United Cooperative Services has an open position for Vice President - Internet Services.

Candidate should have a stable, verifiable work history, with an acceptable MVR. A pre-employment drug and alcohol screen is required. This is a career job with progressive pay and an outstanding benefit package. 

This position will preside over the activities of the Internet Services department of the cooperative and assist with activities of other departments. This includes developing, executing and achieving business objectives and operating procedures that ensure that United’s Internet Services business is financially strong, while also providing optimal services to external subscribers and internal users of the fiber optic network.

As a staff member, this position assists in addressing ongoing challenges and identifying new internal and external challenges for internet and electric services that face the members, cooperative and employees.
The Vice President – Internet Services assists the CEO and executive staff with clarification of the company vision(s) needed to meet such challenges for internet and electric services.
This position will assist in communicating and implementing these visions and values to the members and employees across all departments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Presides over direct reports with responsibilities in Outside Plant, Network Deployment and Network Operations, and business development activities of United’s Internet Services Department, to include: hiring and managing employees, providing reporting via real-time dashboards, establishing budgets, identifying problems, developing and proposing solution options, cultivating relationships with vendors, reviewing and executing vendor contracts, maintaining public relations, and managing assets.

Research best-industry practice trends to proactively evolve the internet infrastructure to further goals of the company. Evaluates new business and expansion opportunities and recommends new services to the CEO.

Plans, and oversees all lines of Internet business to ensure both financial strength and exceptional level of subscriber satisfaction.

Oversees the actions necessary or takes proactive and corrective action to resolve member issues and questions about service and the process for appropriate member request pertaining to their internet service and/or accounts from direct contacts, as well as, referrals from other offices as requested and/or needed.

Implements and operates the Internet network (fiber optic and fixed wireless) within the financial projections and budget approved by the board of directors. If modifications are required, develops budget/plan amendments with financial analysis for Senior VP of Finance and Accounting, CEO and board approval.

Determines and designs training procedures to assure consistent and standard work procedures within all applicable cooperative functions.

Responsible for network design, implementation and operations including the edge and core internet infrastructure along with coordination with content delivery network (“CDN”) to ensure the most efficient use of internet access bandwidth. Ensures network operation of bandwidth and response time to meet or exceed industry standards.

Assists with coordination with technical services representatives regarding service appointments and special service orders.

Establishes and implements goals within guidelines established by the CEO.

Ensures operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Represents the company with regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, and industry associations.

Promotes and maintains a safe working environment, observes all safety rules, and supports United’s mission, core values, and vision in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.

Supports and keeps abreast of bylaws, guidelines, policies/procedures and philosophies of United to effectively serve and support cooperative members.

Regularly confers with United employees to offer assistance as needed. Works closely with United personnel to ensure overall success of the cooperative including participating in regular committees and encouraging a cohesive culture between internet and electric services.

Will support the Cooperative’s electric business through planning, design, and operation of a secure fiber optic network that supports interoffice communication and communication to substations and other devices in the field. Coordinates these efforts with other departments to ensure a secure and reliable network for electric operations on a 24/7 basis.

Maintains positive and productive relations with vendors, contractors, subscribers, customers, and the general public in carrying out the responsibilities of the position. Work with consultants as required ensuring the success of the broadband network deployment and ongoing operations.

Administers “Proactive Performance Coaching” principals in accordance with daily
supervisory duties.

As a member of the management/supervisory team, this position is responsible for the provision of a full range of supervisory activities, including but not limited to: the selection, training and evaluation of section personnel, planning, developing and monitoring completion of objectives and the completion of special projects as delegated.

Develop and implement: education, tools and training with clear expectations to employees in order to meet departmental and cooperative goals.

Maintain familiarity with and be able to effectively communicate United, industry, and regulatory information, including but not limited to: communications and publications to our membership, internal communications such as the employee newsletter, supervisors’ meetings and employee meetings, and information from appropriate internal and external web sites.

Prepare (and potentially deliver) presentations to employees or other groups as necessary.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Vice President – Internet Services shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

• RUS, NRTC (or other national groups with influence over the fiber/broadband industry), ERCOT and local City, County, and State Governments: Discusses regulations and rules.
• Local Economic Development Groups: Maintains relationships to increase Cooperative business.
• Members: Courteously answers member inquiries to further their understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative's plans, policies and programs.
• Vendors and engineering consultants: Remain up-to-date on technology, purchases, and contract negotiation and administration.
• Technical and non-technical audiences: Delivers presentations.
• Potential medium and large members: Markets cooperative services.
• Texas Electric Cooperatives employees and other cooperatives: Reviews and discusses items affecting cooperatives.
• Works closely with UCS legal counsel.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job Knowledge, Training and Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science or related field from an accredited university. A higher preference will be placed on individuals with 10 years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of networking technologies. Must have technical knowledge of best industry practice internet infrastructure strategies and concepts to include routing, switching, voice-over-internet protocol, security, dynamic host control protocol, domain name service and security devices – Juniper Network Operating System, streaming technologies; and fiber optic infrastructure. Strong negotiation skills required. Excellent leadership skills with proven success in generating supporting product and business development as well as significant previous supervisory experience.

Equipment Operated: Uses office equipment and computers. Must have a current driver's license without violations that would prohibit insurability.

Abilities and Skills: Must be able to give, receive and analyze information, prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans. Required to proposed real-time reporting with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Must effectively present information, orally and written, and respond to questions from clients, members and general public. Must be able to deal with a variety of people in varying situations with tact and diplomacy. Requires ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Physical Effort: Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions: This position is performed equally in an office environment and outdoors.

Travel: This position requires occasional travel to conferences and meetings relating to the job requirements.

United Cooperative Services is an equal opportunity employer and institution. 

About United Cooperative Services

https://ucs.net/ucs-careers

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