Rio Grande Valley Coalition Project Manager 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Connect Humanity is looking for a Project Manager who will play a critical role in advancing our work to bridge the digital divide in South Texas.

Connect Humanity takes a lead role in the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition alongside local governments and partner organizations to advance access to the internet and adoption of digital technologies in Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr Counties — four of the least digitally connected counties in the nation. Digital equity is a means to unlock a range of social and economic benefits in the region.

The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition is working to support these counties to develop regional plans and partnerships to secure federal, philanthropic, and private funding to finance broadband infrastructure and digital equity initiatives across the region. The Coalition is also creating programs to promote digital skills and adoption and will become a strong community of local digital equity experts that continues to advance digital equity over the long term.

Under the direction of Program Director Jordana Barton-Garcia, the Project Manager will play a vital part in building the Coalition and sustaining its work. In addition to being the key point of contact for Coalition members, this person will guide the project, contribute to strategic thinking and partnership development, and conduct other day-to-day tasks in sync with Connect Humanity teammates. 

This is a hands-on role, working closely with the Director and coalition partners, guiding members through the digital equity and broadband connectivity planning process, and supporting communities to apply for funds to implement their plans.

Learn more about the coalition.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The role of the Coalition Project Manager encompasses a broad range of duties designed to address and overcome digital equity challenges in the South Texas region, as follows:

Program Implementation, Coordination, and Evaluation (40%)

• Project Management and Delivery: Lead the Rio Grande Valley broadband and digital equity planning process, which includes supporting data collection, community engagement, and broadband advocacy efforts. This process will culminate in strategic plans which identify actionable partnerships to get broadband and wraparound digital equity services built and which will provide the basis for securing public and private funding.

• Timeline Management: Oversee program deliverables, and review and adjust grant delivery timelines to ensure project coherence and timely achievement of milestones. Keep coalition members and Connect Humanity colleagues updated on progress.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement a plan to monitor and evaluate project deliverables and impacts, especially in relation to grant objectives. This will involve synthesizing information, drafting detailed reports, and providing recommendations for program adjustments based on community feedback and outcomes.

Community Engagement and Representation (40%)

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage closely with Rio Grande Valley Coalition members, local ISPs, government bodies, nonprofits, and anchor institutions. Understand their needs and challenges. Guide Coalition members throughout a digital equity and broadband connectivity planning process, paying particular attention to opportunities for partnership that will enhance regional collaboration and drive strong grant applications.

• Community Outreach and Events: Design and execute community outreach plans and manage logistics for events, including presentations and registration materials.

• Sector Liaison and Networking: Act as a liaison with sector-wide stakeholders. This includes broadband and digital equity experts, as well as those tangentially related to broadband such as government officials, healthcare providers, educational institutions, local businesses, and community organizations who have a stake in having access to high-speed, affordable broadband. Represent Connect Humanity at public events and media engagements, serving as a project ambassador.

Fundraising Support (20%)

• Prospect Research and Donor Engagement: Support Director in outreach, cultivation, and networking efforts with donors, foundations, and other partners to foster grantmaking and programmatic partnerships. 

• Grant Preparation and Reporting: Support and inform grant proposals and budgets prepared by the Program Director and the VP of Partnerships. Track grant reporting deadlines and related key milestones. Provide program details, data, and insights to inform grant reports.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We’re open to many different backgrounds for this role and strongly encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply. For this project, centered on communities in the Rio Grande Valley, we particularly welcome applicants with lived or professional experience in communities in the Southwest Border Region. Applicants living in the region are strongly encouraged to apply.

Experience:

• Demonstrated project management experience is required; this can be demonstrated through years of experience (ideally 3-5 years) and/or by demonstrating other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in coalition management and partnership building.
• High computer literacy is required and literacy in collaborative online tools (ex: Google Suite, CRM, Slack, Asana) is valuable. Remote work experience is a plus, but not required.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English is required to be able to effectively engage with community members. Strong writing skills and English language proficiency required.
• Experience in one or more of the following is helpful: broadband connectivity, digital equity, rural development, community development, public policy, healthcare, small business technical assistance, adult or youth training programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional ability to independently set timelines and schedules while working across teams (internally and externally)
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• An understanding of broadband and digital inclusion as a lever for social change, is a plus
• A deep connection to the US border region, with lived or professional experience
• Preference for candidates that have a strong local network with nonprofit organizations or government entities
• Strong critical thinking skills, ability to problem solve, resourcefulness, and ability to work well with others
• Grant writing experience preferred

BENEFITS, SALARY, AND WORKPLACE

This is a limited-term position through January 30, 2026 (current grant term), offering a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement savings plan, home office benefit, home internet reimbursement, health and wellness reimbursement, and dependent care reimbursement support. There is a possibility for extending employment with Connect Humanity beyond this program.

• Expected start date: May 2024
• Compensation: $60,000-$80,000 per annum, commensurate with experience

Organizational Relationships:

• This position will report to Program Director Jordana Barton-Garcia and work collaboratively with other team members among the programs, partnerships, and communications teams. 

Work Environment:

• This position will work from home with heavy computer usage and frequent video conferencing
• Must be able to manage local travel

APPLICATION PROCESS

Send your résumé along with a cover letter (no more than 2 single-sided pages) speaking to (a) your relevant experience and (b) your understanding of internet connectivity and digital equity as a lever for social change. This role will stay open until filled. If invited to interview, you will be asked to prepare a short presentation or writing samples that showcases your critical thinking skills as a project manager in the digital equity and/or community development space. 

About Connect Humanity

Connect Humanity is a nonprofit impact fund with a mission to advance digital equity. We provide tailored investments, strategic advice, and technical guidance to help underserved communities build the internet infrastructure needed to thrive. Since forming in 2021, Connect Humanity has partnered with 90 communities across 20 US states to develop Connectivity & Digital Equity Plans and catalyze $45 million in community broadband investments. These efforts have put 160,000 people on the path to fast, affordable internet connectivity. 

Connect Humanity is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.