Careers

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is a national nonprofit working to reverse today’s extreme levels of corporate concentration and advance policies to rebuild the economic capacity of local communities.

We use in-depth research, reporting, and data analysis to produce influential reports and articles. Our work illuminates the public policy decisions that have fueled concentration and shows how we can change the rules to create a more equitable and democratic future. Our analysis is frequently featured in national news media and sought out by policymakers. We work closely with a broad range of allies to move these ideas and policies.

ILSR Staff Celebrating Hard Fought Ping Pong Match
ILSR development director John Bailey (left) and communications associate Luke Gannon celebrate a hard fought table tennis match.

OPEN POSITIONS

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Community Development Specialist Contractor – Digital Opportunity Planning (Texas) 

ILSR is seeking a community development specialist contractor to support our work promoting access to affordable high-quality broadband service for all, with a focus on those who face systemic barriers to digital equity. This role will be focused on activities underway in Texas. In this position, you will work on a variety of projects related to the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP). The specialist will also serve as a liaison between ILSR and stakeholders to address digital equity needs, including structural solutions for affordable Internet access, devices, and digital skills. This specialist will work in close coordination with the Texas Digital Equity Network (Texas DEN), the Digital Inclusion Alliance of San Antonio (DIASA), and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).

 

Scope of Work (what you’ll do)

  • Support coordinating efforts between a variety of stakeholders in Texas working to promote digital equity and ensure alignment of goals and objectives to address all aspects of the digital divide, including affordable broadband, devices, and skills.
  • Collaborate with policymakers, advocates, social service providers, and community leaders to co-create events and public presentations.
  • Analyze state policy and funding priorities related to digital equity in Texas and provide recommendations for advocacy.
  • Develop policy briefs, reports, and other materials to communicate research findings and policy recommendations related to digital equity in Texas to policymakers, advocates, and the public.
  • Provide technical assistance to communities in Texas interested in creating their own broadband networks or improving their existing infrastructure to deliver no-cost or affordable high-speed Internet services.
  • Map the relationships and networks within Texas’ digital inclusion ecosystem of partners to identify opportunities for connection and coordination across projects and strategies.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between different teams or stakeholders working on digital equity issues in Texas.
  • Build relationships with stakeholders across Texas, including rural and underserved communities, to better understand their needs and concerns related to digital equity.
  • Regular check-ins with ILSR’s CBN team.

 

Keys to Success (the must-haves)

To be successful in this job, you will excel in four areas:

  • Relationship-building: You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships remotely or via travel, with a diverse group of stakeholders and can bring in allies and coalition partners from marginalized communities, such as people of color, people living with disabilities, low-income families, unhoused people, and immigrants. You know how to build alliances and find points of collaboration even when there are competing interests.
  • Commitment to racial equity and social justice: You recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping system-level changes, and you consistently amplify community voices to advocate for more equitable policy solutions. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an openness toward continuous learning.
  • Inclusive communications and base building: You approach community outreach, coordinating special events, and base building with a mindset of “power with” rather than “power over” and regularly include others in decision-making. You have experience coordinating multiple projects and keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You use resources wisely and can manage duties such as maintaining an email list, drafting online content, coordinating in-person and remote meetings, responding to general email inquiries, and working hand-in-hand with the team to creatively develop and support local outreach initiatives. 
  • Drive to achieve results: You’re an empathetic and engaged listener who can quickly understand what people in local efforts need and are struggling with. You can use Google and Office 365 applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to organize, schedule, and oversee day-to-day logistics. Whether you’re working at the office or remotely, your day-to-day workflow is highly self-directed and driven, with an appreciation of the awesome power of network weaving to leverage time and talent for impact. 

Knowledge of broadband or telecommunication policy issues and prior experience in a legislative environment are both pluses but are not requirements.

 

Compensation and Proposal Instructions

  • The proposed consultancy dates are July 2024 through November 2024
  • Proposals are due to ILSR on July 5, 2024
  • Describe how this effort will be staffed (e.g., one individual providing support or multiple)
  • Summarize experience and qualifications, or submit a detailed resume 
  • This consultancy pays up to $40,000, please provide the cost breakdown in your proposal

To be considered, submit a resume/portfolio and a technical proposal. The proposal should include an overview of your methodology and your suggested approach to the deliverables. Please send your materials via email to hiring@ilsr.org by July 5, 2024, using the subject line “Digital Opportunity Planning (Texas).”

 

ILSR is an Equal Opportunity Employer

ILSR is committed to providing employees with a welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment. ILSR is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.