GCI's Broadband Grant Compliance Director is responsible for implementing and overseeing the management and compliance of federal broadband grant awards, specifically, Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) awards.  Ensuring GCI’s successful participation in BEAD and various federally funded broadband programs. This position ensures all applicable policies, procedures, and processes align with federal regulations and grant requirements. The Director proactively monitors legal and regulatory changes, provides ongoing compliance guidance, and collaborates with internal business units to maintain adherence to program specifications. The role also involves interfacing with regulatory agencies to ensure timely and accurate reporting and to mitigate compliance risks. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a leadership role that is expected to perform at high levels throughout the company, interacting with other directors, senior directors and vice presidents; to work with great autonomy and be an expert in their given field of discipline; to present to executives when necessary; to take initiative and be forward-thinking in identifying potential issues/questions and work independently to resolve related matters; to work with department management in developing departmental short and long-range objectives, plans, budget and policies; and to represent GCI in building relationships with the federal agencies sponsoring the various grant programs.

This leadership position requires the following non-delegable responsibilities:

Fully own the mission, goals, operations, and results of the team and areas of responsibility.  Provide strong leadership to span of control (direct and indirect reports); demonstrate effective leadership in all interactions companywide.    This leadership includes generating enthusiasm and shared commitment; identifying and setting direction; teaching, growing, and empowering; owning outcomes; and leading by example. Specific leadership duties include: Establishing the vision and tone for the department, consistent with company culture and mission. Establishing clear, measurable, and achievable goals and performance expectations and following up appropriately. 

Grant Compliance Management:

Lead and Oversee Compliance: Take full responsibility for the management and compliance of BEAD and other federal broadband grant awards as assigned, ensuring all necessary documentation, communication, reporting, and procedural requirements are met in accordance with federal guidelines. Policy and Process Development: Develop and implement robust processes and policies that promote adherence to federal regulations and best practices for grant management and compliance. Business Unit Guidance: Provide proactive guidance to internal business units on compliance-related matters throughout the lifecycle of the various assigned awards. Ensure that compliance is maintained across all relevant processes, including: Assist principal business units with meeting deadlines, managing budgets, and ensuring timely closure of awards. Offer expert advice on managing cost share contributions and invoicing for sub-awards. Conduct thorough compliance reviews of expenditures to verify adherence to both company policies and federal requirements. Collaborate with GCI’s legal team to draft contracts for the build-out and operation of networks funded by federal grants, ensuring alignment with statements of work and other contractual obligations. Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures to comply with agency regulations. Documentation & Compliance Tracking: Ensure all compliance documentation related to assigned grant projects is accurately recorded and track any special award terms and conditions to guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the grant lifecycle. Expenditure Analysis: Conduct detailed analysis of project expenditures to ensure they are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistent with both grant guidelines and federal sponsor requirements. Agency Liaison: Act as the primary liaison between GCI and state or federal agencies to manage BEAD and other award requirements from pre-award through to closeout, ensuring smooth transitions, and compliance throughout. Ongoing Regulatory Awareness: Maintain an up-to-date understanding of laws, regulations, and policies that impact the administration and compliance of BEAD and other broadband grant awards, ensuring that GCI’s processes remain aligned with evolving federal standards.

Collaboration & Training:

Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner closely with internal business units—such as finance, legal, project management, and operations—to ensure the seamless integration of compliance requirements into daily operations and workflows. Training Program Development: Design and deliver comprehensive training programs to staff and stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of compliance requirements, regulatory expectations, and best practices for managing BEAD and other federally funded broadband initiatives. Compliance Program Management: Develop, implement, and oversee compliance programs, including organization-wide and department-specific training, compliance manuals, and internal process controls to ensure consistent adherence to program requirements. Collaboration with Ethics & Compliance: Work alongside the Ethics & Compliance team to develop, track, and enhance annual training initiatives that promote a culture of compliance across the organization. Process Improvement Engagement: Actively engage with relevant business units to drive industry-standard process improvements that ensure legal and regulatory compliance with federal broadband grant requirements. Materials and Manual Updates: Regularly update and refresh compliance manuals, training materials, and internal documentation. Assess areas of residual risk and identify the need for additional processes, procedures, or training to mitigate gaps in compliance.

 

Reporting & Documentation:

Compliance Reporting: Oversee the collection, preparation, and submission of all required compliance reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery in alignment with federal guidelines. Recordkeeping and Transparency: Maintain comprehensive and organized records of compliance activities, audit findings, training sessions, and communications with regulatory agencies to ensure full transparency and accountability. Award Closeout and Reporting: Manage the closeout process for awarded BEAD grants, including negotiating terms and conditions, reviewing award instruments for company acceptance, and collaborating with accounting and other relevant departments to ensure proper cost center setup and accurate financial tracking.

