Assistant Director of Networks

Division of Information Technology

The Division of Information Technology manages a highly resilient and robust campus network supporting the University's strategic priorities including teaching and learning, research, and security.

The Assistant Director of Networks is responsible for the effective management and advancement of the network team within the Division of Information Technology.

This role oversees a team of 3.5 full-time network professionals and 10 student workers, ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of the campus wired and wireless network infrastructure, which includes more than 500 network switches and routers, 3,500 wireless access points, and more than 20,000 network devices across its administrative, academic, research, and residential environments.

The Network environment is primarily Cisco switches, routers and wireless access points. The wireless environment is currently split between the Residential Facilities being Meraki, and Academic and Administrative areas running on premise wireless controllers. A small deployment of Arista network switching exists in the network core and edge. Firewall, IPS and VPN services are provided by Palo Alto firewalls that sit at the center of the network core and in front of regulated data environments.

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $138,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the network team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

Network Oversight

• Manage daily operations and maintenance of the campus-wide wired and wireless networks, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
• Prioritize and oversee resolution to network disruptions, software updates and other enhancements.

Network Security

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance network security, including the enforcement of current security postures and the oversight of campus firewalls, VPNs, and access control lists to protect sensitive information and systems.

Network Design and Strategic Advancement

• Collaborate with the Director of Telecommunications and other stakeholders to identify design and development opportunities to enhance the campus network infrastructure so it meets current and future needs, incorporating new technologies and best practices.

Data Center Management

• Oversee the operations of two campus data centers including network connectivity, power and cooling infrastructure are meeting the current and future IT demands.

Project Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with other IT departments including server infrastructure, AV services and IT security teams, to evaluate, plan, and execute network-related projects, ensuring project success and initiative timelines are met.

Budget and Purchasing Management

• Manage purchasing activities for networking equipment and software, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to procurement policies.
• Assist the Director of Telecommunications in the planning and management of the network group's budget.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Maintain relationships with various campus stakeholders including the Office of Residential Life, Facilities Management and UMBC Faculty and Staff to understand their networking needs and provide effective solutions.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information systems, or other technology-related discipline

• 7 or more years of experience in networks or related field

• Strong communication skills in working with a variety of roles across campus.

• Ability to work with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and/or external constituents.

• Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population.

• Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels as well as to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related field.

• Experience in higher education, management, leading projects and teams.

• Several years managing a complex network infrastructure including networking, wireless, data center operations, and firewall security.

• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.

• Demonstrates time management and priority-setting skills.

• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality with a high level of accuracy and dependability.

• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while simultaneously handling multiple priorities.

• Possesses a high degree of initiative and ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.

A background check will be required.

Upload a cover letter and a resume.

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave
• 15 Days of Sick Leave
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary: $138,000 to $150,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.