State of Maine and Dakota County, Minnesota, Looking to Fill Key Broadband Positions

 

Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development is currently seeking a Director of their Broadband Office. The closing date to apply for the position is February 22, 2019.

Learn more about the position at the State of Maine’s online posting

According to the announcement on the search, the position will: 

[P]rovide leadership and guidance for Statewide broadband deployment in Maine. This position provides direction to the ConnectME Authority Board, manages staff, provides oversight and coordination of grant funding programs, interacts with public and private sector leaders and management, engineers, attorneys, accountants, construction and financial experts, and the public relating to the mission and implementation of ConnectME initiatives.

Some of the Director’s tasks will be:

  • Monitor emerging technologies on national and industry initiatives and trends in broadband; prepare recommendations and position papers; conduct research and analysis to identify best practices toward broadband adoption and improvements.
  • Research new and existing technologies to ensure that all areas of the State have access to optimum service.
  • Through dedicated website and social media channels, explore all opportunities to engage service providers and existing and potential subscribers on the benefits of broadband.
  • Provide guidance and direction to the Office of Broadband Staff and ConnectME Authority Board.

Read more about the role of the Director of Broadband Office and the qualifications for the position on the state posting.

Work in Minnesota

The Dakota Broadband Board is also seeking to fill a leadership role as they look for an Executive Director. The Board asks that interested individuals submit their application materials by 4 p.m. CST on February 28th.

Read the job announcement.

As part of their position:

Duties include Board administration, budgeting & financial administration, marketing of commercial dark fiber, legal & compliance oversight, contracting and contractor management. The position reports to the Chair of the DBB and takes direction from the Chair of the DBB Executive Committee.

For a more thorough list of the Executive Director’s duties and responsibilities, along with more about the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities that Dakota County seeks to fill the position, check out this more thorough job description.

Dakota County has been developing its publicly owned broadband network since the 1990s and was an early adopter of smart conduit policies, saving significant public dollars. Learn more about Dakota County's network by reviewing our coverage and listening to episode 117 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast, an interview with David Asp, who works for the county as a Network Collaboration Engineer.

The folks at Dakota County have also asked us to circulate the following to help them reach the most qualified people as possible:

Applicants can submit their signed materials by February 28th:

  • Via US Mail to—City of Mendota Heights, Attention: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118; or
  • Via email in PDF format to--cherylj(at)mendota-heights.com; or
  • In person at-- City of Mendota Heights, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118