Eighth Fire Communications General Manager

Company Overview: At Eighth Fire Communications, we are dedicated to providing the Lac du Flambeau community with reliable, high-speed internet services. Our mission is to connect you, your family, and your business with the world through cutting-edge technology that ensures fast and consistent internet access.

Summary/Objective: The Broadband General Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversight for 8th Fire Communications, ensuring its long-term sustainability, financial growth, and operational excellence. This role requires a dynamic leader who can align business objectives with community needs, foster innovation, and drive customer satisfaction. The General Manager will focus on building efficient internal processes, expanding market reach, and identifying new opportunities to enhance broadband services. Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to inspire and manage teams.

This is a demanding role in a start-up environment that requires dedication, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. The Broadband General Manager must be prepared to devote the necessary time and effort to ensure the company's success, which may include working extended hours, weekends, or responding to urgent business needs outside of typical business hours.

Essential Job Functions: Specific duties include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Develop and implement business strategies to expand market share, improve service delivery, and increase profitability. Identify opportunities for growth and establish longterm objectives.
• Manage the company’s budget, ensuring financial stability through effective forecasting, revenue tracking, and cost control. Make strategic investments in infrastructure and technology to support business goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures that ensure efficiency and scalability.
• Develop strong internal processes for service deployment, customer support, and ongoing maintenance to maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Drive sales growth by building relationships with key community stakeholders, businesses, and partners. Develop strategies to promote services to underserved communities.
• Foster an organized and accountable work environment. Ensure project timelines are met, processes are welldefined, and staff roles are clearly outlined.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, fostering professional development and teamwork.
• Build relationships with local organizations, Tribal membership, industry partners, and vendors to align the broadband subsidiary's growth with community needs.
• Manage regulatory compliance, particularly regarding FCC regulations, Universal Service Fund (USF) programs, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
• Oversee grant applications, funding initiatives, and reporting processes to support financial stability and growth.
• Develop comprehensive contingency plans to address operational disruptions with minimal service impact.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversee teams responsible for service installations, customer support, and business operations.
• Implement strong organizational practices to ensure efficiency, task prioritization, and consistent performance monitoring.

Expectations/Abilities:

• Strong business acumen with proven skills in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to develop business strategies and execute plans to achieve growth.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven experience in leadership roles, with a focus on building cohesive teams and driving results.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of staff, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to manage regulatory requirements, funding applications, and reporting.
• Ability to develop creative solutions for operational challenges and identify new opportunities for growth.
• Commitment to superior customer service and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and remain focused in a fastpaced startup environment.
• Willingness to dedicate additional time as needed, including outside standard business hours, to meet critical deadlines, address urgent issues, or support business growth initiatives.
• Commitment to balancing professional responsibilities with personal obligations to ensure focus and performance in this demanding leadership role.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field.
• 5 or more years of experience successfully managing a business, organization, or company, with proven success in driving growth, managing budgets, and leading teams.
• Demonstrated success in business development, strategic planning, and operational leadership.
• Experience managing budgets, overseeing teams, and executing growth initiatives.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• A combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of education requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a broadband company or working in the telecommunications industry.
• Experience working with Tribal Communities or in rural broadband development.
• Familiarity with broadband technologies and service deployment strategies.
• An MBA or a master's degree in Business, Management, or a related field is advantageous.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate the production facility.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Native American preference will be applied to hiring of this position as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Chapter 14, Subchapter V, subsection 273 & 274. We are an equal opportunity employer with preference given to qualified Native American applicants in accordance with federal law and tribal policy.

Required Pre-Employment Screening: LDF Business Development Corp. is committed to a drug-free workplace. To qualify for this position, applicants must agree to pre-employment drug screening and potential random testing, as required thereafter.

About 8th Fire Communications LLC

At EighthFire Communications, we are dedicated to providing the Lac du Flambeau community with reliable, high-speed internet services. Our mission is to connect you, your family, and your business with the world through cutting-edge technology that ensures fast and consistent internet access. We are officially recognized as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier by the state of Wisconsin.