Office of Broadband Senior Paralegal (DoIT #10114687)

Posting Details

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion's vision is to achieve bold, affordable broadband solutions for New Mexicans that honor the state's rich heritage and elevate quality of life for all. OBAE is tasked with developing grants, broadband projects, and providing technical assistance programs, digital equity programs, and other relevant programs to support federal and state objectives for broadband deployment.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?

The senior paralegal position exists to assist the General Counsel and staff attorney with a variety of tasks related to state and federal grants. The senior paralegal will assist counsel with drafting grant agreements and ensuring that those grant agreements are executed in a timely manner. The senior paralegal will assist with Inspection of Public Records Act requests and confidentiality requests. The senior paralegal will assist with the issuance of awards related to the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). The senior paralegal will play an integral role in ensuring contracts are executed in a timely manner for the Statewide Education Network and in drafting rules for the Statewide Education Network.
How does it get done?

• Use attorney-approved templates to draft contracts, agreements, intergovernmental agreements, amendments, and award letters.
• Utilize electronic signature program to send and track contracts, agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and award letters
• Conduct legal research.
• Assist counsel during the legislative session by conducting research and taking notes during relevant legislative hearings.
• Assist in research and preparation of proposed legislation.
• Provide administrative support.
• Maintain accurate files of correspondence and materials relating to cases.
• Establishes workflow processes for agreements.
• Assists with human resources-related tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Inspection of Public Records Act Requests and Confidentiality Requests related to the Inspection of Public Records Act

• Maintain a database for Inspection of Public Records Act requests and prepare draft responses to public records requests.
• Prepare draft responses to confidentiality requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, and Statewide Education Network

• Use attorney-approved templates to draft contracts, agreements, intergovernmental agreements, amendments, and award letters.
• Work with the General Counsel or staff attorney to draft rules for the Statewide Education Network.
• Manage E-Rate agreements and federal deadlines to secure this federal funding;
• Review BEAD contractor deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable NTIA-issued guidance;
• Conduct research on appropriate uses of BEAD funding;
• Support project managers in ensuring compliance with NEPA requirements under BEAD; and
• Research and assist in resolution of permitting issues and barriers that arise during the BEAD performance period.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who are the customers?

The customers for the OBAE legal department include the OBAE Director and OBAE staff, New Mexicans, and external partners who are members of the broadband community.
Ideal Candidate

The customers for the OBAE legal department include the OBAE Director and OBAE staff, New Mexicans, and external partners who are members of the broadband community.
Minimum Qualification

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and two (2) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research, and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain current ID or Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required, and employment is conditional pending results
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Must carry a state issued cell phone. Ability to be mobile and work between Santa Fe and Albuquerque offices, as needed. Office setting in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque offices, requires substantial computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Occasional travel is required for stakeholder meetings, project management meetings, and field inspections. Must also be able to lift 25 lbs.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Irving Gonzalez, (505) 383-1699, Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.