 

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement:

Risk Identification and Mitigation: Proactively identify potential compliance risks related to BEAD and other federal broadband grant programs and implement strategies to mitigate those risks effectively. Program Evaluation and Enhancement: Continuously assess the effectiveness of the compliance program and provide recommendations for improvements or adjustments to strengthen compliance efforts. Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Regularly monitor and test compliance protocols to identify potential areas of noncompliance risk. Recommend corrective actions to address any issues and reduce the likelihood of noncompliance. Collaboration with Internal Audit: Work closely with the Internal Audit department to identify and evaluate process gaps. Incorporate audit findings into continuous program improvements to enhance overall compliance and efficiency.

 

Compliance Protocol Development & Implementation:

Protocol Development and Management: Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive compliance protocols that address the specific requirements of BEAD and other federal broadband grant programs. Ensuring Adherence: Ensure internal teams comply with project timelines, financial controls, reporting obligations, and all other regulatory requirements, maintaining strict alignment with program guidelines throughout the project lifecycle.

 

Regulatory Agency Interface:

Primary Point of Contact: Act as the main liaison with regulatory agencies overseeing BEAD and other broadband grant programs as assigned, ensuring clear and efficient communication on all compliance-related matters. Inquiry Management: Manage and respond to inquiries from regulatory agencies regarding GCI’s compliance status, program progress, and other related issues, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Report and Documentation Preparation: Coordinate the preparation and submission of required reports and documentation for federal agencies, ensuring compliance with deadlines and accuracy in all submissions. Monitoring Regulatory Proceedings: Proactively track relevant proceedings from the Federal Communications Commission, Rural Utilities Service, Alaska Broadband Office, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other key agencies. Stay informed about regulatory updates that may impact GCI’s participation in broadband grant programs. Integration of Legal and Regulatory Changes: Continuously incorporate legal and regulatory changes into the compliance program, ensuring that all updates are reflected on an ongoing basis. Collaboration and Communication: Establish and maintain open lines of communication with impacted business units to ensure that compliance protocols are consistently updated and aligned with regulatory requirements. Support for Relevant Proceedings: Collaborate with the VP and Senior Counsel, Federal Affairs, or their designee, to actively support GCI’s participation in relevant regulatory proceedings, ensuring GCI’s interests are represented and protected.

 

Monitoring Legal & Regulatory Changes:

Ongoing Monitoring & Assessment: Continuously track and evaluate legal and regulatory changes that impact broadband funding programs, ensuring that compliance policies and procedures remain up-to-date and aligned with current federal requirements. Advisory Support: Provide timely advice to senior leadership and relevant business units on any changes or updates in federal laws and regulations that affect broadband grant compliance, ensuring the organization stays informed and compliant. Legal & Regulatory Support: Offer support to both internal and external counsel in interactions with appropriate regulatory agencies. Serve as a direct point of contact with state and federal regulatory bodies as necessary to ensure effective communication and compliance. Project Coordination & Reporting: Coordinate and manage special reports, projects, and other tasks related to grant compliance as assigned. Proactively raise concerns regarding budgets, administration, compliance, or other key issues related to award management. Process Improvement Recommendations: Identify opportunities for improvements in internal processes and practices, working collaboratively with the team to implement changes that enhance efficiency and compliance. Engagement with Counsel: Engage internal and external counsel as needed to obtain guidance on complex legal and regulatory matters, ensuring all actions taken are compliant and in the best interest of the organization. A strong desire to succeed and a willingness to take ownership, initiative, and leadership of tasks and projects is expected. CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change. DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action. PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team. MENTORING & DEVELOPMENT:  utilizes interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: sets clear performance expectations for team.

 

 

COMPETENCIES: ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. Commitment to meeting deadlines. Willingness to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines.  Additional hours may include working additional time on weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or before work hours.  BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. Demonstrated ability to keep confidential information secure. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. Attention to detail and ability to learn quickly.  Strong organizational and time management skills, including the supervision of others. Knowledge of federal broadband funding programs (e.g., RUS, FCC, NTIA) and associated compliance regulations. Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements surrounding grant management, project oversight, and reporting. Experience working with regulatory agencies and stakeholders in a compliance-focused role. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into database or equivalent. Ability to develop and implement effective compliance training and awareness programs. Proficiency in compliance management software and related tools. Ability to adjust to a rapidly changing environment and multi-task with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and complete projects within deadlines.

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Compliance or Public Administration or relevant field. * Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing compliance for federally funded programs, specifically within the broadband or telecommunications sectors. This experience should include a strong focus on telecommunications regulatory compliance, federal grants, or infrastructure projects, as well as a deep understanding of relevant regulations and auditing practices.*

Preferred: 

Telecommunications experience with broadband infrastructure and deployment projects. A graduate degree, including an MBA or JD. Knowledge of NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. Candidates with knowledge of and familiarity with all or any of the following: Administration of grants from the Rural Utility Service (RUS) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). RUS’s ReConnect Program. RUS’s Community Connect Program. RUS’s Broadband Initiatives Program. NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. Industry specific certifications are highly valued and can contribute toward education. Certification in grant management or compliance (e.g., CGMS, CCEP)

 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively. Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.  Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.  Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

 

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity for every Trailblazer. EEO:  GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.