Broadband Technical Fellow

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 certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
GIS-related certification

Relevant state or federal broadband program training certificationsMust 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…