Community Relations Specialist

Community Relations Specialist Department: Sales & Marketing Reports To: Sr. Director, Marketing Location: El Centro, CA POSITION SUMMARY The Community Relations Specialist will drive community engagement strategies across active, new, and proposed fiber markets in California. This is a key role for developing Vero’s Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) business and the successful candidate will act as a trusted liaison between Vero Fiber and the communities we serve, lead engagement initiatives, and help build a scalable, best-in-class community relations function. This is a high-impact role offering significant growth potential as Vero Fiber continues to expand across multiple regions. RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the lead community liaison, managing communications and relationship strategies for active deployment markets as well as new and prospective market entries. Lead the planning and execution of community engagement initiatives within local markets, including town halls, Chamber of Commerce meetings, civic group presentations, open houses, and community events. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including construction, engineering, and operations to stay ahead of build activities and proactively inform communities. Develop and help manage multi-channel communication strategies (in-person, digital, social media) to maintain transparency and strengthen Vero’s local presence. Monitor community sentiment, track recurring issues, and escalate key concerns to leadership, providing strategic recommendations for maintaining public trust and brand integrity. Own the management of a centralized hotline and community support inbox, ensuring all resident/community inquiries and concerns are addressed or escalated within established SLAs (generally 72 hours). Coordinate the resolution of construction-related community concerns (e.g., property damage, traffic access issues) by working across internal departments and ensuring satisfactory outcomes. Maintain and grow an active online community presence, regularly posting updates, responding to concerns, and advertising community engagement opportunities. Support strategic new market entry by identifying and building relationships with community leaders, civic groups, and local influencers ahead of deployment. Assist in standardizing templates, playbooks, and communications tools to enhance the consistency and quality of community engagement across all markets. Provide regular executive reporting on community outreach activities, public sentiment, issue resolution metrics, and strategic recommendations. Travel regularly within assigned markets to attend meetings, engage with communities, and manage events; occasional travel to other Vero regions is expected (travel will vary depending market expansions/launches and seasonality). REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 2-5 + years of experience in community relations, public affairs, customer engagement, or related fields, preferably supporting infrastructure or telecommunications projects Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and community groups Ability to independently prioritize, manage multiple active markets, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment Strong customer service orientation with demonstrated conflict resolution skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, SharePoint, Excel) and social media community engagement tool Must be fluent in English and Spanish, both written and verbal. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in broadband, telecommunications, or utilities industries Prior experience launching and scaling community relations initiatives across multiple regions Familiarity with local government, HOA structures, and civic engagement practices Experience with CRM & Marketing Automation tools (Hubspot, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc.) JOB DETAILS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This role requires moderate to extensive travel depending on market expansions/launches and seasonality. Moderate travel up to 25% of the time requires the ability to travel regularly for activities such as out-of-town meetings, trainings, projects, and outreach activities. Extensive travel up to 50%, may be required: Able to travel to various locations to perform job duties and meet with clients, partners, and other stakeholders. Travel schedules may be predictable or variable depending on the project. This position may require you to take short trips, longer trips, or extended stays, depending on the needs of the project. This position is located in Southern CA, and you must live within 30 miles of El Centro, CA. This is an exempt position. This is a full-time position. This is a staff position. The schedule for this position is variable and may require night or weekend availability as needed to fulfill the core duties of the role. This position requires the ability to lift and carry heavy equipment or materials, up to 50 lbs. This position requires the ability to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment. This position requires the ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as typing or using a mouse, for extended periods of time COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $70,000 – $80,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity. 4 Medical plans with employer contributions for employees and dependents Dental and Vision insurance Life Insurance and AD&D Voluntary Life Insurance Disability Insurance 401(k) retirement plan + employer match 15 PTO days, 9 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays ABOUT VERO Vero Fiber was formed to fill a need in unserviceable and underserved communities where access to affordable, reliable broadband simply does not exist. Our goal is to bring the highest quality fiber optic-based broadband services to these communities. In addition, Vero strives to enhance communities by becoming an active partner in these communities by adding jobs, supporting local causes, and helping improve the connectivity of schools and rural healthcare as well. NOTICES Vero participates in E-Verify. Vero will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information about E-Verify, please visit: www.e-verify.gov This position requires the ability to pass a standard background check upon offer of position. At least 2 professional references are required. Pre-Employment Screening Requirement for this Safety Sensitive Role At Vero Fiber, our commitment to a safe, healthy, and productive work environment is paramount. All offers of employment are contingent upon candidates successfully completing a pre-employment drug screen in compliance with our company policy. Drug Screen Requirement Details: As a part of the hiring process for this position, you will be required to: Accept a Conditional Offer of Employment. Successfully Pass a Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Drug Test before your official start date. This requirement is strictly administered under the guidelines of the Vero Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy and Procedure to ensure a safe workplace, free from the effects of substance abuse, as outlined in our commitment to safety. Important Policy Notes: Substances Tested: The screening will test for a range of substances and their metabolites, including (but not limited to) Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, and PCP. Marijuana (THC) is not tested in pre-employment screens. Failure to pass the required drug screen or refusal to comply with testing procedures will result in the offer of employment being rescinded. We encourage all applicants to review the full policy upon request for a complete understanding of our standards. Safety-Sensitive Roles: This requirement applies to all applicants seeking employment. If this role is defined as Safety-Sensitive (involving risk of injury or harm to the general public), be aware that subsequent Random Testing and Post-Accident Testing will be conditions of continued employment. Marijuana (THC) is tested in Post-Accident and Random Testing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Vero Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] to request one. Vero Fiber