Partnership Manager

Company: Communities Unlimited, Inc.
Location: Galena Park
Posted on: March 17, 2026

Job Description:

This role is an early- to mid-career community broadband and digital equity position focused on supporting rural communities through planning, education, and stakeholder engagement. The position is designed for individuals with either a relevant bachelor’s degree and some experience or several years of hands-on work in community development, broadband planning, or related fields. It emphasizes a working knowledge of rural community challenges, along with the ability to build relationships, manage projects, and contribute to grant-related activities. At its core, the role supports community-driven broadband planning and digital equity efforts. The individual works directly with local stakeholders—such as elected officials, residents, and internet service providers—to identify barriers to broadband access, facilitate collaboration, and guide communities through the planning process. This includes organizing and leading broadband steering committees, conducting research, and helping develop actionable community broadband plans. A key component of the role is education and outreach. The individual delivers presentations, raises awareness about the importance of broadband access, and connects communities with available state and federal resources. They also help foster partnerships that can expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital inclusion. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills, as it involves managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and working both independently and collaboratively. Exposure to grant writing, reporting, and policy or program knowledge is beneficial, as the role may support funding efforts and implementation strategies. Overall, this is a community-focused, relationship-driven role that combines planning, facilitation, and outreach to help rural communities expand broadband access and advance digital equity. We are currently recruiting for this role in Houston and the surrounding areas for territory purposes; however the role works from home, so we are open to candidates residing in other areas of Texas as well. CU offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance. An Employer 401k Match, paid holiday, vacation and sick time. Education/Certification Requirements OPTION A: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, information technology, public administration, community development, or a related field and 1 year experience working in community development, community organizing activities or broadband related planning. OR OPTION B: A minimum of 6 years' experience working in community development, community organizing activities or broadband related planning. Must maintain a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage. Must be authorized to work in the USA. Experience/Skills Requirements Experience that demonstrates a working knowledge of challenges faced by rural communities in CU’s geographic service area.Experience writing successful federal / state grant applications, and federal / state grant reporting is preferred.Ability to build effective professional relationships with a diverse audience.Ability to work independently with limited supervision to accomplish goals.Ability to manage competing timelines and project deliverables while maintaining effective communication with team members and clients.Ability to think creatively and prioritize problem-solving.Experience that demonstrates working knowledge of one or more of these capacities: community or economic development planning, broadband planning,, telecommunications, internet service providing, community organizing, state or federal government grants administration or policy analysis, rural economic development, business management, project management, finance, lending; and have the willingness to learn about all of the above Summary of Essential Job Duties Digital Equity. Based on project and community objectives, job duties could include: Offer basic broadband education presentations, in-person or virtually, to elected officials, community stakeholders, and interested community members. Research community needs and barriers; report findings to help form a community Broadband Plan. Broadband Planning. Based on project and community objectives, job duties could include:Establish and lead an active local broadband steering committee of diverse community stakeholders, maintain regular meetings. Ensure planning progress by maintaining contact with members, setting reasonable goals, and helping community team achieve them. Facilitate introductions and discussions with community stakeholders and internet service providers to identify challenges and opportunities to increase access and encourage partnerships.Educate the community on the importance of broadband and specific opportunities that could come to their community with greater broadband expansion.Collaborate with state and federal program staff on education events to offer information and resources to communities. Attend industry conferences, to maintain industry knowledge and contacts.Finalize a written report of recommendations based on community’s unique situation and goals to be included in a community Broadband Plan. Tools Used in Job Proficient use of a computer, internet, smart phone (texting, email, photos, videos, social media, and calls), web-based databases for data-entry, Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required. The use of additional software for project-related activities may be required, and training will be provided. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. EOE Compensation details: 55500-57000 Yearly Salary PIc28f48c663e3-25448-39956900

Keywords: Communities Unlimited, Inc., The Woodlands , Partnership Manager, IT / Software / Systems , Galena Park, Texas