Manager of Network Operations

TITLE: Manager of Network Operations

DEPARTMENT: Technology Operations 

REPORTS TO: Chief Information Officer

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM:  Chief Information Officer

EVALUATES: Network Specialists

POSITION INVENTORY: C52

POSTION TYPE: SPEC 

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

DAYS: 260 Day Calendar               HOURS: 8 Hour Day

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Manager of Network Operations will serve as a hands-on technical leader for the Network Infrastructure team providing vision and strategy to drive next generation capabilities and services required to support future solutions, business capabilities and service delivery in pursuit of Des Moines Public Schools’ goals and objectives. This role ensures stability, security, and efficiency of the district network infrastructure and operations, supporting the district's educational mission. The manager is responsible for designing, maintaining, and optimizing key functional areas, particularly wired and wireless networks, firewalls, wide area network (WAN), and telephony/unified communications systems. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Collaborate with school administrators, educators, and district stakeholders to align technology initiatives with educational goals. Communicate network infrastructure strategies and process to district leadership.
2. Lead a team responsible for day-to-day network operations, including user support for employees and students.
3. Develop and implement IT operational network policies, procedures, and best practices tailored to the district's educational objectives.
4. Provide leadership, guidance, and performance evaluations for staff, including management of vendor-supplied talent. Delegate responsibility and expect accountability, including a frequent, consistent, open feedback process.
5. Develop and manage the overall network infrastructure budget in consultation with Leadership.
6. Reduce manual workloads and process reengineering through network infrastructure/telephony automation.
7. Implement and maintain network technology roadmaps, including capacity planning and modeling to support short, and long-term, growth requirements.
8. Develop and execute a strategy to improve awareness of the business value that the Network Infrastructure provides and continuously seek to ensure alignment to customer needs.
9. Improve network resilience by executing strategies that enhance reliability, tolerability, and disaster recovery readiness.
10. Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans specific to the education sector. Test and update these plans with internal and external engineers while minimizing disruptions to educational activities.
11. Keep track of trends and provide direction on what emerging network technologies should be incorporated to successfully deliver overall IT strategy.
12. Introduce innovative and differentiating network infrastructure which enhances our overall capabilities and employee productivity.
13. Direct the development of a network infrastructure sourcing strategy and provide oversight for strategic vendor and partner relationship management for capacity enhancement in service delivery.
14. Develop and implement best practices with Next Generation Firewall infrastructure.
15. Serve on IT leadership team and collaborate across multiple business stakeholders, vendor partners and the team members to maximize our investments.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Associate’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, Business Management, or equivalent experience.
2. At least five years’ experience working within IT infrastructure and operations team.
3. Vendor experience with multiple service providers such as Heartland Business Solutions, OneNeck, BlackBox, Granite Communications, Van Maanen, and others.

 Desired Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree or related technical experience.
2. Experience supporting related technology operations within K-12 school environment.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong knowledge of network, server, and storage technologies, specifically, Aruba HPE switching and APs, Aruba Central Controllers, Unify Telecommunications, Cisco Firepower Firewalls.
2. Familiarity with educational technology standards, student data privacy regulations, and educational technology trends and best practices.
3. Strong cyber security orientation with regard to network design and operation including firewalls.
4. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
5. Technical interpretation and ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical leaders and staff.
6. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
7. Strong customer centric approach to service delivery.
8. Skills in Smartsheet, Microsoft Office, especially Teams or similar productivity tools
9. Have strong organizational, technical, process, and people management skills. Develop and coordinate strategy, architecture, roadmaps, and budgets.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Approved By: Emily Behrens

Date: 02/05/2025

Salary : $81,890 - $99,070