Enterprise Broadband Coordinator

The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning.

Position Overview:

The Enterprise Broadband Coordinator, working under contract with the EdLab Group (federal State Broadband Initiative [SBI] award recipient on behalf of the State of Wyoming), will be housed at, managed by and work under the direction of the State of Wyoming Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The OCIO, under direction of the Office of Governor Matt Mead, has final responsibility for oversight, management and specific policy of the SBI award, entitled LinkWYOMING. The LinkWYOMING program is a statewide initiative to promote the availability and sustainable adoption of broadband Internet access.

The Enterprise Broadband Coordinator (Coordinator) will perform a key role in shaping and advancing LinkWYOMING's broadband development activities. The Coordinator's primary responsibilities will be to serve as an effective champion and advocate for the advancement of broadband access and adoption for the State of Wyoming as organized within the LinkWYOMING program. A central focus for the Coordinator's role will be to collaborate with the Capacity Building, Mapping, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) partners and support the ongoing LinkWYOMING regional planning process.

Candidate should:

• be able to manage a complex, statewide project;
• be able to engage/inspire diverse groups to work together toward a common goal;
• be able to communicate effectively with those above and below the Coordinator position level;
• possess or be able to earn the respect of Wyoming state and local leaders;
• understand Wyoming's legislative players and process; and
• be able to help develop and implement a short- and long-term vision for the LinkWYOMING program.

Familiarity with current and future broadband technologies and relevant policy matters is a plus, but not a requirement. The candidate must be able to learn and communicate, not so much what broadband ‘is,' but rather what broadband ‘does,' and how greater access to and adoption of broadband can positively impact Wyoming's future.

Responsibilities:

In this role, the Coordinator will guide and direct the following program elements:

Broadband Champion:

• Understand and relay the benefits of broadband (e.g., improved economic development; greater access to education, healthcare and workforce development; enhanced public safety; improved government efficiencies; enhanced agriculture applications; enhanced tourism; better access to telecommuting opportunities; etc.) to government leaders and key stakeholder groups.

Coordination and Sponsorship:

• Provide a "statewide awareness clearinghouse" for broadband development activities in the state (keep abreast of other state and local broadband-related programs; keep abreast of broadband-related efforts in the state, e.g., telehealth and distance learning); track best practices on broadband and broadband-related efforts;
• Collaborate with the Capacity Building, Mapping, Monitoring & Evaluation and other associated partners to support LinkWYOMING project implementation;
• Support Regional Broadband Investment Plans and address any statewide issues that emerge. Serve as a resource and champion for Regional Planning Teams;
• Assist the chairperson of the LinkWYOMING advisory team; inform advisory team of statewide issues needing attention; inform state broadband plan development; and
• Participate on the OCIO's Enterprise Coordination Team providing recommendations and analyses on Wyoming government enterprise information technology projects and initiatives.

Communications:

• Monitor and communicate policy-related developments (state and federal);
• Assist with development and implementation of a doable, effective communications strategy that will inform and engage diverse publics (state government, elected officials, external investors, general public, etc.);
• Actively look for and act on relevant program communications opportunities as they present themselves;
• Assist the OCIO to communicate progress/status of broadband investment activities to Governor's Office, Legislature and other key stakeholder groups; and
• As allowed by state statute and guidelines, consider adopting and managing social media to support program and regional broadband investment activities and communications.

Providers, Suppliers and Participants:

• Maintain and further develop working relationships with all Wyoming-based Internet Service Providers and vendors, as well as other leaders impacted by broadband; e.g., Wyoming counties, municipalities, anchor institutions and regional planning teams.

Administration and Oversight:

• Keep abreast and coordinate efforts of capacity building partners;
• Understand National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requirements for the SBI to ensure the State is in compliance with all requirements and reporting;
• Maintain documentation of match contributions of the OCIO and regional planning teams* and provide monthly documentation pursuant to NTIA, applicable federal cost principles, and EdLab Group requirements. (Office space, utilities, Internet-access charges and other miscellaneous expenses not specifically addressed in and funded through the SBI supplemental award are the responsibility of the OCIO and shall be contributed in-kind toward the mandated 20% match commitment of the federal award.);
• Seek additional sources that can be applied toward the State's portion of the 20% match commitment; and
• Manage day-to-day correspondence of the LinkWYOMING program in a professional, effective and efficient manner.

*Documentation of match contributions for regional planning teams includes time and expenses donated, as allowed, but does not include documentation for work planning team members contribute toward data collection efforts, as managed through the monitoring and evaluation partner.

Qualifications:

The Coordinator should have an appropriate level of skills, competencies and statewide knowledge to effectively transform the LinkWYOMING program into a sustainable broadband development effort for Wyoming. Preferred background includes minimum of 5 year's experience in a statewide project management role.

• Familiarity with current and future broadband technologies and relevant policy matters is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Ability to position LinkWYOMING for the future, looking beyond the present situation to conceptualize key trends and identify changing demands;
• Strategic vision and thinking;
• Unquestioned personal and professional integrity with assertiveness, presence and confidence;
• High level of understanding and commitment to State ethics and values;
• Attention to detail and organization skills;
• Effective interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal, including strong skills in presentation development and delivery to small and large groups);
• Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent tasks, as well as routinely prioritize among major initiatives;
• Keen business analysis skills with the ability to use mature business judgment in making decisions;
• Strong relationship building and management skills, including demonstrated ability working with all levels of staff and external organizations with a track record of positive long-term, outcome-based relationships;
• Possess understanding of State procurement laws;
• Ability to work as a leader on major projects and secure buy-in from public and private entities;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software suite ;
• Capable of working remotely, using a laptop in a dynamic environment while traveling;
• Possess a valid Wyoming driver license;
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 20 lbs; and
• Must have sufficient mobility to move around office and travel across State, as required.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. Specific work hours will be established by the OCIO.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the experience of the candidate.

To Apply:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé to EdLab Group (Subject line: Enterprise Broadband Coordinator Position). Electronic submissions will be received by EdLab Group until 5:00 p.m. (PST), Friday, December 23, 2011. Late responses will not be accepted or considered. EdLab Group will not be responsible for submissions delivered incorrectly or misplaced. The electronic time/date stamp of e-mail receipt by EdLab Group shall be the official time of receipt.

Applicants are required to return a cover letter addressing the required qualifications and a résumé with a minimum of 3 references by 5:00 PM, Friday, December 23, 2011. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

Conditions of Employment: New employees must document citizenship or employment authorization within 3 days of hire.

No qualified person shall, on the grounds of age, color, disability status, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status be excluded from or denied participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any activity performed pursuant to this position announcement.