for community‑related questions and concerns.
• Educate community leaders, businesses, and residents about Hunter’s fiber network, construction timelines, service availability, and long‑term economic impact.
• Support clear and proactive communication regarding construction activity and expansion efforts.
• Address concerns professionally and reinforce Hunter’s reputation as a reliable, community‑first infrastructure partner.
• Partner with Marketing to elevate local storytelling that highlights Hunter’s investment in Salem.
• Leverage local relationships to support neighborhood expansion, commercial development access, multi‑dwelling opportunities, and public‑private partnerships.
• Collaborate with Sales, Construction, Operations, and Marketing to ensure aligned messaging and coordinated outreach efforts.
• Help remove barriers and accelerate market entry through relationship‑based influence.
• Identify and recommend high‑impact sponsor ships and partnerships aligned with Hunter’s brand and values.
• Ensure Hunter maintains a meaningful, strategic presence in Salem, prioritizing influence and measurable impact over volume‑based event participation.
• Track engagement activity and measure effectiveness against defined growth and relationship goals.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Administration, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience – Minimum of 5 years of experience in community engagement, public affairs, economic development, government relations, or relationship‑based business development. Working knowledge of local marketing principles and ability to connect community presence to subscriber acquisition and brand awareness. Established professional network within the Salem region strongly preferred. Strong understanding of local government processes and community dynamics. Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
  
  Ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with executive leadership strategy. Demonstrated ability to translate community presence into measurable business outcomes.
• Skills & Abilities – Strong leadership and team development capabilities. Financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and KPI performance management. General understanding of marketing strategy and execution, with the ability to align community partnerships, events, and outreach efforts with overall marketing goals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage employees, executives, customers, and community stakeholders. Strategic thinking paired with strong operational…