IT Project Manager – E-Rate Program

Position Summary

The client is seeking a highly experienced IT Project Manager to oversee and coordinate statewide technology initiatives supporting the E-rate Program. This role is responsible for managing E-rate funding activities, technology infrastructure planning, procurement processes, and project delivery for Mississippi public libraries. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) E-rate Program, government procurement, networking infrastructure, and IT project management. This position requires excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of E-rate projects from planning through successful implementation.
• Conduct technology and infrastructure assessments for public library systems.
• Collaborate with library directors to identify networking, telecommunications, and technology needs.
• Prepare, submit, and manage E-rate applications using the USAC Portal.
• Respond to Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviews and provide supporting documentation to secure project funding.
• Cook up project schedules, milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
• Lead ISP and technology vendor migration initiatives.
• Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and support procurement activities in accordance with Mississippi procurement regulations.
• Oversee contract administration and vendor relationships.
• Provide leadership and coordination across multiple organizational divisions.
• Ensure compliance with state procurement policies and federal E-rate program requirements.
• Support strategic technology planning for statewide public library initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years of IT Project Management experience.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on E-rate program experience.
• Strong knowledge of USAC policies, procedures, and funding programs.
• Experience working with Mississippi state procurement laws and government purchasing processes.
• Experience with contract administration and vendor management.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and project leadership experience.
• Experience working with public libraries, educational institutions, or government organizations.

Required Technical Skills

• Project Management
• Enterprise IT Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Management
• Schedule & Resource Management
• Cross-functional Team Leadership
• Contract Administration
• E-rate Administration
• USAC Portal
• E-rate Funding Applications
• Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) Reviews
• Telecommunications Funding Programs
• Networking & Infrastructure
• Wireless Access Points
• Network Switches
• Routers
• Structured Cabling
• ISP Migration
• Vendor Migration
• End-User Technology Infrastructure
• Government Procurement
• State Procurement Regulations
• Government Contract Compliance
• RFP Development
• Vendor Selection & Management

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates With The Following Experience Are Strongly Preferred:
• Staff supervision and leadership
• Public speaking and presentations
• Vendor relationship management
• Policy and procedure development
• Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• Mainframe management experience
• Program development and administration

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday
20 hours per week
Hybrid work arrangement (on-site and remote based on project needs)
Occasional in-state travel required
Limited overtime as needed