Project Manager - Broadband Expansion

TechDigital Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Project Manager to lead broadband expansion initiatives in the county. This full-time role involves overseeing Wi-Fi and fiber optics projects, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring project deliverables meet high standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a background in networking, and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse teams. If you are passionate about digital equity and eager to make a significant impact in the community, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of networking and public Wi-Fi installation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage broadband expansion projects and oversee multiple vendor partnerships.
• Provide project schedules, consult with stakeholders, and drive projects to completion.

Skills

Project Management

Networking

Public Wi-Fi Installation

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Organizational Skills

Education

Certification in Project Management

Cisco Certified Network Professional

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

Project Server

SharePoint

Job description

Scope of Services

Hennepin County's Office of Broadband & Digital Inclusion (OBDI) is seeking a Project Manager for approximately six months, potentially longer. The Office of Broadband & Digital Inclusion leads the county's digital-equity programs, and this PM will be responsible for implementing broadband expansion projects, including infrastructure construction, multifamily Wi-Fi, municipal partnerships and fiber-optics partnerships.

The PM will manage a portfolio of projects that require coordination and execution from multiple partners, internal and external. The PM, under limited supervision, manages all aspects of cost, schedule and performance of technical projects in support of business objectives. Accountable for all projects including highly complex or specialist projects and/or programs. Serves as a single point of contact for senior management within those projects; managing all issues, risks, changes and budgets for these projects. Takes the lead role in implementing project methodology processes providing coaching and direction to other project managers. Collaborates with senior level management, multiple stakeholders and county leadership.

Work to be performed

Resource will focus on:

• WiFi deployment in multifamily properties
• Evaluation and selection of vendor for system design, installation and support.
• Execution of internal county funding and administrative components
• Manage portfolio of vendors/projects to design, install and support Wi-Fi deployment in occupied dwellings, including system design, installation and support.
• Inspect or facilitate inspection/reporting of completed project, including testing internet connection, speed, strength and weak zones.
• Fiber planning and deployment
• Evaluation and selection of vendor for system design and installation.
• Coordination and execution of funding and administrative components, including city, state and vendor partnerships.
• Manage portfolio of vendors/projects to design and install fiber.
• Coordination of project or project components, including partnerships with city, county, state and vendor staff.
• Broadband Expansion Project
• Assemble county RFP for city broadband projects, including broadband deployment, broadband adoption, and/or community engagement plans and activities.
• Lead evaluation, selection and awarding of funding to support city broadband project proposals, including all communication with city and county staff.
• Oversee portfolio of awarded projects that cities execute, including communication, tracking, reporting and payment coordination.
• Additional related projects as they arise.

Project deliverables include:

• Provide project schedules and plan work, consult, and communicate with stakeholders.
• Consult and work with customers to make appropriate business and technical decisions.
• Provide periodic analysis and interpretation of project information to stakeholders.
• Drive projects from conception to conclusion.
• Serve as single point of contact for multiple Wi-Fi installation projects, working with vendor, building owner/operator, and county staff to manage all project phases to completion.
• Serve as single point of contact for multiple fiber installation projects, working with vendor, government partners, and county staff to manage all project phases to completion.
• Serve as single point of contact for preparing, awarding, and overseeing county's funding of multiple city-executed projects for broadband deployment, broadband adoption and/or community engagement plans.
• Manage all phases of additional related broadband projects, as they arise and are assigned.

Estimated not-to-exceed amount: Hennepin County will not be providing an NTE amount for this engagement, please propose your resource's billable hourly rate based on experience and the proposed work.

Estimated start date: 07/10/2023

Estimated end date: 12/31/2023

Onsite or remote: Consultant needs to be onsite to perform services, such as oversight/walkthrough work at locations throughout the county where projects are being installed.

Fulltime or parttime: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Specific skills/experience required

Knowledge of:

• Networking/public Wi-Fi installation; IT systems; formal project management methodology (project integration, scope, time, cost, communications, risk management and awareness of organizational change management); system development methodology, application development principles and process; basic knowledge of infrastructure and platforms; office productivity software (i.e. Microsoft Office); basic SharePoint document management.

Ability to:

• Organize and plan work effectively; manage projects per project charter; proactively manage schedules and forecasts in MS Project and Project Server; consult and communicate with project stakeholders; coordinate system implementation plans; provide project work direction to project team members; manage project lifecycle budget; prepare written proposals and project management core documents; manage a project through all phases; consult and work with customers to make appropriate business and technical decisions; provide excellent customer service; make improvements, solve problems, or take corrective action when problems arise; motivate, inspire and influence team members, senior management, sponsors, peers and others; handle and diffuse conflict; provide periodic analysis and interpretation of project information to stakeholders.

Desired experience and skills in the following:

• Wi-Fi installations, especially residential
• Networking, prefer certification (such as Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• Outside plant fiber optics
• Public sector, especially county and/or municipal