Broadband Infrastructure Program Manager; Office President - Shakman Exempt

BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM MANAGER (OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT) – SHAKMAN EXEMPT

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. The role oversees 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 stakeholder collaboration, effective project management, and ongoing performance monitoring to deliver sustainable, community‑impactful outcomes.

• 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.

• 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.
• Position may require travel throughout Cook County.

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

• 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.

Sedentary work involving occasional lifting up to 10 pounds, walking or standing for brief periods. The duties listed are not limited to the assignment of work and are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally performed under a job title.

Exempt from the County’s career service rules with at‑will status. If non‑resident, six (6) months from hire to establish Cook County residency. Contact shakmanexemptapplications for inquiries.

$115,989 – $127,984 per year.

Loop District of downtown Chicago.

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