Director - Mapping and GIS

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, cloud and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 155 communities and more than 57,000 customers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience.

General Summary:

The Director of GIS & Mapping drives the company's enterprise-wide geospatial strategy, ensuring our GIS records, maps, and reports are up to date, accurate, and enable the business to make real-time data-driven decisions. This role oversees the design, governance, and optimization of GIS & Mapping systems and databases while championing the creation and adoption of process, procedure, and reporting to assist the business.

As a people and organizational leader, the Director builds and develops a high-performing GIS and mapping team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides strategic leadership to GIS and mapping staff, setting vision, goals, and performance standards;
• Serves as the GIS subject matter expert, defining and executing the GIS roadmap to support business goals and align with industry best practices:
• Designs, develops, updates, and maintains GIS databases;
• Champions the development of GIS applications, tools, dashboards, and analytics solutions to support enterprise decision-making;
• Collects and manages spatial data from various sources including satellite imagery, GPS, databases, etc.;
• Conducts spatial analysis to identify patterns, trends, and relationships within geographic data;
• Performs spatial modeling, network analysis, and geographic projections;
• Provides executive-level reporting, maps, and geospatial insights to communicate trends, risks, and opportunities to the organization;
• Provides technical support and training on GIS software and applications;
• Stays up to date on advancements in GIS technology and recommend improvements to workflows and processes;
• Collaborates with teams to understand needs and deliver GIS solutions that meet project objectives;
• Coordinates with internal and external partners for data acquisition and integration;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge in GIS software, including GIS web technologies such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms required;
• Expert knowledge of GIS principles, spatial analysis techniques, geospatial concepts and methodologies;
• Skill in data engineering, data analytics and programming languages;
• Skill in cartographic and data visualization skills, with ability to render clear and compelling maps and graphics;
• Skill in AutoCAD, or similar CAD software;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook;
• Ability to lead and develop high performing teams;
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments to meet SLAs;
• Ability to analyze and effectively document large volumes of technical data;
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders;
• Ability to problem solve;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a GIS Engineering or similar role or industry required;
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with proven ability to manage teams and enterprise-scale projects required;
• Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science preferred;
• Proficiency in FME, QGIS, ESRI products, Mapcom/Vertigis M4 Solutions, and Cadtel Suite, preferred;
• Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages preferred.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!