On Call - Federal Grants Compliance Lead

GCI's On-call Federal Grants Compliance Director will implement and oversees federal grant compliance policies, procedures, and processes supporting GCI’s participation in various federal grant programs. Proactively monitors legal and regulatory changes to assure compliance programs remain current. Collaborates with applicable business units to provide training and compliance guidance. Establishes and operates compliance protocols to adherence to program requirements. Interfaces with regulatory agencies as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

This is a leadership role that is expected to perform at high levels throughout the company, interacting with other directors, senior directors and vice presidents; to work with great autonomy and be an expert in their given field of discipline; to present to executives when necessary; to take initiative and be forward-thinking in identifying potential issues/questions and work independently to resolve related matters; to work with department management in developing departmental short and long-range objectives, plans, budget and policies; and to represent GCI in building relationships with the federal agencies sponsoring the various grant programs.

This leadership position requires the following non-delegable responsibilities:

• Fully own the mission, goals, operations, and results of the team and areas of responsibility. 
• Provide strong leadership to span of control (direct and indirect reports); demonstrate effective leadership in all interactions companywide.    This leadership includes generating enthusiasm and shared commitment; identifying and setting direction; teaching, growing, and empowering; owning outcomes; and leading by example. Specific leadership duties include:
• Establishing the vision and tone for the department, consistent with company culture and mission.
• Establishing clear, measurable, and achievable goals and performance expectations and following up appropriately. 

Advise business units on federal grant compliance questions as they arise. Actively participate in and monitor applicable business processes, including but not limited to: Provide guidance, support, and assistance to principal business units tasked with award management to meet deadlines, adequately fund budgets, and close out award on time. Provide advice on managing cost share and invoicing for sub-awards. Perform compliance review of all expenditures for adherence to company and federal requirements. Work with GCI attorneys in drafting contracts to build and operate networks funded by federal grant programs, including advice on statements of work and other contract and grant requirements for projects. Interpret agency regulations. Ensure accurate documentation of compliance requirements and any special award terms and conditions. Analyze project expenditures to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistently per grant and federal sponsor requirements. Serve as liaison to federal agencies to administer grant requirements with transition from pre-award through to close out. Maintain a working knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies that affect grant administration and compliance.

Develop, implement, and oversee existing compliance programs, including company-wide and department-specific trainings, compliance manuals, and internal process controls. Collaborate with the Ethics & Compliance team to develop, track, and update annual training. Proactively engage with relevant business units to build out industry-standard process improvements assuring legal and regulatory compliance with program requirements. Periodically update and refresh written manuals and materials. Assess areas of residual risk and the need for additional processes, procedures, and training.

Coordinate the close out and reporting of awards, including negotiating terms and conditions   of awards, review award instrument for company acceptance, and work directly with accounting and any other necessary departments to facilitate cost center set-up.

Periodically monitor and test compliance protocols to assess potential areas of noncompliance risk. Collaborate with Internal Audit department to identify and assess process gaps. Incorporate findings into program improvements.

Proactively monitor FCC dockets to identify and track proceedings relevant to GCI participation in federal grant programs. Incorporate legal and regulatory changes into compliance program on a rolling basis. Establish and maintain lines of communication with affected business units to assure that compliance protocols remain up to date. Collaborate with VP and Senior Counsel, Federal Affairs, or their designee, to support GCI participation in relevant proceedings.

Provide support to inside and outside counsel as required for interactions with the appropriate federal agencies; interface directly with federal regulatory bodies as required. Coordinate other activities, special reports, projects, and other related duties as assigned. Raise potential concerns involving grant budgets, administration, compliance issues, and other key issues regarding grant administration and compliance. Recommend improvements for internal processes and practices and work collaboratively with the team to make changes. Engage inside and outside counsel as needed to provide guidance on legal and regulatory issues.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines. Willingness to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines. 
  • Additional hours may include working additional time on weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or before work hours. 
  • A strong desire to succeed and a willingness to take ownership, initiative, and leadership of tasks and projects is expected.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
  • Demonstrated ability to keep confidential information secure.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Attention to detail and ability to learn quickly. 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, including the supervision of others.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into database or equivalent.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change.
  • Ability to adjust to a rapidly changing environment and multi-task with minimal supervision.
• DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action.
• PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and complete projects within deadlines.
• MENTORING & DEVELOPMENT:  utilizes interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results.
• PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: sets clear performance expectations for team.

• Telecommunications experience.
• A graduate degree, including an MBA or JD.
• Candidates with knowledge of and familiarity with all or any of the following are preferred:
  • Administration of grants from the Rural Utility Service (RUS) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
  • RUS’s ReConnect Program.
  • RUS’s Community Connect Program.
  • RUS’s Broadband Initiatives Program.
  • NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.
• NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. Industry specific certifications are highly valued and can contribute toward education.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO:  GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.