Technical Program Manager, Broadband Deployment, ConnectALL

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy. *Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION: ConnectALL was established by the Governor in 2022 and authorized by the NYS Wired Act to transform New York State’s digital infrastructure, facilitate a robust internet marketplace, and close the digital divide. ConnectALL, an office within Empire State Development, oversees grant programs and initiatives to invest over $1 billion in public funds.

Reporting to the Director, Fiber Deployment, the Technical Program Manager (PM) is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of New York State’s digital infrastructure initiatives. The Technical PM streamlines processes related to permitting and pole attachments and ensures the technical completion and readiness of ConnectALL funded broadband infrastructure projects. The Technical PM proactively identifies opportunities and implements solutions to accelerate broadband delivery by removing barriers related to permitting, pole attachments, and field coordination.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Lead the escalation and resolution of stalled applications to reduce average pole attachment durations and permit approval times for grant-funded projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and regulatory agencies to facilitate improvements to the pole make-ready and permitting procedures.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with pole and joint pole owners across all carriers to ensure regulatory compliance and process efficiency.
• Coordinate resources to conduct physical audits of projects at varying stages to verify construction progress and confirm compliance with approved proposals and safety regulations.
• Implement and enhance quality assurance plans, inspection procedures, and acceptance criteria for the testing and approval of wireline and wireless installations.
• Forecast, schedule, and assign resource requirements for the timely completion of field audits; advance audits of project areas as the completion of construction becomes available.
• Notify grantees and ensure the timely remediation of construction related deficiencies.
• Monitor key program indicators, including on-time fiber delivery and deficiency remediation progress.
• Identify project risks, deployment concerns, and progress updates to ConnectALL leadership as needed.
• Identify and incorporate relevant data attributes into tracking systems to maintain organized records of inspection results and program milestones.

Relevant experience required:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years focused on outside plant telecommunications construction, installation, or inspection, broadband/telecommunications program management, or infrastructure project delivery.
• Experience with utility pole licensing and permitting processes across New York State, especially Upstate New York
• Strong knowledge of broadband delivery technologies (aerial/underground fiber and fixed wireless) and network topologies.
• Ability to translate field experience into formal systems for evaluating and reporting on infrastructure projects.
• Experience generating or reviewing as-built documents, bills of materials, and other documentation of broadband projects.
• Strong project management, time management, organizational, document coordination, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and project management platforms.

• Ability to travel for field verification activities Relevant experience preferred:

• Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) or similar.
• Experience managing the implementation of grant-funded infrastructure projects.
• Experience with State and local permitting agencies and processes such as DOT, local municipalities, and private ROW owners.
• Experience with inside plant construction, in building wiring and roof rights and regulations associated with the deployment of broadband infrastructure within buildings.