Broadband and Cable Manager

Responsible for working towards the continual execution of the County’s Broadband Strategic Plan to expand broadband throughout the County, and for the management of the County’s Cable Franchise Agreements. This includes overall broadband project management, coordination between County staff and outside stakeholders, effective communication of broadband initiatives and project status to County leadership, broadband research and data collection as needed and management of all aspects of County Cable Franchise Agreements including compliance, resident concerns, negotiations and renegotiations. Serves as the point of contact for County broadband providers and cable providers. Overall goals are set, and the employee is responsible for determining work plans and processes to achieved required goals. Essential Job Functions:

• Leads and manages the planning and execution of initiatives to further broadband expansion in the County
• Leads and directs the County’s Rural Broadband Task Force
• Manages broadband expansion projects to include project planning and execution, vendor coordination, monitoring project performance and timeline, and communication of project status to County leadership
• Presents strategies for expansion, project updates, and other policy decisions to the Board of County Commissioners in both Closed and Open Session
• Stays abreast of, evaluates, and recommends new technologies to deliver broadband services
• Identifies resources and analyzes potential broadband vendors and/or projects
• Researches existing and new State and Federal grant opportunities for broadband expansion; works with internal staff to apply for appropriate grants; develops and manages project plan to ensure that critical grant deadlines and conditions are met
• Develops and maintains maps and data detailing County broadband coverage, to include existing coverage in the County, unserved areas, and progress of expansion efforts
• Develops and maintains maps and data detailing County-owned infrastructure, to include existing and needed
• Coordinates communication between County and broadband/cable vendors, consultants, MD Broadband Cooperative and other non-profits, and government agencies
• Stays abreast of, and advises on, current legislation, policies and procedures related to broadband, wireless and cable TV technologies
• Manages the administration and enforcement of the County’s existing cable franchise agreements, ensuring franchise compliance by cable operators
• Supports the negotiation of franchise agreements and renewals to protect the interests of County residents
• Manages cable subscriber customer service function and maintains relations with cable providers
• Serves as the point of contact for broadband vendors and cable franchise providers
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of network engineering and design
• Knowledge of telecommunications networks
• Knowledge of broadband infrastructure, including wired, wireless and satellite solutions
• Knowledge of GIS mapping software
• Knowledge of MS Project
• Knowledge of the concepts and techniques of project management
• Ability to set, prioritize, and achieve goals
• Ability to manage large projects
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with technical/non-technical individuals and senior management
• Ability to apply mature, solid, timely and professional problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain up-to-date on the changing broadband landscape
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in work
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with residents, partners and other stakeholders
• Ability to effectively lead conversations and presentations about the subject matter
• Work collaboratively with Subject Matter Experts to communicate and deliver project plans