Title: Senior Policy Analyst

State Role Title: Policy And Planning Specialist II

Hiring Range: $65K- $75K

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Housing & Cmnty Devel

Location: Main Street Centre

Agency Website: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Office of Broadband is committed to closing the digital divide across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This effort is supported by various state and federal funding sources and programs, including the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) initiative, the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI), the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program (LECAP), as well as the federal Digital Opportunity Program. Our mission is to achieve functionally universal broadband access and ensure that every Virginian, regardless of geographic location, has access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet service, as well as the opportunities necessary to fully participate in the economy and society.

To effectively achieve this objective, the Office of Broadband is building on its strong and capable team with relevant qualifications, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Broadband team, as we are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst with expertise. This individual will play a crucial role in working to optimize our program designs, internal policies, and procedures.

The Senior Policy Analyst will have a multifaceted responsibility, which includes:
•Lead the development and implementation of broadband policies and programs aimed at closing the digital divide, while creating technical assistance tools, guiding program development, tracking performance metrics, and collaborating with key stakeholders to drive broadband access, affordability, and adoption initiatives.
•Oversee and enhance broadband deployment, affordability, and adoption programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, while providing technical assistance to applicants, managing constituent inquiries, and serving as the primary liaison for tribal and federal broadband initiatives.
•Acting as the primary point of contact for constituents, responding to inquiries, concerns, and feedback pertaining to broadband services and initiatives managed by the Office.
•Serving as the principal staff member involved in the review and evaluation of applications submitted for funding across various state and federal programs, ensuring a thorough and fair assessment process.

Staying informed about the latest changes in industry regulations and trends is essential. As such, the Senior Policy Analyst will also conduct in-depth research on state and federal regulations related to broadband access, affordability, and overall adoption strategies. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of broadband access in Virginia, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.

Commonwealth of Virginia benefits/incentives include:
Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Tuition Reimbursement
Dental/Medical/Vision plans
Sick, Family/Personal, Annual, Military, and Community Service Leave
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Disability Plans (Short and Long Term)
Retirement and Savings plans
Life and Long-Term Care Insurance Telework Eligible Commonwealth of VA Employees ONLY discounts

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Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of community and economic development, broadband deployment, or broadband adoption.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects, handle sensitive or complex issues, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Experience supervising staff and managing performance and/or leading a project team.

Experience with policy research, involving needs assessment, as well as research/evaluation and analysis of best practices.

Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis of primary and secondary data sources, including analyzing professional documents and synthesizing information to make it useful for a variety of stakeholders.

Advanced level work experience in Microsoft Office suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to create reports, draft documents, and create presentations.

Experience drafting/editing, implementing, and maintaining policies/procedures to enhance program initiatives.

Experience interpreting local, state, and federal laws, guidelines, and requirements.

Additional Considerations

General knowledge of designing projects, initiatives, or programs.

Experience working with state and local government or nonprofit organizations on broadband or comparable policy issues is preferred.

Experience with stakeholder engagement and managing working relationships with representatives from units of local government, industry representatives, nonprofit organizations, and constituents.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications/changes received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration. Answers should be reflected in jobs and positions held.
Background and Reference Checks:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and reference checks. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.
DHCD Welcomes Veterans and Spouses:
We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.
Sponsorship:
The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Housing and Community Development practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.
Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion:
DHCD is committed to providing valuable opportunities for a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where all employees feel supported. DHCD seeks to work with partners, grantees and vendors who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion as a practice and have a demonstrated record of this commitment.
Alternative Hiring Process:
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022-
February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: rr-recruitment1@dhcd.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.