Executive Director of LONI

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College • Baton Rouge, LA

314d

About The Position

The Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure, or LONI, is a state-of-the-art, fiber optic network that runs throughout Louisiana, and connects Louisiana research universities to one another as well as Internet2, the national research and education network, and other regional research and education networks across the country. LONI connects Louisiana's major research university systems including the Louisiana State University (LSU) system, the Southern University system, the University of Louisiana system, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and members of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and other research and education entities. LONI enables greater collaboration on research activities, which produce results faster and with greater accuracy. LONI provides Louisiana researchers with one of the most advanced optical networks in the country and powerful supercomputer resources available to the academic community, with over 4 Petaflops of computational capacity. The LONI Executive Director, reporting directly to the Louisiana State University Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) located in Baton Rouge, LA, provides executive management and oversight of all aspects of LONI operations, and serves as the public face of LONI. LONI is owned by the Louisiana Board of Regents and operated with the assistance of the LONI staff at LSU through a management agreement between the Board of Regents and LSU. Under this agreement LSU acts as the fiduciary and agent responsible for LONI's daily operations. This position collaborates with LONI members statewide, the LONI Management Council, and regional and national network operators to enhance the LONI portfolio. The Executive Director works closely with the Louisiana Board of Regents on budgets, project proposals, business cases, and all operational facets of the LONI organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum 10 years of IT-related experience with progressive responsibility in IT Infrastructure and financial management.
• Proven leadership in leading and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of fiber optic networks, high-speed networking, and high-performance computing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service to all stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, projects, and business proposals.
• Ability to work onsite at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in technical, business, or related field.
• Familiarity with Regional Research and Education Network management.
• Success leading a technical operations team.
• Higher education IT management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and management of network equipment and fiber infrastructure, resources and services.
• Oversee the LONI Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Provide vision, strategy, and overall leadership in collaboration with the LONI Management Council, the Board of Regents, and the larger community of LONI stakeholders.
• Manage financial operations and personnel management.
• Oversee business and technical operations, public and customer relations, and legal obligations including public policies and rules.
• Advise the LONI Management Council on matters related to LONI.
• Partner with LONI's Chief Scientist, Chief Economic Development Advisor, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, and Chief Technical Advisor.
• Work closely with LONI members and organizations as well as national and international networking groups.
• Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication with all LONI stakeholders.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the network services.
• Establish and maintain technical, security, and operational policies for the LONI Network.
• Monitor all contract compliance and document compliance with all governmental requirements.
• Provide overall leadership, coordination, and management of the network staff.
• Report to the LSU Office of ITS and the Management Council on LONI activities and projects.
• Provide technical expertise and direction in the maintenance and improvement of the network.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement options
• Various leave options
• Paid holidays
• Wellness benefits
• Tuition exemption for qualified positions
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree