E-Rate Specialist

The E-Rate Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of the federal E-Rate program for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, including internal operations for the Allegheny Connect consortium network and external consulting services for member school districts and other eligible entities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for E-Rate compliance, application management, and client engagement, and is expected to grow the AIU’s portfolio of external E-Rate clients **Duties and Responsibilities:** **I****nternal E-Rate Administration** - Manage the full E-Rate lifecycle for the AIU’s internal ERate (C1 & C2) filings and the Allegheny Connect consortium, including Forms 470, 471, 486, and 472 (BEAR/SPI) filings. - Conduct competitive bidding processes in compliance with FCC rules and USAC guidelines. - Coordinate with consortium member districts to gather required data, letters of agency, and other required documentation. - Maintain accurate records and documentation to support Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviews and audits. - Monitor funding commitments, disbursements, and deadlines across all funding years. - Track regulatory changes from the FCC and USAC and advise leadership on programmatic impact. **External E-Rate Consulting Services** - Serve as the dedicated E-Rate consultant for external client districts, managing their complete E-Rate application and compliance cycle. - Conduct needs assessments and technology plan reviews for client entities to maximize eligible funding. - Prepare and submit all required E-Rate forms and documentation on behalf of clients within established deadlines. - Respond to USAC inquiries, PIA reviews, and appeals on behalf of client organizations. - Provide training and guidance to client personnel on E-Rate eligible services, document retention, and CIPA compliance. - Develop and deliver client-facing reports summarizing funding status, savings achieved, and upcoming deadlines. **Business Development and Client Relations** - Proactively identify and pursue new E-Rate consulting client opportunities among eligible school districts, libraries, and consortia in the region. - Develop proposals, presentations, and marketing materials to promote the AIU’s E-Rate consulting services. - Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective clients through regular communication and exceptional service delivery. - Track client engagement activities, pipeline, and revenue in a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce); experience with CRM tools is preferred but not required. - Represent the AIU at relevant conferences, workshops, and industry events to expand visibility and client base. **Compliance and Reporting** - Ensure all E-Rate activities comply with federal regulations, FCC orders, and USAC program requirements. - Maintain organized filing systems (physical and electronic) for all E-Rate records per retention requirements. - Prepare regular status reports for internal leadership and external clients on application progress, funding outcomes, and program changes. - Support internal and external audits related to E-Rate funding. **Other Duties** - Collaborate with Technology Services staff on network infrastructure planning as it relates to E-Rate eligible services. - Stay current on telecommunications, broadband, and cybersecurity trends affecting K-12 E-Rate eligibility. Maintain relationships with PA Statewide ERate Coordinator and USAC. - Stay current on E-Rate Developments, Communications from Advocacy Organizations (SHLB & Funds for Learning). - Perform other related duties as assigned by the CTO. **Qualifications:** **Education** - Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, information technology, education, or a related field. **Experience** - Minimum of three (3) years of direct experience managing E-Rate applications and compliance for a school district, consortium, library, or E-Rate consulting firm. - Experience managing E-Rate for a large co…