Director of Networks and Unified Communications

CSU Careers•Fresno, CA

2d•$130,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Director of Networks and Unified Communications provides strategic leadership and oversight for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the University’s network and communications infrastructure. The role focuses on ensuring reliable, secure, and well-supported services that align with institutional goals and effectively support teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations. The Director leads and manages the Network Engineering, Field Operations, and Unified Communications teams. These teams are responsible for the implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and support of the University’s wired and wireless networks, low-voltage and fiber-optic cabling systems, and the enterprise Zoom Phone platform. The incumbent sets operational priorities, establishes performance and service expectations, allocates resources, and ensures the availability, security, and scalability of these services through effective day-to-day management. Serving as a member of the Technology Services leadership team, the Director contributes to campus-wide IT strategy, governance, and financial planning to ensure technology services advance the University’s teaching, learning, research, and administrative priorities. The incumbent establishes strategic direction, fosters innovation, and ensures operational excellence across all service areas related to network and communications services.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of the principles and challenges involved in managing enterprise wired and wireless networks in a large, complex organization, including availability, performance, capacity, and security considerations.
Thorough knowledge of low-voltage and fiber-optic cabling infrastructure oversight, including inside and outside plant fiber-optic and copper systems, and familiarity with applicable standards and best practices.
Working knowledge of the management and operation of telecommunications and unified communications systems and services, including VoIP, ACD, voicemail, and enterprise voice and collaboration platforms.
General knowledge of related IT service areas (such as systems, applications, end-user computing, service management, and information security) sufficient to support coordination, dependency management, and informed decision-making, without direct operational responsibility for those areas.
Demonstrated experience in budget development and financial management for network and communications services, including forecasting, expense tracking, and cost control.
Experience managing procurement activities, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations related to network, telecom, and communications services.
Ability to compile, write and present reports and other communications and develop business cases and negotiate contracts.
Ability to lead operational planning and needs assessments for network and communications services, including development of RFPs, evaluation of vendor solutions, and participation in feasibility studies.
Ability to work effectively with the technology team and all units within the university and the general public from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Strong customer service skills and proactive, customer-focused attitude.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships with partners, including facilities, construction, and operations.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a relevant field.
Five years of experience managing and supervising staff responsible for the installation and maintenance of low-voltage wiring, fiber-optic cabling, and wired and wireless network infrastructure.
Five years of experience leading and managing network and telecommunications projects, including oversight of staffing, materials, schedules, budgets, priorities, communications, and training for support staff and end users.
Three years of experience providing leadership for network engineers.

Nice To Haves

Specific experience with technologies used at Fresno State including Palo Alto Networks, Alcatel Lucent, and Aruba.
Three years' experience managing staff responsible for the configuration and maintenance of campus VoIP system, telephone billing, voice mail and ACD systems.
Thorough knowledge of relevant standards including BICSI.
Knowledge of the CSU TIP (Telecommunications Infrastructure Planning) standards.
Certified as a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD).
Specific experience preparing reports and proposals for senior management dealing with project portfolio, priorities, capacity and sourcing of materials and labor for network/telecom projects.
Experience with higher education or public service agencies.