Housing Broadband and Digital Equity Program Manager

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s (MBI) is seeking a dynamic individual to support the expansion of MBI’s housing-focused broadband and digital equity initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual seeking to gain hands on experience in broadband implementation strategies focused on affordable and public housing, digital equity planning, program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in public or affordable housing development, program management, urban planning, community development, public sector grant management or other related fields; have an expressed interest in the broadband and digital equity field; and demonstrate an ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Candidates that can bring a proven familiarity with and/or connection to the various housing-focused professional networks and communities in Massachusetts will be considered favorably.

Primary Responsibilities 

Support the operation of MBI’s housing focused grant programs which aim to retrofit affordable housing units throughout the state with state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure. MBI is making a concerted effort to address the infrastructure and programmatic barriers that prevent or inhibit residents of public and affordable housing from receiving or utilizing high speed broadband technologies.  

Day to day responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Management of solicitations/procurements related to housing grant programs.
• Tracking and evaluation of grant program applications
• Liaise with housing operators – including but not limited to Community Development Corporations, Public Housing Authorities, and For Profit Affordable Housing Developers, to support a robust pipeline of interested program participants.
• Provide technical assistance to the stakeholders listed above as related to MBI’s housing-focused grant programs.
• Manage procurement activities with support from MassTech’s legal and finance staff.
• Manage housing grant awards and related federal reporting requirements.
• Work to integrate tenant facing tools and communications to ensure program impact, adoption, and success.

Support the Coordination of State’s Digital Equity Planning Activities and Implementation of New Programs. MBI is finalizing planning documents that will guide the deployment of over $300M in federal funds over the next 3–5 years to expand broadband access and address digital inequalities. The Housing and Broadband Manager will play a supporting role in this body of work as it advances.

Day to day responsibilities include:

• Ensuring connection points between potential new programming and statewide housing policies and programs.
• Providing project support to MBI Team members.
• Providing programmatic support for cross-cutting programs and initiatives related to broadband infrastructure, broadband mapping and digital equity and inclusion.
• Supporting long-term evaluation of MBI’s funding impacts.
• Supporting reporting requirements as related to both the Digital Equity Act, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program and the ARPA Capital Projects Fund.
• Participating in ongoing planning activities as needed.

Requirements

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for the required qualifications.

• Experience and exposure to grant program management or project management.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years experience in the fields of affordable housing development, project management, municipal/regional planning, public administration, government, or nonprofit (Community Based Organizations, Community Development Corporations, Etc.)
• Active knowledge and experience with Massachusetts housing policy and affordable housing stakeholders and the desire to become immersed in issues related to digital access and equity.
• Experience supporting data analysis, report writing, and visual communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) skills.
• Self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and problem-solve.
• Proficiency with business tools (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent), social media, website management tools, and online networking tools a plus.
• Beneficial if the candidate has a Masters Degree or equivalent experience in public policy, information science, communications, urban planning, or related field.

** PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES CANDIDATES TO BE ABLE TO WORK IN WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS AT LEAST TWO DAYS PER WEEK. THIS IS NOT A FULL-TIME REMOTE POSITION. **

Benefits

MassTech offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive total rewards package.