Broadband and Telecommunications Manager

Do you enjoy working at the intersection of local public policy and community engagement? Does collaborating with community partners to drive innovation and digital equity excite you? If so, then the Broadband and Telecommunications Manager position might be right for you. This is a unique position that supports both community-facing programs to expand and preserve broadband and telecommunications access for community members, while also supporting internal technology-focused programs and initiatives. Learn more a about the program at www.eugene-or.gov/telecom.

The person filling this role leads internal coordination of City’s broadband efforts and oversees implementation of the City’s Telecommunication’s Ordinance (Ordinance 20083) and related administrative rules. Collaboration with diverse internal and external partners is a significant part of the role. Understanding the complex federal and state legislation and policy governing utility franchise programs is essential. Eugene is a national leader in promoting local authority over public rights-of-way therefore the person filling this roll must proactively manage the program to keep pace with legislative and technology changes.

The role sits in the Information Services Division (ISD) and collaborates frequently with partners across the organization, especially in the Finance Division, Intergovernmental Relations Program, Planning and Development Department, and the Public Works Department. The person filling this role will also support connections among a variety of community partners including LCOG, Lane County, Springfield, industry partners, and community-based organizations in addition to a variety of state and national partners.

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.

What you’ll get to do:

• Convene internal and community partners to coordinate community broadband and digital equity projects. Collaborate with these partners to find ways expand broadband access and quality in the Eugene area.
• Collect annual license applications and right-of-way fees related to the Eugene’s Telecommunications Ordinance in partnership with the Finance Division.
• Monitor and enforce compliance of all broadband and telecommunications ROW agreements; manage compliance reviews and audits; enforce appropriate compliance actions.
• Support development of the organization’s policies related to broadband expansion and partnerships. Work with internal partners to accomplish City goals.
• Support contract and franchise negotiations; confer with legal counsel and city council on broadband and telecommunications matters.
• Collaborate with policy staff and cities in Oregon and nationally regarding right-of-way policies, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemaking, and other nationwide or statewide policy to develop joint strategies and coalitions.
• Provide leadership and expert analysis on local, state, and federal policies, laws, rules, legislation, and court decisions; advise on and carryout advocacy strategies.
• Develop annual work plans, determine, and prioritize work, assign appropriate resources, and manage the program budget.
• Assess the current program and identify efficiencies and opportunities.

The skillsets we are looking for include:

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  Collaborative: You value building trust, partnerships, and relationships to support an inclusive culture and accomplish objectives more effectively.
• 
  Problem Solver: You can detect problems early and identify potential solutions. You utilize active listening and effective communication and facilitation skills in working with others to find resolutions.
• 
  Excellent Communicator: You are an excellent communicator to both technical and non-technical individuals, and proficient orally and in writing.
• 
  Center Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). You use DEI concepts to inform and guide your work.
• 
  Solutions Oriented: You use strong communication skills to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to create, implement, and document solutions.
• 
  Analytical: You thrive on providing data driven information and communicating that information in a manner that all stakeholders can understand and use to inform their decisions.

About the Broadband and Telecommunications Programs

Broadband
Multiple departments have contributed to furthering the City’s goals around broadband over the past decade. The person who fills this position will take the baton and lead coordination of a variety of cross-department and cross-agency efforts.

Telecommunications
The Telecommunications Program was established in 1997 to support implementation of Telecommunications Ordinance 20083. Annually, the program collects $5 million in Telecommunications related public rights of way fees, allocated to the General Fund, and $2 million in telecommunications business privilege taxes, allocated to a Fund that supports the administration of Ord 20083, including the funding of new City telecommunications technology projects that benefit the community.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience:

Five years of related professional experience, preferably in the public sector, including at least one year of supervisory or program management experience.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the assigned program area. Additional qualifying professional level experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.

Background:

MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK

What to Expect from our Selection Process: Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Eligibility List: This posting may also be used to establish an eligibility list of applicants for future vacancies. Candidates that are placed on the eligibility list will be notified via email which will include the duration of the list and how notification of call up will occur.