Maine Connectivity Authority · 3 days ago
Chief Program Officer
Portland, ME
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$162K/yr - $198K/yr
10+ years expMaine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is a quasi-governmental agency focused on improving broadband access in Maine. The Chief Program Officer will lead the strategy, design, and execution of the organization’s program portfolio, ensuring strong, measurable outcomes for broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programming.
Internet
Responsibilities
The CPO will lead implementation and maximize impact of a unified strategy that brings together three pillars: grants administration, digital opportunity programming, and infrastructure/middle mile programs
Support and enable MCA’s grants administration team in implementing and evolving MCA’s portfolio of 110+ subawards from complex, federal and state funded investments to future investments of all sizes funded by a range of federal, state and private funders
Ensure the successful execution and management of the full lifecycle of existing last-mile infrastructure grant programs
Digital opportunity programs - Support and enable MCA’s grants administration and program team in implementing and evolving existing digital opportunity programs including Connectivity Hubs, Tech Help for ME, Maine Tech Share, and future iterations of local and regional capacity building
Collaborate closely with the Chief Engagement Officer where digital opportunity partnerships and community engagement and partnerships intersect
Infrastructure / middle mile programs- Support the continued development of Maine’s cellular and wireless action plan, and implementation of any resulting programming
Support the deployment of Maine’s Middle Mile strategy and vision, including MOOSE Net, to achieve MCA’s statutory goals and improve broadband connectivity statewide
Ensure the success and long-term sustainability of major infrastructure and middle mile programs, including the successful commercialization of MOOSE Net
For more mature programs will support and enable the team, make key programmatic decisions and remove barriers and build the team’s capacity to address strategic challenges
Lead significant design and build work amidst a shifting context while incorporating cross-functional perspectives to guide effective and right-sized program implementation
Engage directly in program design and deployment - not only to delegate or direct
Integrate and align new and existing programs to generate organizational efficiencies, increase coherence for partners and the public and ensure that programs collectively deliver MCA’s desired impact
Lead a team of 2 plus direct reports and a department of 10-12 staff to meet or exceed programming objectives, evaluate, coach, and develop team members to reach long-term and short-term objectives and ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
Partner with the engagement team to communicate progress and impact to the public and develop and sustain critical partnerships
Establish systems and routines for cross-functional collaboration and feedback with other MCA teams (e.g. finance, engagement)
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) with 10+ years professional experience, preferably in leadership roles, within broadband operations and programs or related fields
Technical knowledge of broadband, advanced communications infrastructure, and state and federal grant administration
Knowledge of communications infrastructure industry solutions and demonstrated willingness to learn about and to integrate new technologies into programs
Customer / mission focus: Deep commitment to MCA's charge to provide broadband for everyone in Maine and to facilitate the digital infrastructure for Maine's future
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with communities, agencies, nonprofit and for-profit partners, and internet service providers
Detail-oriented while able to see the big picture and drive continuous improvement
Ability to handle multiple tasks and duties simultaneously in a dynamic environment
Willingness and desire to manage a team of subject matter experts and ensure integration across a team of diverse and complementary skills
Highly organized, with the ability to create systems and processes that are easy for others to follow
Self-directed and independently motivated; able to take initiative without immediate direction
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong project development and project management skills
Adaptable and open to new solutions or processes that support organizational growth
Ability to collaborate effectively as a team player while maintaining individual accountability
Strong results orientation – resourceful, proactive, and persistent in achieving results
Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and co-create innovative solutions with key stakeholders, including grantees
Occasional overnight travel may be required and occasional day travel to meetings and project locations across Maine
Benefits
Generous paid time off including 13 paid holidays, 20 vacation and 10 sick days
Medical, Dental, Vision
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible Spending, Health Savings Account
Continuous education, wellness reimbursement, and student debt repayment
Company
Maine Connectivity Authority
Maine Connectivity is a quasi-governmental agency charged with achieving universal access of affordable high-speed broadband in Maine.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
David Wedick, CFA
Chief Financial Officer
Kendra Jo Grindle
Senior Manager, Community & Regional Partnerships
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