Description

OVERVIEW

Cook County Office of the President is seeking a Broadband Infrastructure Manager to lead and coordinate broadband initiatives aligned with the County's strategic plan. This role oversees the implementation of countywide projects, including fiber network expansion, secure wireless deployment at housing authority properties, and cross-agency broadband efforts. The Manager will drive digital equity goals through strong stakeholder collaboration, effective project management, and ongoing performance monitoring to deliver sustainable, community-impactful outcomes.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois' population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHYPURSUEACAREERWITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SNAPSHOTOFCOOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway - Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land - Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety - Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

SALARY RANGE: $115,989- $127,984/YEARLY

LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

Oversee and coordinate broadband projects under County's strategic plan. Lead the implementation of countywide broadband initiatives, including expanding the fiber network, building secure wireless networks at housing authority properties, and aligning various broadband projects across bureaus/departments and partner agencies. Ensure that all efforts align with digital equity goals, leveraging stakeholder collaboration, robust project management, and performance tracking to make a sustainable impact.

This position is in the Office of the Cook County Board President and involves policymaking and implementation related to the administration's political and policy views. A high level of confidentiality is required, making political affiliation an appropriate consideration for the effective performance of the job.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead and oversee broadband projects including fiber network expansions and wireless network installations, ensuring projects meet digital equity goals.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Bureau of Technology, Housing Authorities, and community organizations, to align efforts and streamline operations.
• Develop and maintain central tracking systems to monitor broadband projects, ensuring measurable outcomes and accountability.
• Collaborate on permitting processes, project planning, and implementation phases for broadband infrastructure initiatives.
• Identify gaps, track progress across various broadband projects, and centralize reporting for unified execution.
• Collect and analyze data on broadband access and adoption, presenting findings to support future decision-making.
• Drive community engagement efforts, ensuring broadband solutions meet the real needs of underserved populations.
• Prepare and present project plans, status updates, and outcome reports to Cook County leadership and other stakeholders.
• Support the formulation of long-term broadband strategies and integration of broadband efforts into Cook County's corporate budget.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities from governmental and private sectors to sustain and expand broadband projects.

Required for all jobs:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of broadband technologies including fiber, wireless mesh, and satellite, as well as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband standards.
• Strong understanding of the challenges in achieving digital equity and working with underserved communities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Proficient in community engagement practices, particularly with groups most impacted by digital inequities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing project plans, outcomes, and data.
• Competent in written and oral communication, including facilitating meetings and making presentations.
• Ability to utilize data tracking systems and tools for performance reporting and decision-making.
• Familiarity with the Cook County region and its socio-economic landscape.
• This position may require travel throughout Cook County

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Four (4) years of project management, including schedule development, budget oversight and stakeholder coordination, in broadband infrastructure, telecommunications, digital equity or directly related experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Technology, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of project management in broadband infrastructure, telecommunications, or digital equity experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.