Manager, Network Administration and Operations

University of Chicago•Middletown, PA

3d•$135,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Network Administration and Operations is responsible for the day-to-day configuration, operation, monitoring, and availability of the University of Chicago’s wired Ethernet and wireless WiFi campus network services. The role directly manages network administrators and technicians who install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain network infrastructure, including switches, wireless access points, and supporting DNS, DHCP, and IPAM services. It ensures operational consistency through standardized procedures, run-books, and repeatable processes, and serves as the primary escalation point for Tier 1 and Tier 2 network support operations. The Manager coordinates closely with the Senior Manager, Network Engineering to align operations with infrastructure priorities. The position manages the performance, availability, and security of wired and wireless network services across campus; develops operational plans and documentation; monitors service health and workload; and supports employee performance and professional development. It also helps plan, execute, and operate the campus fiber plant and develops strategic plans for network design, implementation, and upgrades or modifications to existing networks. The position is part of IT Services’ Chief Technology Office and has a hybrid work schedule, onsite and remote as required.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
At least 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Expertise in campus and enterprise networking, including LAN/WAN, routing and switching, wireless networking, and network security.
Proficiency with DNS/DHCP/IPAM management platforms.
Ability to drive automation initiatives using network programmability, such as Ansible, Python, and REST APIs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or associate degree in computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or a related field.
At least 7 years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering and administration.
Background in higher education or research-intensive IT environments.
Relevant certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent.
Familiarity with SD-WAN, zero trust network access (ZTNA), or SASE architectures.
Experience with Cisco and/or Juniper networking.

Responsibilities

Manage network administrators and technicians responsible for configuring, installing, operating, and monitoring the campus LAN, switches, wireless access points, and end-user connectivity infrastructure.
Oversee the performance, availability, and security of wired and wireless campus network services, including monitoring, incident response, and escalation management.
Oversee monitoring and troubleshooting of LAN switches, wireless access points, DNS/DHCP services, and related connectivity systems; ensure timely incident resolution and documentation of remediation.
Serve as the primary contact for network connectivity issues escalated from the IT Services help desk, coordinating with IT and facilities stakeholders to resolve disruptions.
Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures, run-books, and repeatable operational processes.
Analyze network usage trends and prepare operational metrics to assess service health and team workload.
Develop and document Tier 1 and Tier 2 data network support procedures for troubleshooting, change communication, and service restoration; evaluate operational effectiveness.
Maintain accurate network asset configuration records, incident logs, and change management documentation in accordance with ITS standards.
Manage employee performance by setting annual goals, allocating resources, conducting assessments, and supporting professional development and career growth.
Encourage team participation in improving operational processes, documentation, and ITS service delivery practices.
Maintain current knowledge of network administration technologies, tools, and best practices through professional development, vendor resources, and peer networks.
Coordinate with the Senior Manager, Network Engineering to align operational activities with infrastructure priorities and deploy team capacity effectively for maintenance schedules and project commitments.
Work with internal IT teams and end-user stakeholders to address connectivity needs and maintain operational service levels across campus.
Manage performance and availability of University wired and wireless networks; advise on planning, execution, and operation of the campus fiber plant.
Develop plans to sustain and improve the University's NSIT network, including strategic plans for network design, implementation, and upgrades or modifications.
Perform other related work as needed.