PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the Community and Economic Development department. Work involves but is not limited to planning public, individual and committee meetings, providing administrative reports and studies to local governments and state agency contracts, and providing educational information in the Rio Grande Valley. Position is responsible for coordinating projects, programs, and initiatives of the C&ED with an emphasis on leading the Texas Regional Broadband Program (TRBP) in addition to other duties that focus on community & economic development. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.


Coordinates communication development and dissemination through coordination with management and stakeholders for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies, the Economic Recovery & Resiliency Plan and the Broadband Digital Opportunity of the Rio Grande Valley. Will coordinate with the RGV Broadband Coalition and support their efforts of the LRGV Digital BDO Plan. Perform comprehensive reviews of CEDS, ERRP and RGVBDO, and prepare gap analysis reports, plan alignment reports and identify or implement plan progress measures. Study and analyze regional plans, prepare reports of findings and recommendations, and prepare justifications for the implementation of procedural or project changes. Performs a variety of technical training, workshops, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to assigned program(s). Provides support to and collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of Community & Economic Development program plans. Serves as a liaison to staff, the RGV Digital Broadband Coalition & members, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining program specifics and requirements. Markets Community & Economic Development plans and projects to the region and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in them. Ensures compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for assigned program. Prepare the appropriate reports and documentation on programs assigned; Attend and coordinate public outreach and engagement activities for local governments, community organizations, and anchor institutions to gather input, support digital literacy goals. Reviews programs and projects to assure consistency with local and regional plans; Assembles and communicates broadband planning data sources; Produces written correspondence, charts and reports for projects and providing professional support as assigned. Regional and or state travel required. Performs such other related duties as may be assigned. May require doing fieldwork with exposure to outdoor conditions, lifting of equipment weighing up to 25lbs, as necessary.


EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Three (3) year minimum experience in public administration, business management, economic development or related field is generally preferred. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public administration, political science, or field relevant to the assignment. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; statistical analysis and research processes; program management processes and techniques.


Skill in identifying measures or indictors program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software.


Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, to provide guidance to others, evaluate and interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively.


CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Valid/Current Texas Driver's License.

May require registration, certification, or licensure in a specialty area.

"Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability"