Broadband Technical Fellow

Company: Communities Unlimited, Inc.
Location: Johnson
Posted on: March 17, 2026

Job Description:

The Broadband Technical Fellow (BTF) is the organization’s senior technical resource in broadband planning, digital equity, telecommunications infrastructure, and broadband policy across rural communities. This position represents the highest level of technical advancement within CU’s broadband career pathway for individuals seeking to remain on a subject matter expert track rather than a supervisory leadership track. Drawing upon extensive experience in broadband deployment, infrastructure planning, funding strategy, and regulatory environments, the Broadband Technical Fellow provides technical guidance to senior leadership, staff, communities, funders, and policymakers. The Fellow provides advanced technical guidance on complex broadband initiatives; supports program strategy; supports funding positioning; mentors Broadband staff; and elevates CU’s visibility as a regional and national leader in rural broadband and digital equity. This position is designed to preserve institutional knowledge, deepen technical excellence, strengthen policy influence, and ensure long-term sustainability and impact of CU’s broadband programming. This is work from home role; however, candidates must reside in one of the follow states: AL, AR, LA, OK, MS, TN or TX. CU offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance. An Employer 401k Match, paid holiday, vacation and sick time. Education/Certification Requirements Option A: Master’s degree in telecommunications, public administration, engineering, information systems, community development, or related field, and a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in broadband planning, digital equity, telecommunications infrastructure, or related technical assistance roles. - OR - Option B: A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in broadband, telecommunications, digital equity, or infrastructure development, including demonstrated high-level technical leadership and subject matter expertise across multi-jurisdictional initiatives. Preferred Certifications (as applicable): Broadband or telecommunications industry certificationsProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)GIS-related certificationRelevant state or federal broadband program training certifications Must maintain a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage. Must be authorized to work in the USA. Experience/Skills Requirements Recognized expertise in broadband, telecommunications operations, planning, digital equity strategies and regulatory compliance.Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical broadband advisor to senior leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.Deep understanding of federal and state broadband funding programs (e.g., BEAD, CPF, CAF, RDOF, USF, USDA ReConnect) and associated compliance frameworks.Proven history of contributing to and securing programmatic and infrastructure funding.Ability to synthesize complex technical and regulatory information into actionable recommendations.Strong mentorship and coaching skills to support the transfer of technical knowledge to staff.Skilled in public speaking, presenting at conferences, and representing the organization in high-level forums.Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, policy briefs, and thought leadership publications.Ability to work effectively in a virtual, multi-state team environment. Summary of Essential Job Duties Senior Technical Leadership & Advisory Serve as CU’s senior technical resource on broadband infrastructure planning, digital equity strategy, and telecommunications deployment across the service area.Provide advanced technical review and quality assurance for complex broadband plans, feasibility analyses, engineering assessments, and funding applications.Advise executive leadership on emerging technologies, regulatory developments, industry trends, and funding opportunities that affect rural broadband deployment. Strengthen and refine CU’s broadband technical assistance models, tools, and standards to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery. Policy, Strategy & External Engagement Monitor and analyze federal and state broadband policies and funding programs; assess implications for communities and organizational strategy.Represent CU in state, regional, and national broadband forums, conferences, and policy discussions.Maintain and leverage relationships with agencies, funders, industry partners, and coalitions to strengthen CU’s positioning and influence.Contribute to policy briefs, white papers, case studies, and other thought leadership materials that elevate CU’s impact. Program Strengthening & Funding Support Provide advanced technical guidance on high-impact or complex community broadband initiatives.Provides technical input to enhance competitiveness of major funding proposals and multi-state infrastructure efforts.Collaborate with GIS and cross-departmental teams to align broadband planning with data, mapping, lending, and community development strategies. Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer Mentor Broadband staff to strengthen technical competency and problem-solving capacity.Lead advanced training sessions and contribute to onboarding and professional development efforts to ensure continuity of expertise across the broadband program. Tools Used in Job Proficient use of a computer, internet, smart phone (texting, email, photos, videos, social media, and calls), web-based databases for data-entry, Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required. Experience with broadband mapping platforms, GIS tools, funding portals, and project management systems is strongly preferred. Additional technical software may be required based on project needs. The use of additional software for project-related activities may be required, and training will be provided. Work Environment The work environment reflects a combination of remote office work and field engagement throughout the organization’s service area. Approximately 25–35% travel may be required, including regional travel, state and national conferences, and policy engagement events. Work may occur in community settings, public meetings, infrastructure sites, and outdoor environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. EOE Compensation details: 73875-78500 Yearly Salary PI22791a191f80-25448-39958124

Keywords: Communities Unlimited, Inc., Rogers , Broadband Technical Fellow, IT / Software / Systems , Johnson, Arkansas