The city of Houston, Texas is hoping to hire a new digital broadband coordinator to help manage the development, implementation, and coordination of broadband initiatives and projects aimed at improving residential internet connectivity and affordability to close Houston’s digital divide.
According to the job posting, the digital broadband coordinator will serve under the direction of the city’s chief information officer and will be part of the Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) department.
The coordinator’s responsibilities include:
- Leading short and long-term implementation of digital equity broadband efforts.
- Coordinating continuous data analysis to identify where digital deserts are most prevalent in the city, and measuring progress in closing gaps through existing digital equity programs, resources, and policies being implemented.
- Coordinating and managing broadband projects, including scope development, project schedules, status reports, and budgets.
- Liaising with government agencies, industry partners, and key stakeholders to ensure that the department’s broadband initiatives are aligned with broader industry and regulatory frameworks.
- Locating funding available to the city for broadband deployment and digital equity projects.
- Developing and maintaining knowledge of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks related to public broadband access.
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed. Additionally, three years of professional administrative, financial, or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required. The job listing notes both that graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis and that professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
In terms of other skills needed for the job, the city is looking for someone with:
- Strong public policy acumen, particularly where it pertains to broadband and internet service providers.
- Experience in project management, preferably in the telecommunications or technology industry.
- Experience working with diverse communities, particularly community planning, equity planning, and resiliency.
- Experience communicating clearly, logically, and persuasively to gain support from frontline communities and decision makers.
- Knowledge of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks related to broadband.
