Program Manager, Digital Equity

BASIC FUNCTION:  

Working closely with and reporting to the state's Senior Director of Digital Equity, this position will be responsible for supporting all statewide digital equity and inclusion initiatives, including developing and implementing New York's State Digital Equity Plan and digital equity grant program.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Support drafting and strategy for New York's State Digital Equity Plan in coordination with other State and local government agencies, as well as a diverse range of private and non-profit organizations. The planning process will include:
• Developing and convening a broad network of digital equity stakeholders to identify barriers to broadband adoption, share best practices, and coordinate programmatic interventions.
• Designing and executing events (in person and virtual) to engage a broad network of digital equity stakeholders.
• Managing purchasing, booking, etc. for events; developing and tracking event budgets.
• Developing a comprehensive asset inventory to understand existing programs, resources, and organizations supporting digital equity.
• Drafting and administering a survey to understand barriers to adoption faced by different populations within the state, summarizing and synthesizing results.
• Conducting research and outreach to identify precedent best practices in digital equity and adoption programming that could be replicated in New York.
• Other tasks, as designated by the Senior Director of Broadband Equity.
• Support program design for a Digital Equity Grant Program to support the work of digital equity-focused organizations across the state, including developing eligibility criteria, application requirements, and scoring rubrics.
• Administer the Digital Equity Grant Program, including providing drafting program requirements documents, providing technical assistance to potential grantees, reviewing, and scoring applications, and developing award recommendations.
• Provide day-to-day project management of all statewide digital equity and inclusion initiatives for CAO, in service of implementing the State Digital Equity Plan. Plan implementation activities will include:
• Serving as the day-to-day point of contact and manager for consultants supporting CAO digital equity programs.
• Serving as day-to-day point of contact and manager for regional digital equity coalitions receiving grant funding from CAO.
• Designing and executing events (in person and virtual) to engage a broad network of digital equity stakeholders.
• Maintaining relationships with the state's Digital Equity Working Group, State agency digital equity representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to evaluate CAO's digital equity programs for impact against defined goals, supported by CAO's Research and Data Analysis.
• Other tasks, as designated by the Senior Director of Broadband Equity
• Support preparation of internal documentation relating to CAO contracts and the procurement of contract services.
• Represent CAO's digital equity program internally, preparing briefing materials for ESD, Executive Chamber, and other State agency stakeholders.

Position expected to work onsite and/or remote consistent with NYS and ESD guidelines and needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level Required: Bachelor's degree.

3-5 years of work experience, with a minimum of two years of direct experience in one or more of the following fields: economic development, government, planning, project management, community engagement and outreach, or related fields.

Demonstrated interest in and passion for broadband infrastructure and digital equity, adoption, and literacy programs. A passion for closing the digital divide in New York and ensuring that solutions pursued by CAO are equitable and just.

Experience with project management, research, and basic data analysis. Prior experience supporting large-scale stakeholder or public engagement programs is a plus, strong facilitation and presentation skills before multiple types of audiences.

Ability to travel in support of CAO projects and stakeholder engagement events.