The Executive Director coordinates with managers, legislators, or department directors to organize financial matters which may affect the overall operations of the Communication Network; evaluate and resolve operational problems; develop policies and procedures for coordination among subordinate managers; direct the preparation of Commission budgets and related governmental expenditures.

The Executive Director will develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad spectrum of people to include: private sector company representatives, elected officials, federal and state government officials, educational officials, judicial officials, medical officials and authorized Network users. The Executive Director shall ensure that educational users and the use, design, and implementation for educational applications be given the highest priority concerning use of the Network.

The Executive Director will also develop or direct the development of administrative rules, legislative proposals, policies and procedures required to manage Communication Network programs or projects having major impact upon state government operation; determine the impact and inform program managers, service recipients, other customers and service delivery staff.

The Iowa Communications Network is a multi hundred million fiber optic network that provides voice, video and data services (including Internet) to authorized customers throughout the state of Iowa. The Network is a "state of the art" communications facility which requires effective financial, administrative and technical leadership in order to function properly in an efficient, cost-effective manner. The responsibilities of this position are challenging and require effective leadership and excellent, proven communication skills.

Report effectively to the Executive Committee 
Adapt to and lead an evolving/rapidly growing organization
Direct project and personnel management activities
Function as team leader and/or facilitator
Motivate employees to achieve maximum potential
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Manage decisively with a goal/outcome/results orientation
Identify organizational strengths and weakness and take action as necessary
Maintain a collaborative, friendly, service/customer (internal and external) orientation

II. Vision

Successfully use a mix of public and private input, and plan and articulate a Network vision to internal and external customers
Establish a sound organizational mission statement and accompanying goals and successfully pursue them
Forge with authorized users an ongoing partnership to comprehensive and coordinated services

III.  Focus on Education

Exhibit working knowledge of educational issues/needs
Work with the educational community and organize the ICN to address educational needs
Provide continuous outreach to the educational community to insure a strong partnership

IV.  Financial Management

Focus the Communication Network as a business
Develop a "business case" for investing Network resources
Plan and manage financial resources
Create and maintain realistic short, intermediate and long term financial and business plans
Maintain a working knowledge of Communication Network financing
Maintain a general working knowledge of state government finance/budgeting

V. Work in Public Arena

Exhibit sensitivity to high public profile of The Network and its impact on various interests
Work with various state government policy makers and respective staff persons
Function as chief advocate for The Network
Understand law making and policy making process of state government

VI.  Technical Awareness

Ensure that all components of the Network are technologically compatible
Maintain a working knowledge of fiber optic technology
Translate fiber optic technological terms/concepts into "lay" explanations
Analyze and resolve complex technical issues
Obtain answers to technical questions if not readily known

Be able to speak, write and understand English

Be able to adjust to work pressures, change or difficult situations impacting people or groups without unusual stress reactions

Excellent knowledge of telecommunications

To be able to tactfully deal with people

To be able to deal with elected officials, governments officials, and a variety of high level positions in a professional manner

Ability to work in a team environment - taking on a leader role

Ability to interact with customers in a consistent, businesslike customer service oriented manner

Ability to provide leadership and management for all staff related to the operation of the ICN

Ability to create a "vision" for the Network and establish a plan, implement, and carry out the plan

Ability to work with the educational community to insure a strong partnership

Excellent knowledge of financial management practices

Ability to be sensitive to high public profile of The Network and its impact on various interests

Ability to work in a modern business office environment.  Possess working level knowledge of PC based software applications including Microsoft Excel and Word

This position requires graduation from an accredited four year college or university and the equivalent of eight years of full-time progressively responsible management experience in a leadership position in finance, law, telecommunications, regulation, data processing, public administration, business administration, or engineering.

Based on National Security, applicants must have U.S. citizenship and the ability to adhere to security procedures.

• Significant hands-on operational experience managing integrated voice, video and data services
• Knowledge and understanding of latest advanced telecommunications technologies

• Ability to develop, articulate and lead long-term agency vision
• Proven record of success leading and managing organizational change, including equipment and business model 
• Openness to facing new challenges and decisions in a political environment
• Experience resolving complex management issues and ability to effectively motivate management staff to accomplish goals
• Excellent conflict resolution skills
• Proven financial ability to plan and manage ICN financial resources

• Ability to successfully work with various ICN customer groups and effectively interact and collaborate with the private sector 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with the Iowa Legislature, all government officials, customers and employees

Excellent customer service skills 

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