Program Manager (Remote)

NRTC is Member Driven and Technology Focused – providing solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America. NRTC’s solutions are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated broadband, managed services, smart grid, mobile and video solutions. We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations. 
Job Summary
The Program Manager will provide oversight and coordination for a team comprised of Project Managers, Outside Plant, Design/Engineering, Finance, and Construction team members in the design, implementation, and rollout of broadband systems to rural America. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to successfully deliver multiple projects across the organization from inception to operational readiness.
The Program Manager will work closely with internal and external resources and is expected to have the expertise to fully lead teams and monitor and meet deliverables throughout the project lifecycle. They are responsible for defining/refining Project Scope, including setting appropriate expectations with the project sponsors and defining and managing to success criteria for each phase of the project. They ensure everything runs smoothly and follows program goals while maintaining a high level of detail for each project they oversee throughout their workday. This position is the internal and external advocate to ensure that project expectations are realistic and delivered on budget.
Responsibilities

• Manage program scope, budget and schedule while focusing on regular and timely delivery of value.
• Create and update program management documentation (scope, project charter, plan/schedule, project logs, status reports, issue management, etc.).
• Apply change, risk and resource management by identifying any risks or setbacks to the project and develop and implement a mitigation strategy, with proper input, to address them.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders on a regular and on as needed basis on the project status.
• Leads large project teams, promoting and supporting teamwork, in the implementation efforts for broadband projects, ensuring that they are accurate, secure, and efficient.
• Manages the contractual commitments, scopes of work, budgets, and timelines of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensure that the program has high visibility and understanding of the critical data for  dependencies, issues and risks, continuous improvement plans, release metrics, etc. and communicates appropriately.
• Directs and monitors work daily, identifying resource needs, performing quality reviews, and escalating functional, quality, and timeline issues appropriately. Facilitates issue resolution while holding team members accountable.
• Partner with business, mission, and functional leads to successfully execute and achieve all program milestones including tracking key project milestones, adjusting project plans and/or resources as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess a technical background and strong understanding of broadband infrastructure components.
• Professional level understanding of equipment, methodology, processes, and terminology specific to fiber networks including easement and Right of Way requirements; building permit/zoning requirements; fiber vendor SOWs and deliverables (installation, testing, optimization); and fiber network electronics. Experience with Utility Industry fiber networks is preferred including transmission/distribution Strand and Lash as well as ADSS builds.
• Strong ability to gather information and drive consensus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work under deadlines and deliver results on time.
• Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to complete multiple tasks and deliver results within critical deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with internal and external customers. Ability to travel as required.

Minimum Education and Experience

• 10 years Project Management experience with increasing responsibility with a focus in Telecommunications, VoIP, Infrastructure, or System Project Management
• PMP Certification highly recommended
• Outside plant/construction management in the broadband/telecom industry preferred.

Physical Demands

• Travel to local sites on a regular basis (30%)
• Hybrid remote position

#zr