Visiting Director for Broadband Access, and Deployment

Vice Pres Econ Dev and Innov
Posting Category:

The Visiting Director for BEAD serve as the broadband equity, access, and deployment lead within the “Illinois Broadband Lab” collaboration between the University of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband. The individual will manage all contracts and day-to-day activity in fulfillment of requirements set forth under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program as administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, per its grant agreement with the State of Illinois.

The individual will work in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (AVP) to advance the University’s mission by assisting with the development and execution of strategic initiatives for the Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (VPEDI) and building and managing relationships across a wide range of constituents related to broadband. The Visiting Director will work closely with the Illinois Office of Broadband and DCEO in support of their broadband initiatives. This position also will work closely with the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). The IIN is a system of 15 university-community-industry-based hubs throughout the state that work together to drive inclusive innovation, sustainable economic development, and equitable workforce development across Illinois. The administrative agent to the IIN is VPEDI.

Additional responsibilities included:

• Serve as the broadband equity, access, and deployment lead within the "Illinois Broadband Lab" collaboration between the University of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband.
• Manage all contracts, as assigned, and day-to-day activity in fulfillment of requirements set forth under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program as administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, per its grant agreement with the State of Illinois.
• Work with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband, Illinois Innovation Network and other partners to identify resource gaps and make resources available to appropriate users.
• Assist with public research, management, and policy issues related to broadband infrastructure and K-12 learning environments.
• Conceptualize, develop, design, and maintain policy or programs to foster scientifically literate students and/or residents in Illinois.
• Participate as a science policy expert in planning and implementing programs that address broadband infrastructure as it relates digital literacy and e-learning. This may include policy development, outreach/educational activities, workshops, meetings, presentations, and other activities.
• Perform other duties as appropriate for a director.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, information technology or a field related to the position

Preferred:

1. Five Years' experience working with a team on project related activities
2. Five years' experience in managing broadband, digital literacy, or digital technology programs
3. Strong writing skills and demonstrated experience writing for diverse audiences at all levels of an organization.
4. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities.
5. Demonstrated relationship building and community engagement skills with diverse groups and communities.
6. Knowledge of and ability to assess hard and soft broadband infrastructure.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Familiarity with broadband access and expansion strategies and programs
• Ability to explain aspects of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6 pm on 2/2/2023 or visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/employment.

System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing erhr@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 9000403
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana