PAY GRADE: 34S

CONTEXT OF JOB:

The Network and Infrastructure Services (IT-NIS) unit is responsible for the operation, maintenance, support, security, and growth of networking, telecommunications, and the data center operations for the central computing systems at the University on all University campuses.

Under the limited direction of the Vice President of IT, the Director of Network and Infrastructure Services leads and directs unit staff and is accountable for the planning, engineering, design, installation, maintenance, operation, and support of the University's complex campus-wide data and voice network services and infrastructure while working to develop best practices, elevate operational excellence and help the team align with the UDIT mission, core values, and aspirations. The incumbent will work collaboratively with all levels of leadership and promote a healthy and inclusive work environment. The Director of Network and Infrastructure Services will be passionate about operational excellence and help to build a culture of transparency and commitment to the UDIT vision and goals.

Major Responsibilities:

• Ensures that the University continues to have a progressive, secure, and robust IT infrastructure, including infrastructure that allows faculty researchers to perform cutting edge research. Coordinates the research, planning, implementation, and is responsible for the operation and technical support for all of the University's networking and central systems infrastructure. Provides project support for wired and wireless networks across all University of Delaware campuses, research networks, data center networks, and border networking to ensure reliable and efficient services to the University. Provides recommendations and advises senior IT management on operational improvements, best practices, and both short term and long range planning for networks and their related infrastructure components to meet the University's objectives and goals of a totally integrated computing and communications environment.
• Provides leadership for the engineering and design of new network services or modifications to existing network services of all centrally managed network equipment, voice communications systems, and distributed antenna systems. Collaborates with IT leadership in organization planning, policy-making, budget, and resource allocation, and operational improvements. Works with IT leaders, departments and administration to establish goals and priorities for technology support to meet institutional needs. Provides computing and network resources and support for the UD research community, which is has been identified as a significant area for future institutional growth.
• Conceptualizes short and long-term plans and strategies to ensure that technology infrastructure and capabilities meet existing and future institutional requirements, both within and outside the University, to include collaborative work with boards and staff of research and education networks, cellular providers, commodity networking providers and partners within the state, and other networking-associated professional organizations.
  Reviews and analyzes networking and physical operations, including capacity planning, fault tolerance, performance, new and advanced technology, monitoring, and services levels. Generates system activity, metrics, and performance reports. Assesses and understands campus networking needs. Develops recommendations to improve performance and capacity.
• Oversees an effective network security and IT disaster recovery plan for the campus. Collaborates with the Chief Information Security Office and IT security teams regarding network security. Ensures unit staff adherence to security standards and policies.
• Oversees the administration and operations of IT_NIS support and service areas: network systems, network engineering, communications distribution and design, network installation, network maintenance, telephone services, and the data center which includes computer operations and production control. Ensures delivery of a suite of high quality network services to campus. Sets department goals, objectives, and priorities and communicates to staff. Establishes and implements policies and procedures for the unit. Facilitates communication between staff, management, outside service providers, vendors, and other technology resources within the organization. Fosters a continuous improvement and customer-oriented approach to service.
• Directly or indirectly supervises department staff. Empowers and leads management teams to achieve objectives. Management responsibilities include delegating work effectively; setting project priorities; determining allocation of resources; evaluating employee performance and providing guidance and feedback; motivating and developing direct reports; ensuring compliance with University and departmental policies and procedures; recommending personnel actions. Oversees the recruitment of all IT-NIS personnel. Provides leadership and guidance to managers in the unit especially regarding troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Develops and manages annual budgets for the unit and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses. Develops life cycle asset and budget management plans for IT_NIS. Oversees network services, telephone services' and data center budgets and billing of technical services that are cost shared with other University departments. Establishes strategic relationships with vendors. Negotiates vendor contracts. Reviews equipment maintenance contracts. Approves procurement of new equipment.
• Leads or participates in teams, committees, and forums in and outside the University. Prepares and presents technical and non-technical data and information to IT senior leadership and UD stakeholders. Serves a leadership role in the development, implementation, and assessment of IT's strategic plan. Services as a leader within the IT organization with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion in the IT profession.
• Develops and leads research into new technologies to enhance the computing environments. Assesses and envisions the future use and relevance of new and emerging technologies and recommend adoption in appropriate situations to keep UD at the forefront of technological innovation. Maintains knowledge of current and new telecommunications transport systems technology, equipment, systems and software. Keeps abreast of industry standards, recommendations, and guidelines. Conducts research and cost-benefit analysis and makes recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards related to the network infrastructure.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with colleagues and users and propagates and follows University policies and procedures governing IT efforts. Represents the University on local, state, regional, and national level and provides leadership in national collaborative efforts with other institutions and agencies.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience. Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline preferred.
• Significant experience in managing data and voice network services and infrastructure in a complex environment.
• Advanced knowledge of computer and telecommunications systems, and operations best practices.
• Experience in providing leadership in a complex information technology organization and supporting a clear IT vision and the ability to execute decisions and establish priorities.
• Related experience in a management capacity with a strong background in hardware and software related to data, voice, and video networking and computing.
• Experience in the architecture, design, acquisition, installation, maintenance and repair of computer network systems.
• Ability to apply innovative thinking in conjunction with a technical understanding of emerging technologies to address the needs and problems of providing services to a large institution of higher education.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new ideas, technologies and processes when appropriate to customer and service outcomes.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical staff, senior professionals and upper-level administrators; ability to communicate in technical terms with scientists about goals and techniques used in research.
• Experience managing a group of technical staff including coaching and mentoring.
• Experience managing complex projects and budgets.
• Experience with software engineering and systems programming.
• Ability to identify and resolve computer system malfunctions and operational problems; communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of all aspects of network services facilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at: www.udel.edu/home/legal-notices/

Applications close: May 19 2019 Eastern Daylight Time

To apply please click here!