Manager, Network Services

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Manager of Network Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of the organization’s network infrastructure. This includes ensuring the stability, security, and optimal performance of the company’s network systems, which may include LAN, WAN, VPN, cloud services, wireless networks, and related technologies. The role involves leading a team of network engineers, coordinating network troubleshooting, implementing new network projects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. 

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Responsible for providing supervision for one or more functions within a department.  Formally plans, assigns, and coordinates the work of these functions.  Responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities.  Will perform staff evaluations and make recommendations regarding pay and/or performance.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students of the department and the University.  External contacts include vendors, contractors, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Network Infrastructure Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the organization’s network infrastructure.

• Monitor network performance and reliability, addressing issues promptly to ensure minimal downtime.

• Lead the deployment, configuration, and management of routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a team of network engineers and administrators, providing guidance on technical challenges and career development.

• Coordinate work schedules, performance assessments, and professional development opportunities.

• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment.

Network Security:

• Implement and maintain robust network security protocols to protect company data and prevent unauthorized access.

• Collaborate with the security team to ensure alignment between network and cybersecurity efforts.

• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization:

• Utilize network monitoring tools to track performance metrics, troubleshoot network issues, and perform root cause analysis.

• Develop and execute strategies for network performance optimization, capacity planning, and scalability.

• Maintain up-to-date documentation for network configurations, changes, and procedures.

Incident Management & Troubleshooting:

• Act as the primary escalation point for complex network-related issues, ensuring rapid resolution and communication to stakeholders.

• Lead post-incident analysis to identify recurring problems and develop strategies to prevent future incidents.

• Ensure appropriate network backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans are in place.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with IT, DevOps, and other cross-functional teams to align network infrastructure with organizational needs and growth.

• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external vendors, service providers, and contractors.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on network health, project statuses, and operational improvements.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage network-related projects, including upgrades, new installations, and capacity expansions.

• Ensure all projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget, while meeting the organization's network performance standards.

• Create and maintain detailed project documentation, timelines, and status reports.

Compliance and Best Practices:

• Ensure network operations adhere to industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and internal policies.

• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and trends, making recommendations for improvements or new solutions as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES:                

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams.

• In-depth knowledge of network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to perform root cause analysis and identify long-term solutions.

• Proficiency in network security and incident response techniques

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). 5+ years of experience in network operations, including at least 2-3 years in a managerial or leadership role. Experience with a variety of network technologies, such as routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, SD-WAN, cloud networking, and wireless networks. Proven ability to manage and mentor a team of technical professionals. Strong understanding of network security protocols and best practices. Hands-on experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG, etc.). Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or similar certifications (e.g., Juniper, CompTIA Network+). ITIL Foundation or higher (for service management and process improvements). Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a plus.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000