New Job Dti Team Director Of Digital Equity - Limited Term In Delaware

Looking for a rewarding career in the fast-paced technology industry? Look no further!

The Department of Technology & Information (DTI) is Delaware’s central IT organization committed to providing technology services and collaborative solutions for Delaware while working to improve the lives of Delawareans through advanced technologies that innovate government services.

The State of Delaware’s innovative efforts to date have positioned Delaware as one of the most connected states in the country and provide valuable best practices to be leveraged in efforts to close the remaining gaps. The State has made significant inroads in addressing the challenges of unserved residents.

Delaware completed a broadband strategic plan in 2021 that included these key findings:

• Approximately 11,600 Delaware homes and businesses lack broadband service in contiguous unserved portions of the State
• Delaware’s broadband service availability and digital equity metrics are comparable to those of neighboring states
• Residential survey results indicate a high level of service availability—but significant barriers to adoption and effective use of broadband and computers
• The Covid-19 pandemic affected residents’ broadband needs
• Fiber-to-the-premises or fixed wireless networks could fill the State’s broadband gaps
• Incumbent ISPs could use an edge-out approach to reach almost 90 percent of unserved residents

Delaware will expand broadband service to every home and business in the state and advance equity in technology access and skills utilizing two funding sources from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the State Digital Equity Planning and State Digital Equity Capacity Grants programs. Plans for implementation envision and require extensive engagement with communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop an innovative state-wide campaign to advance digital equity and close the digital divide in Delaware. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with government and non-profit agencies to further our state’s digital inclusion, education workforce, health care and government services agendas. This position is a leadership role that will shape policy related to digital access, literacy and equity in Delaware.

The Statewide Director of Digital Equity will work directly with the Governor’s Office to play a critical role helping to develop a statewide digital equity strategy; overseeing federal funding source utilized to support increased digital access and digital skills training; collaborating with key stakeholders; and coordinating advocacy, grassroots, media, and other outreach efforts.

The primary responsibilities include:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with diverse, mission-aligned organizations.
• Develop statewide alliances and consortia around digital access and digital literacy.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to help increase the capacity and impact of digital inclusion efforts.
• Coordinate, support and engage state agencies, community partners and other critical stakeholders towards the State’s Digital Equity Plan.
• Foster strong internal communication and accountability statewide.
• Provide leadership for digital equity planning, strategy formation, coalition work, grassroots support, and policy advocacy.
• Conduct research and statistical analysis to guide and support the state’s efforts. Develop a master database to track data and outcomes of digital inclusion projects and activities.

This position will also work closely with the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program team who will be working in parallel to the State Digital Equity Planning to develop the BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposal, and Final Proposal. These efforts will establish a new grant program that will result in universal broadband service availability to all Delaware residents. The BEAD and Digital Equity Planning will work concurrently on several activities required for both plans, as well as will lead unique and complimentary efforts for each planning process.

This position is estimated to be 75% remote, with expected travel around the state, engaging in-person with stakeholders. It is also expected that the Director of Digital Equity will be available to meet in-person with state government leaders to coordinate State Digital Equity planning efforts. The in-person meetings, as well as other planning efforts, will be coordinated with the BEAD planning team and supported by a consulting team.

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with emphasis in public policy, information science, communications, urban planning or a related field.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for DTI Team Director of Digital Equity
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a supervisor or manager in government, advocacy, or nonprofit with experience managing coalition efforts and advising on policy issues.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing or leading projects and programs related to equity and social justice issues.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience developing and managing partnerships, including agreements, memos of understanding, contracts, and other agreements between private and public entities.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) skills

Criminal background check: A satisfactory fingerprint based criminal background check administered by the Delaware State Police is required as a Condition of Hire.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. DTI participates in the Federal E-Verify system where we will provide the federal government with each Executive Branch new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources web page.

DTI does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

DTI’s Benefits to include:

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, Up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 annually.
• State funded learning opportunities, mentor programs and professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/agencies/index.shtml.

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.