Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Operations Management Services – The Consultant will perform the duties typically performed by a Chief Operating Officer, including, without limitation: a. The Consultant will assign a designated representative to act as the primary point of contact for the execution of this scope of services and the general operations of ErieNet. b. Creating and overseeing processes and customer interactions; c. Assisting the Executive Director in budget development, forecasting, and reporting; d. Support for filing all federal, state and local regulatory filings including, without limitation, Public Service Commission (PSC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings on ErieNet's behalf, and ErieNet's annual submissions of USAC (E*RATE and healthcare) and related filings; e. Developing and executing plans and procedures to achieve annual budget and sales targets; f. Making sure customer experiences are positive; g. Ensuring that installations are completed on time and within budget; h. Ensuring that ErieNet adheres to Service Level Agreements (SLAs); i. Executing key strategic initiatives defined by the Executive Director and the Board; j. Assisting in the preparation of reports and tariffs; k. Coordinating with the ErieNet accountant to verify and provide supporting documentation for invoicing; l. Interfacing with the PSC as necessary; and m. Defining and recommending specific tools required for successful ErieNet operations. 2. Sales and Operations Administration – The sales function is responsible for attaining ErieNet revenue objectives as established by ErieNet. The Consultant will market, sell, and support ErieNet in acquiring new and retaining existing customers and to execute contracts for lease or IRU of ErieNet fiber. The Consultant will: a. Generate sales and will respond to leads from potential customers, both enterprise level and carrier-based, via phone calls, mailings, public seminars, vendor shows and face to face meetings as necessary; b. Determine customer needs and propose ErieNet-based solutions compliant with Board directives and policies; c. Negotiate master and service agreements with customers, subject to ErieNet approval; d. Administer customer contracts including creation and modifications as necessary, subject to ErieNet approval; e. Work with ErieNet’s accountant to track billing data records and correlate invoiced non-recurring costs with expenses; f. Address customer inquiries regarding their invoices and coordinate directly with the ErieNet leadership, including accountant, COO, and Executive Director as required; and g. Provide activity-based reporting, identify and measure key performance indexes. 3. Marketing Services – The marketing function will be responsible for assisting ErieNet in the creation and execution of a marketing plan. The marketing plan will establish the ErieNet brand and promote ErieNet’s competitive advantages to enable it to gain a foothold in the broadband marketplace. The Consultant’s marketing services will include, but not be limited to: a. Branding; b. Professional design and production of digital and conventional advertising; c. Creation of client-specific promotional materials as necessary; d. Media/press relations; e. Strategic social media marketing; and f. Effective media messaging, planning, and purchasing.
