Telecommunications Coordinator

Overview

The Telecommunications Coordinator coordinates and manages programs, projects, public outreach and communications, legislative activities and policy work for the Telecommunications Division at the Public Service Department. Work includes advocacy, investigation and analysis of present and future capabilities, quality, reliability and readiness of Vermont’s telecommunications infrastructure. The incumbent will help to establish and implement policies which promote the development and maintenance of telecommunications networks that meet the day-to-day and emergency needs of Vermont. Program responsibilities are managing the Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service Vermont Universal Service Fund, and the Vermont Equipment Distribution programs. The coordinator will produce plans, reports, presentation materials and web content. The Coordinator works independently within policy guidelines and is supervised by the Director of Telecommunications.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and support activities of the Telecommunications Division, including a significant amount of communications work. Produce reports, presentation materials, web content and plans including drafting the Telecommunications Plan. Conduct public meetings to gather public input and feedback about plans and policies. Research documents that are responsive to public information requests.
• Manage the Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service (VTRS) and the Vermont Equipment Distribution Program (VTEDP) programs which support telecommunications services and equipment for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, and individuals with physical disabilities to communicate by telephone. Work includes managing contracts and associated processes for the contractors providing the program services and benefits.
• Manage the Vermont Universal Service Fund (VUSF) which supports access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services for all Vermonters. Work includes interfacing with the VUSF fiscal agent, approving invoices and identifying opportunities for change to the funding model to better support the primary purpose of the VUSF.
• Monitor and report on activities of legislative committees, regulatory boards, and courts, including the Vermont Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board to include official or unofficial note taking. Provide testimony before these entities regarding all aspects of telecommunications and regulation. Collaborate to develop policy regarding telecommunication strategy, issues, litigation, reports and consumer issues.

Who May Apply

This position, Telecommunications Coordinator (Job Requisition #47333), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Hunter Thompson at hunter.thompson@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office or remote work setting, but periodically travel is necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of regular business hours will be required. Contact with people with strong opinions will be encountered for which tact and diplomacy will be required. Need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in economics, business, public policy, or engineering AND two (2) years or more of experience in the telecommunications industry, including planning or service provision, or consultation, in private industry or a regulatory agency.
OR
Four (4) years or more of experience in the telecommunications industry, including planning or service provision, or consultation, in related industry or a regulatory agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of public policy and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of telecommunications technologies and issues affecting state policy and regulation.
• Knowledge of state contracting processes.
• Knowledge of project management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop and update web content.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to testify to the legislature.
• Ability to conduct public meetings.
• Ability to take legislative notes.
• Requires negotiation skills, persistence, knowledge of network and technical information.

Special Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.