Director of Systems and Networks (New)

Furman University•Lexington, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Systems and Network Operations oversees the System and Network operations for Furman University. This position has technical and managerial oversight for operations within the Systems and Networks groups of Information Technology Services (ITS). These operational groups include; networks, systems, data infrastructure, and communications. This position establishes system design and maintenance standards, quality control, configuration management, and test procedures, and ensures the University’s network, compute, and communication infrastructures adhere to industry standards, best practices, and supports the objectives and strategic plans of the university.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required
5+ years' systems, networks, and data center management experience in higher education
5+ years' experience managing technical professional teams
Solid knowledge and understanding of network and systems techniques, design, operations, and best practices
Proven experience with enterprise systems, systems management/administration, VMEs, and network storage devices
Proven experience with cloud deployments and migrations
Proven experience with network WAN, LAN and WLAN technologies and protocols
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work collaborate with a wide range of constituents across the university
Ability to work alone and in groups
Strong troubleshooting skills

Responsibilities

Responsible for the overall direction, management and reliability of the WAN/LAN/WLAN networks, special circuits, and in/outdoor cable plant.
Responsible for the overall direction, management and reliability of the university’s compute systems to include both virtual and stand-alone server hardware, data storage systems, firmware and software.
Responsible for overall direction, management and reliability of the telecommunications, cable television, and surveillance systems.
Manages the systems and networks staff including interviewing, selection, training, development, work assignment, evaluation, compensation recommendations, and employee relations for all direct reports.
Responsible for strategic and tactical financial planning, as well as technical forecasting, budget forecasting, engineering, operation and maintenance and in all areas of responsibility including networking, systems, and telecom.
Communicates and collaborates regularly with ITS Leadership to ensure the System and Network infrastructural priorities support the goals and needs of ITS, as well as supports the institutional strategic plans and initiatives.
Performs annual performance reviews for Service and Network staff, as well as provides appropriate professional development, guidance and mentoring opportunities for staff members.
Communicates with industry experts and senior level personnel, both within and external to Furman, to: explore technologies suitability for administrative or academic programs, implement infrastructure upgrades and improvements, design plans for the growth and expansion, and secure funding and project approval for all areas of Systems and Network operations.
Collaborate with senior Furman staff and stakeholders, vendors and architects, and other technical staff to represent ITS and provide technical input for Furman building renovation and green/brown field projects.
Negotiate, manage, and modify service provider contracts as appropriate.
Collaborates with the Director of Information Security and Information Security team to plan, implement, and support security policies and practices for Furman data, networks and systems integrity. These policies and practices include appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity processes and protocols.
Performs other duties as appropriate and/or as assigned by the CIO.