Associate Director, Franchise & ROW

Verizon

. Lead end-to-end strategic planning, acquisition, governance, and lifecycle management for public franchises and private rights-of-way supporting long-haul fiber optic and next-generation AI network infrastructure .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $219,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing public franchise agreements and right-of-way (ROW) portfolios, with a strong focus on contract lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and strategic stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor specialists, and navigate complex municipal negotiations to achieve successful outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM)Telecom Right-of-Way (ROW) ManagementMunicipal Government AffairsRegulatory ComplianceTeam Leadership and Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Contract Lifecycle ManagementPublic Franchise AgreementsMunicipal Encroachment PermitsReal Property Due DiligenceTitle AbstractsBoundary SurveysProperty ValuationCompliance AuditsStrategic PlanningNegotiation

Soft Skills

Executive CommunicationStakeholder DiplomacyCommercial Negotiation

Tools & Technologies

Franchise & ROW Tracking SystemsCompliance Databases

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA)

Industry Keywords

TelecommunicationsPublic UtilityFiber Optic InfrastructureMunicipal OrdinancesState Franchise StatutesFOIA AnalysisUtility Relocation Dispute ResolutionLong-Haul Fiber BuildsCritical Utility Infrastructure

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end strategic planning, acquisition, governance, and lifecycle management for public franchises and private rights-of-way supporting long-haul fiber optic and next-generation AI network infrastructure
Lead and mentor ROW and Franchise specialists and external partner firms
Oversee capacity planning, workload distribution, performance management, and professional development
Formulate strategic outreach to cities, towns, counties, and Local Franchise Authorities
Lead “permit-only” advocacy, FOIA and competitor parity analyses, and resolution of negotiation impasses
Direct the strategy for securing permanent and temporary private/commercial easements, centerline surveys, title examinations, and government land grants
Govern end-to-end Contract Lifecycle Management across public franchise agreements, municipal licenses, and private easement portfolios
Consolidate Legal, Risk Management, Engineering, Finance, and Tax input into master drafts and protect key legal rights
Ensure post-execution onboarding into Franchise & ROW Tracking Systems
Establish compliance audits for bond/insurance renewals, municipal gross revenue fee structures, linear-foot cost baselines, and county recordations
Manage abstract/title agencies and outside counsel
Enforce cycle-time SLAs and maintain capital and operational expense budget compliance
Resolve complex regulatory, civic, and property roadblocks and deliver legally sound, ethical outcomes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience
Six or more years of relevant work experience in telecom right-of-way (ROW), public utility franchise management, municipal government affairs, or commercial real estate law
Proven experience managing and leading teams, including talent development, resource planning, and vendor partner management
Deep subject matter expertise in the entire contract lifecycle for public franchise agreements, municipal encroachment permits, and private easements
In-depth understanding of municipal ordinances, state franchise statutes, competitive parity/FOIA analysis, and public utility regulatory frameworks
Experience with real property due diligence, including title abstracts, boundary surveys, property valuation, and county recording processes
Willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time
A valid driver’s license
Direct experience leading ROW and franchise portfolios for major long-haul fiber builds, outside plant (OSP) telecommunications, or critical utility infrastructure
Demonstrated success establishing Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) platforms, compliance databases, and cross-functional stage-gate approval workflows
Background handling complex multi-jurisdictional municipal negotiations, city council/commission public hearings, and utility relocation dispute resolutions
Juris Doctor (JD), Master’s degree in Public Administration/Business, or Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation are listed as “even better” qualifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent credentials are listed as an “even better” qualification
Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder diplomacy, and commercial negotiation skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Basic life insurance
Supplemental life insurance
AD&D insurance
Identity theft protection
Pet insurance
Group home and auto insurance
Matched 401(k) savings plan
Up to 8 company-paid holidays per year
Up to 6 personal days per year
Paid parental leave
Adoption assistance
Tuition assistance
Other incentives
Premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, and allowances, depending on the role
Up to 15 days of vacation per year for newly hired employees, increasing with additional service
Hybrid work arrangement with working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office
Potential to earn more through incentive-based compensation