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