It looks like ICANN is gearing up for the next round of new gTLD applications. The non-profit organization posted a job listing on LinkedIn for Senior Director, New gTLD Subsequent Procedures. The new hire will play a major role when ICANN begins accepting applications for the second round of new gTLD applications.
Here’s an excerpt from the listing describing the job function:
“This role is responsible for the performance and results of a large, multi-tiered and multi-year, organization-wide global program. This is a highly visible role requiring a high degree of organization, leadership experience, management and communications acumen, and subject matter knowledge.
The role will provide leadership and direction over multiple tracks of organizational activities toward implementation of a subsequent round of ICANN’s New gTLD (Global Top Level Domain) Program. Via the introduction of new top-level domains in multiple languages and scripts, this program aims to enhance innovation, competition and consumer choice in the Internet’s domain name system.
The individual on this role will be accountable for overseeing and leading a cross-functional Core Team responsible for defining and executing the work from program planning through implementation. Project teams from across the org will report on the status of their work into this role. The individual on this role will regularly work with and report to an executive Steering Committee which sets the vision and overall strategic direction and oversees the scope, budget, risks, and timeline of the program.
The individual is responsible for delivering successful outcomes, working collaboratively and engaging constructively with internal and external stakeholders.”
It is unclear when the next round of new gTLD applications will open. The first and only round of new gTLD extensions closed several years ago, bringing us domain extensions like .XYZ, .Store, .Link, .Live, and hundreds more.
This job opportunity was posted by ICANN on Monday. The job location is listed as Los Angeles, but it says it is a hybrid opportunity.
If you are interested in learning about this ICANN job, you can see the listing on LinkedIn.
Next round most likely walking into a recession, maybe greedy icann might want to shelf it for 2 years, and let the other gtlds grow out a bit.