The City of Chesapeake is recruiting a Broadband Development Officer to lead Chesapeake Connects, a 170-mile fiber network that began construction in summer 2022. Leading a team of six, the Broadband Development Officer will and oversee and coordinate the activities of the Chesapeake Connects network within the Department of Information Technology. 
 
Chesapeake Connects is the City's initiative to enable high-speed internetworking across all City and School facilities and also incentivize private Internet providers to build and offer service to Chesapeake's citizens. The Broadband Development Officer is a newly created position that requires the incumbent to oversee the remainder of the project build-out, hire support staff, direct and monitor daily operations, and develop business relationships to further the commercial aspect of the network.
 
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of and belief in the potential of city-supported and run networks. The right candidate has a mixture of technical acumen to guide the day-to-day operations of the network and long-term strategic thinking to drive a vision for Chesapeake Connects.  The desired candidate has the entrepreneurial spirit required to create a network that drives economic development and value for the municipality.
 
The role includes promoting the long-term vision of the fiber network and creating and executing a roadmap to successfully provide network access for the city while also supporting local economic development.
 
QUALIFICATIONS: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, Information Services, Public Administration, or a related field. Eight years of related experience with complex projects, broadband system operations, network implementations, and managing budgets; including 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.  Experience with sales, fiber optic backbone management, telecom industry and wireless overlay networks, project management, and/or product management experience preferred.
 
SALARY: Hiring salary $115K +/- DOQ/E
 
Complete online application and attach a cover letter and resume.  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  Position is open until filled; first review of applications is July 28, 2023.