Executive Director of Telecommunications and Network Services
About The Position
The Executive Director of Telecommunications and Network Services provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for planning, developing, and managing telecommunications and network services across all Art Institute of Chicago facilities. The role ensures robust and scalable connectivity for the museum and school, and reports to the VP of Information Services. It manages the Director of Network Services, the IT infrastructure engineer, and the telecommunications technician. The position oversees network, telecommunications, wireless, Internet, VPN, firewall, data center, server, Google Workspace, and core network services. It partners with Information Security, manages vendors and contracts, oversees campus data centers and physical infrastructure, and develops service strategies, budgets, and standards. The role also leads the Telecommunications and Network Services teams, evaluates emerging technologies, and communicates system status, policies, and service enhancements to the campus community.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in IT infrastructure, telecommunications, network services, or a related field.
- Experience with structured cabling system design, standards, and best practices.
- Experience with project management and communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Knowledge of network, telecommunications, and infrastructure technologies and best practices.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality customer service.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
- Experience in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
- Experience with network routing, switching, and wireless technologies.
- Experience with server hardware and Linux operating systems.
- Experience with cybersecurity systems and practices, including monitoring, log aggregation, and incident response.
- Experience with phone system administration, provisioning, and maintenance.
- Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems supporting data centers and equipment rooms.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational oversight of campus network, telecommunications, wireless, Internet, VPN, firewall, data center, server, and related infrastructure and services.
- Oversee the Google Workspace environment and core network services, including DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, LDAP, SSO, and SSL certificate management.
- Partner with Information Security to ensure network infrastructure is secure, monitored, reliable, and resilient.
- Oversee campus data centers, equipment rooms, and associated electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
- Manage Internet, telecommunications, phone system, and related vendor relationships and contracts, including service levels, licensing, and emergency communications requirements.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for telecommunications and network services, including budgets, timelines, and progress reporting.
- Provide strategic oversight of structured low-voltage cabling infrastructure, including fiber and copper systems, and establish institutional standards for physical infrastructure.
- Oversee cabling projects, including development of specifications and bid packages, vendor selection, contract administration, and coordination with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Oversee outdoor wireless systems, electronic people-counting systems, and other specialized network infrastructure.
- Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for telecommunications and network services and expansion.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, service providers, and infrastructure needs and make recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
- Provide strategic leadership, direction, and development for the Telecommunications and Network Services teams.
- Communicate system status, policies, and service enhancements to the campus community and represent Information Services in institutional planning and capital projects.
- Perform other duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
