Complete Description:
The purpose of the Digital Inclusion Program is to leverage the power of technology to connect communities with opportunities. This means ensuring all District residents have meaningful access to computers and high-speed broadband.
The Specialist will:
• Serve as primary government liaison for a new initiative to increase digital access and use by community stakeholders
• Collaborate with individuals and organizations, primarily in underserved areas, to promote solutions to bridging the digital divide. These include, but are not limited to the following: 1) providing access to high-speed broadband Internet, 2) providing access to affordable computers, and 3) providing access to computer training programs.
• Identify “digital gaps” in access and training and work to raise awareness of the District’s Digital Inclusion program.
• Solicit feedback from residents and community anchors about their experiences with Digital Inclusion programs.
• Proactive outreach to the stakeholders, such as community anchor institutions, District government agencies, businesses, and residents
• Promote participation in the deployment of digital divide solutions (i.e., computer/Internet access and training)
• The candidate should expect to spend a significant amount of time traveling for outreach events and will be periodically required to work in the evening and on the weekends to attend and coordinate community events.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop creative strategies to improve access to relevant training, hardware, and Internet for both small businesses and community-based organizations
**Note: this is an ARRA-grant funded position.
Behavior Characteristics:
Ability to work in fast paced environment & manage multiple projects simultaneously; knowledge/understanding of the characteristics of the District's neighborhoods; strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills; must work well on teams.
Skills:
Skill
Required / Desired
Amount
of Experience
Expertise Rating
Exp. working w/ neighborhood-based orgs. (ie nonprofits, faith based, etc.)
Required
8
Years
2 - Proficient
Previous experience working on community-focused projects
Required
2
Years
2 - Proficient
Experience using MS Office Suite
Required
5
Years
2 - Proficient
In-depth knowledge of the neighborhoods going to be served (Wards 5,7, and 8)
Highly desired
5
Years
2 - Proficient
Exp. in multimedia web tools (e.g., Photoshop, video editing, etc.)
Desired
2
Years
2 - Proficient
Experience working with traditional and social media in a professional capacity
Required
2
Years
2 - Proficient
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Required
5
Years
2 - Proficient
Experience in project management
Required
3
Years
2 - Proficient
In-depth knowledge of the digital divide and related social and economic risk factors
Required
2
Years
2 - Proficient