Deputy Director, Broadband

Job Description

Job Description

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy.

The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The ACA's Broadband Office facilitates critical infrastructure for economic growth and manages a large portfolio of broadband initiatives, planning efforts, and grant management throughout the state of Arizona. The Deputy Director, Broadband reports to the State Broadband Director and supports the development and delivery of the state's broadband mission of accelerating the deployment of broadband infrastructure to every home and business in the state. The position supports statewide broadband operations by overseeing key business functions and daily activities, managing staff and diverse stakeholders, leading major initiatives, ensuring strategic and compliant use of funds, and contributing to data‑driven planning and executive reporting.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversight of all project management activities for broadband operations, from strategic planning and network management to customer service and community engagement.
• Manage complex broadband initiatives in partnership with the State Broadband Director, ACA executive leadership, the Governor's Office, local governments, and private sector stakeholders.
• Manage a team of employees and vendors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other government agencies, community organizations, and partners.
• Serve as a key driver in the execution of plans to ensure the efficient and effective investment of federal stimulus and infrastructure funds in conjunction with state and local funds.
• Support grant management including all reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure the department tracks and reports measurable outcomes for ACA broadband initiatives.
• Evaluate geospatial and mapping data to support planning and investment decision making.
• Partner with accounting and budget teams to oversee state allocations; respond to requests and inquiries; align strategic planning with financial management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and contractual rules, guidelines and regulations. Adopt standards, specifications, and best practices to ensure compliance.

COMPETENCY, EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field of study; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive project management and people-leadership experience with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a team effectively; ideal experiences will include responsibility for government programs and/or telecommunication policy.
• Experience in managing a multi-disciplinary planning process.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing complex cross-functional teams to achieve high levels of production, meet tight deadlines, and delivering compliant, quality work products.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills to make concise presentations before private groups, including the ability to effectively articulate complex situations to colleagues and clients with varying degrees of technical knowledge.
• Proven track record of building meaningful relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders and the ability to manage large-scale programming from concept through fruition.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and web-based technologies.

HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Broad understanding of the competitive and technical issues affecting the telecommunications industry.
• Familiarity with federal grants and programs, including National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Communications Commission, and United States Department of Agriculture regulations and funding.
• Demonstrated project management of complex, multi-party projects, including program management and public funds.
• Expert problem-solving capabilities and ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge to unique circumstances.
• Experience with dynamic business environments including ability to roll-up sleeves and dig into the details of the work.
• Knowledge and experience with CRM software such as Salesforce.
• Language proficiency other than English.