Join Link Oregon AS OUR VISIONARY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!
Oregon’s trailblazing research, education, and government network is seeking an exemplary leader with demonstrated experience in broadband technology and organizational leadership who is passionate about public service and the role of networking in advancing innovation across our state. This role offers the opportunity for a strategic, visionary leader to make meaningful impact in advancing digital equity across the state of Oregon by expanding access to high-speed connectivity for public and non-profit entities. You will also lead our organization in advancing the technology roadmap for our state-of-the-art fiber network that supports emerging scientific research and high-performance computing initiatives across Oregon’s public universities, and raise our profile nationally among REN peer organizations. If you are ready to turn the chapter on “business as usual” in your career and lead a purpose-driven organization in a unique role that blends technology, business and thought leadership, Link Oregon invites you to apply for the position of Executive Director and be a part of something extraordinary.
About Link Oregon:
Established in 2019, Link Oregon is a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to revolutionizing broadband infrastructure across the state and advancing research, education, healthcare, and public services through our cutting-edge, middle-mile fiber-optic network. Our high-capacity network is built for modern research, education, and public service applications, fostering collaboration, information sharing, and service delivery across Oregon.
With a strong emphasis on middle-mile infrastructure, Link Oregon partners with a diverse ecosystem of local, regional, and national collaborators to serve a broad range of constituents—from small community anchor institutions to advanced research and high performance computing facilities. We foster collaboration on statewide technology initiatives to the benefit of our members. We engage closely with rural and Tribal communities, public entities, and educational institutions to bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity across the state.
The Role Of Executive Director:
As the Executive Director of Link Oregon, you will spearhead the continued growth of our state-of-the-art network, leading a team of domain experts to develop and execute on service roadmaps. You also will serve as a thought leader and external voice of our organization, championing issues, driving advocacy where needed, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and nurturing relationships with a broad network of stakeholders, including state and national policymakers, community organizations, academic institutions, Tribal entities, and public and private partners. Your role will involve:
Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic and business plans that align with emerging trends in networking technology and support the diverse needs of our members—from community anchor institutions to state-of-the-art research universities. Lead a mission-driven team of talented professionals and nurture a company culture that attracts and retains talent and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Financial Stewardship: Ensure the financial health of the organization through effective fiscal management, diverse funding strategies, and sustainable business practices.
Partnership Development: Build strong partnerships with public and private entities, including local governments and Tribes, educational and research institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, and industry partners.
Network Development: Oversee the growth and management of Link Oregon’s network infrastructure, ensuring reliability, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness in delivering high-speed broadband services.
Growth and Expansion: Identify and pursue new opportunities for service expansion and impact in alignment with member needs. Proactively partner with last mile and dark fiber providers to expand services.
Advocacy and Representation: Serve as the primary representative of Link Oregon at regional, national, and international forums that align with our mission, advocating for policies and initiatives that support advanced networking and promote broadband equity.
Minimum 10 years professional experience in assigned functional areas
Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated successful managerial and leadership experience
Comprehensive knowledge of networking and communication technology
Demonstrated understanding of the technical needs and practices of a statewide regional optical network
History of managing network serving organizations for public and non-profit sectors that enhance education, improve healthcare and government services, and facilitate information sharing, research, and innovation with community-based governance
Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to represent Link Oregon effectively in the region and nationally with members, external constituents, statewide stakeholders, and federal officials.
Extensive knowledge of networking, communications and data center technology, trends, relevant regulations, and best practices for delivering infrastructure services and support operations.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, colleagues, members, business partners, and other stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to seek and achieve consensus that leads to productive and effective provision of services. Demonstrated ability to manage human and fiscal resources, including a large and complex budget.
Demonstrated proficiency in planning and leading change.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Manage confidential and sensitive information. This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and be deemed fit for duty at placement and while serving in the position.
For leadership positions, a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity is a required qualification. For all other positions, it is a preferred qualification.