Job Specification Details

Administrative, advisory, and policy work in all areas of project development related to funding the expansion of affordable broadband to all underserved addresses in the state. Extensive interaction with Board staff, grantees, consultants, and federal and private partners will be required. 

Work involves developing policies and implementing strategies to ensure the responsible and effective deployment of Vermont Community Broadband Funds. Work also involves creating strategies to use these funds to leverage, as well as obtain, additional state, federal, private and philanthropic funding and to address affordability, workforce, and supply chain challenges. In addition to assisting in reviewing, analyzing, monitoring, and reporting on all grants issued by the Vermont Community Broadband Board, the incumbent raises additional funds on behalf of the VCBB and Communications Union Districts.
 
Incumbent works with considerable independence and is fully accountable for assigned activities and projects. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board.

Maintain an open grant portfolio and work closely with municipalities, non-profit organizations, regional entities, and state and federal partners to promote collaboration.

Identify and apply for additional funding from state, federal, and private partners to further the goals of the Vermont Community Broadband Board. The project developer will make connections, raise funds from federal, state, local, and private sources, and collaborate with the various financial instruments necessary to accelerate broadband expansion at the state level and on behalf of individual Communications Union Districts.

Provide technical assistance to local and regional officials and private entities engaged in the construction of broadband infrastructure or the training of the necessary workforce to deploy such infrastructure.
 
Oversee the promotion and reporting on programs through such methods as legislative reports and public presentations.

Create partnerships with appropriate organizations and other agencies within state government. 

Serve as a subject matter expert in federal grants management at the State level and acts as a resource to departments and external grant recipients on state and federal grant compliance requirements.

Evaluate grant applications and provide recommendations to the Vermont Community Broadband Board. This may involve interpreting complex financial statements involving funding from multiple sources.

Oversee the expenditure of grant awards and compliance reporting. Monitors compliance with all federal guidance, including reporting requirements and Treasury regulations. This includes collecting and reviewing all reports filed by recipients of construction and preconstruction funding.

Performs related duties as required.

Work is performed in standard office settings and/or remotely. Some evening or weekend work should be anticipated. Encounters with adversary groups and conflicting opinions may be anticipated.

Considerable knowledge about philanthropy, venture capital, and/or federal funding programs

Thorough knowledge and experience leveraging both public and private funds to accomplish a shared goal.

Thorough knowledge in budget preparation, fiscal policy recommendations, fiscal and grant management, and cost benefit analyses at a multi-program and multi-million dollar level of responsibility.

Considerable knowledge of Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called "Uniform Guidance") as applicable.

Considerable knowledge of grant programs, their administrative requirements, and approval procedures.

Considerable knowledge of grants administration and management practices, including Agency of Administration Bulletin 5.

Ability to correctly interpret and apply complex laws and regulations to program situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders in the public and private sector.

Ability to work collaboratively and effectively a member of a management team.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

Ability to evaluate programs and assist in the development of policies and programmatic changes.

Considerable experience with the use of Microsoft Office programs.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare and present clear and persuasive reports.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in community development, public administration, urban or regional planning, journalism, law, or a related field AND two (2) years of community-focused project or program administration, development, or related field.

OR

Three (3) years or more of experience in community-focused project or program development.

Federal grant writing experience.
Experience engaging and convening community stakeholders, federal, state, and local funding agencies, and the philanthropic, bonding, or venture capital community.
Knowledge of multi-faceted community development projects.

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