Legislative and Fiber Program Manager

Job Summary

The Legislative and Fiber Program Manager is responsible for and leads the Scott County’s Regional Fiber assets and program through effective partnerships with the State MN-ITs, SCALE cities, neighboring counties, schools, and local, regional, and National Internet Service Providers. With a future vision in mind, the position leads process change initiatives that work toward the Board's mission. One key focus area is leading the development of and management of the county's annual fiber program and budget. A second key focus area in coordinating with Division Directors and County Administration on the creation of the County’s Legislative Platform. This work entails assisting in the creation of program materials, tracking, testifying and proposing legislation, consulting on legislative issues, engaging division directors in the legislative process, and serving on regional and statewide legislative committees. The position also requires the ability to create communications to the state legislative delegation on the positions of the Scott County Board, or SCALE Executive Committee on their standing of bills that are proposed. At certain times of the year and especially during the legislative session, this position will require long days and significant hours, including weekends. The position will require travel as needed to meet with legislators, vendors, program partners, and to visit fiber program sites.

Job Description

Develops annual strategic planning/visioning, documents for fiber use, expansion, and projects through meetings and coordination with county staff, outside fiber technicians, internet service provider partners, state, city, and township officials, and planning staff.

Develops agreements between Scott County and other entities (public or private) relative to fiber use and responsibilities and ensures internal coordination with Risk Management and the County Attorney's Office.

Develops the annual Fiber Operational Budget, including the strategic 5-year plan with cost estimates.

Provides oversight and overall management and approval for requests for use of county fiber assets. Promotes open access and increased broadband availability and use in underserved and unserved areas of the county by encouraging providers to provide higher level broadband services and triple play services as allowable.

Leverages the county's extensive fiber infrastructure to promote and enable economic development in Scott County through partnership with the First Stop Shop, County Planning Department, and the Cities’ Economic Development Authorities.

Provides legislative research and the development of legislative positions, provides assistance (as requested or necessary) to legislators, and works to influence legislation on behalf of Scott County and the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE).

Initiates meetings with constituents, legislators, or other groups to develop and influence legislation in alignment with Scott County’s stated goals, legislative platform, and/or positions. Ensures County's legislative policies, positions, and concerns are shared with local legislators, government officials, and other appropriate parties.

Represents the county before the state legislature as well as applicable committees and subcommittees and testifies on county’s platform when requested or as appropriate.

Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires equivalency of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or Public Administration with an emphasis in fiber management or related field and 7 years of directly related content and/or fiber management systems experience working with technical team members to execute projects. Outside Fiber Plant Architecture (OSP) Certification is highly desired. Preference given for work experience with the MN Legislative process. One must provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

Supervisory Controls
This employee is under the general guidance and authority delegated of the Transformation and Enterprise Services Director. The employee communicates with all levels of management and staff within the county. Day-to-day work is done with wide latitude for independence and discretion requiring considerable understanding of complex issues. Decisions and recommendations made will have a significant impact on business communication strategies, methodologies, and outcomes for the county.

The employee directs and oversees the work of others in vendor management and collaboration activities; including, Access Networks (Vendor) for outside fiber management to ensure day to day and weekly activities are accomplished, ensures compliance, provides project clarity, and assists with prioritization of projects. Provides train-the-trainer and professional development to staff within the organization on website compliance and content management.

The employee promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others in areas of expertise. The employee learns, understands, executes, and promotes organizational cultural initiatives and county-wide program objectives.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service– Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication- Is always clear and concise about what we’re going and way we are doing it.

Stewardship – Works proactively to make sound investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Collaboration- Works with partners, communities, schools, faith groups, private businesses, and non-profit agencies to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Innovation and Creativity – Recognizes the need for change and makes suggestions. Keeps up on best practices and trends in the field. This involves utilizing KPI’s, Business Measures and CSD’s to identify gaps and prioritize improvements.

Empowerment- Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Leadership – Displays commitment to the mission of Scott County. Continually strives for excellence. Demonstrates and encourages team participation. Engages in personal growth and professional development.

Personal Relationships – Establishes and promotes a positive work environment. Interacts appropriately, professionally, and effectively with people of varying backgrounds and disciplines.

Innovation – Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting county government.

Knowledge of legislative and policy procedures and processes.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local government organization, processes, and procedures.

Knowledge of desktop publishing and Photoshop programs.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Knowledge of outside fiber plant administration, maintenance, architectural design including Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU) broadband design.

Knowledge of wireline, fixed-wireless, and cellular broadband service offerings and limitations.

Knowledge of public budgeting, accounting, and programming.

Knowledge of Minnesota Public Data Practices as it relates to the use and exchange of information.

Abilities – Ability to mediate between and among competing demands of county officials as well as external clients.

Ability to anticipate and plan for potential opportunities and obstacles in various legislative, policy, or program/project areas.

Ability to communicate in a concise and accurate manner.

Ability to have attention to detail; including, clear documentation of tasks, assignments, and outcomes and follow through to their completion.

Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively by engaging others to work as teams to accomplish projects.

Ability to operate effectively under rapidly changing conditions or circumstances.

Ability to develop and implement valid and workable research models.

Ability to write, speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state legislators and city and county administration.

Ability to prepare and interpret plans, budgets, and technical and administrative reports.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside and outside work. Evening and weekend hours will be required during certain times of the year and to accommodate demands of certain projects and goals. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of service.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.