The legislative function of the ITU-D is carried out by conferences and the administrative functions through The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). The BDT is headed by an elected Director who organizes and manages the work of the Sector. Duties and responsibilities of the BDT cover a variety of functions that range from assisting developing countries with policy and structural options that should lead to greater resources for telecommunications development, program supervision, and technical advice, and the collection and processing of information relevant to telecommunications development for publication.

In addition to the work of the Bureau staff, the work of the Development Sector is carried out through two study groups, the Telecommunications Development Advisory Group (TDAG), and World Telecommunications Development Conferences. The United States prepares for activities of the Development Sector through the State Department International Telecommunications Advisory Committee (ITAC-D).

Within NTIA, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) has leadership and coordination responsibility for the ITU-D Sector. The Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) provides OIA with support on issues of interest to the radio community. The contact person in OIA is Fiona Alexander (email: falexander@ntia.doc.gov, tel: 202-482-1865), and in OSM the contact person is Vernita D. Harris (email: vharris@ntia.doc.gov, tel: 202-482-4686), or send email to spectrumplans@ntia.doc.gov.