Associate Manager - Business Development

Overview

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

Play a key role in bringing high‑speed fiber connectivity to communities. As the Associate Manager–Business Development, you’ll help build and strengthen strategic relationships with municipal leaders, community stakeholders, and internal teams to support fiber expansion across multiple jurisdictions.

Reporting to the Manager–Business Development within Government and Regulatory Affairs, you’ll provide critical local regulatory insight, coordinate cross‑functional efforts to enable market entry, and serve as a visible representative of TDS with public officials, businesses, and residents. This is an opportunity to influence how communities grow and stay connected—combining relationship‑building, strategic thinking, and public engagement in a fast‑evolving industry.

The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills and experience spanning business development, government relations, community affairs, or telecommunications, along with a passion for collaboration and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Manager-Business Development in initiating and managing ongoing collaboration with municipal leadership, public works and permitting teams, and community organizations to represent TDS Telecom and support fiber market expansion.
• Build, track, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including public officials, community and business leaders, and the general public, while regularly reporting municipal progress and performance to senior leadership.
• Coordinate presentations, documentation, and internal resources to ensure accurate and comprehensive information is shared with local communities, including gathering detailed input from internal subject matter experts across TDS Telecom and TDS Corporate.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance TDS’s visibility and reputation with local governments and communities
• Proactively address issues before, during, and after construction, including permitting, restoration, and resident concerns, to keep projects on track. Organize and facilitate meetings with key stakeholders to resolve conflicts and address areas of uncertainty.
• Collaborate closely with the GRA team, Engineering & Construction, external consultants and contractors, and municipal public works and engineering departments.
• Coordinate with internal and external legal teams to support issue resolution in compliance with local ordinances and franchise requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of community campaign strategies for review and approval by senior leadership.
• Formulate key assumptions in concert with operation teams.
• Participate in multi-departmental cross-functional teams (Marketing, Sales, GRA, Network).
• Prepare presentation material for community approvals.
• Develop and report on metrics that track success and prepare post-implementation reviews of community buildouts.
• Provide local market and competitive intelligence to inform new market entry decisions.
• Represent TDS at state and local FTTH focused association events to build relationships and identify future business development opportunities.

Qualifications

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4 years professional work experience.
• 4 years’ government relations, public relations, product management, product development, financial analysis or marketing or business development experience.

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in sales and in representing a company’s value proposition with credibility and influence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to persuade stakeholders and sell ideas.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and execution skills; able to mobilize resources and manage multiple priorities to achieve results.
• Solid understanding of industry trends and key business drivers.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of government relations, particularly at the state and local levels.
• Proven ability to collaborate across diverse functions, backgrounds, and seniority levels while maintaining positive relationships.
• Ability to translate abstract business concepts into actionable, real‑world opportunities.
• Comfortable engaging and operating effectively with executive leadership at the corporate level.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)

Salary : $75,300 - $122,300