Broadband Project Manager

Department of Economic Development - Office of Broadband Development

Harry S Truman Building – Jefferson City, MO

SALARY: $46,000 - $51,000 (based upon credentials)

REPORTS TO: Director, Office of Broadband Development

There has never been a more exciting time to become a State of Missouri team member! Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Missouri will be investing nearly $1 billion to strengthen our communities and help drive business. At the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), we like to call that Helping Missourians Prosper!

DED is building a team to promote funding opportunities and assist in deploying a number of grants, with positions being housed in Jefferson City and possibly also in additional locations across the state. Join us and make an impact as we enhance Missouri’s broadband infrastructure, cultivate economic and community development, and support workforce development and education.

#TeamDED is an energetic environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Together, #WeServeMO.

Why DED? Why Missouri? https://ded.mo.gov/business-services

Overall Goal: Create and adapt effective and efficient grant processes that can be easily accessed by eligible applicants for broadband access, adoption or assistance programs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Director of the Office of Broadband Development in overall coordination of the broadband development project portfolio, including facilitating cross-agency development teams. Project Manager will also ensure the following:
  • Ensure project and portfolio tracking mechanisms are in place
  • Track progress, accountability, and transparency in project
  • Check-ins, support, and risk mitigation for the department
  • Provide professional expertise in designing and implementing the projects
  • Assist the Office of Broadband in planning efforts relating to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding opportunities
• Support the state’s broadband data collection and mapping initiatives. Collaborate with internal and external partner organizations to visualize datasets and funding programs. Project Manager will regularly interact with DED’s Economic Research Team, the Office of Administration’s Geospatial Office, the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), and the University of Missouri’s Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES)
• Organize and manage the office’s citizen inquiry process on broadband related programs ensuring timely responses exhibiting superior service to Missouri citizens and businesses. Collaborate with Office of Broadband Development team on records retention and assistance in citizen outreach
• Organize regular broadband training and capacity-building efforts for regions, counties, and communities. Project Manager will regularly interact with broadband staff with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Communications Commission, and the University of Missouri’s Broadband Initiative Team, the Missouri Association of Councils of Governments (MACOG), the Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), and the Missouri Municipal League (MML) to provide high-quality programming and partner when appropriate
• Facilitate broadband meeting and event logistics as programming needs arise in coordination with the Office of Broadband Development team. Events to include an trainings for broadband providers and a summit for major broadband stakeholders
• Manage broadband special projects as assigned

COMPETENCIES

• Experience with broadband programs highly preferred
• Very organized; skilled in project management basics
  • Demonstrated experience in managing projects, facilitating meetings, and balancing group dynamics
• Very strong inter-personal communicator
• Very strong writing abilities, including the preparation of complete and concise reports
• Strong computer software skills including MS products like Excel, Word, & Outlook, Adobe Suite, project management software, and online grant management tools
• Experience in GIS systems preferred but not required
• Ability to travel in support of broadband projects and trainings for external audiences

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in communications, public relations, economics, business or public administration, urban planning, construction management, agribusiness or a closely related area.

AND

One or more years of applicable experience

Professional experience in these areas may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

This is a temporary, full-time, benefit-eligible position based upon federal ARPA funding. Position funding will end no later than December 31, 2026, with an extension possible based upon additional funding availability.

More reasons to love this position:

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact DED Human Resources at HRHelpdesk@ded.mo.gov.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.