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IT Director, Networking and Communications - 002378
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Position Number: 5888890
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Business - Information Systems and Technology

IT Director, Networking and Communications - 002378

Western Carolina University

Department: Networking & Communications

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

Reporting to the university Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Director oversees successful day-to-day operations of the network engineering staff, ensuring standard processes for the design, implementation, maintenance, and reporting of voice and data network operations.

The Director works closely with IT leadership to identify, implement, and support cost-effective, leading solutions for all aspects of network engineering, maintaining currency with industry innovations by participating in IT Planning, task force, and committee activities. The Director establishes and maintains trusted relationships with customers, partners, and IT departments to build an information technology strategy that responds to the business vision, goals, and strategy of the university and will participate in governance boards, councils, meetings, and campus-wide technology initiatives to understand current and future business needs. The Director also works closely with other IT leadership and Facilities Management staff to coordinate and participate in critical IT infrastructure systems and activities such as identity/security, disaster recovery, and IT cable plant.

The Director leads by example, demonstrating ethics and high accountability to create a culture of trust and transparency and is accountable for the development of team members by helping them set and achieve goals for their career growth and fosters an inclusive environment that values team member differences, creating a sense of belonging and appreciation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. A masters degree and 2-4 years relative experience and two years experience in a management or leadership role.; or Bachelors degree in business administration, computer science, data science, computer information systems, or a related field and 3-5 years relative experience and two years experience in a management or leadership role. Relative experience includes data and voice networking protocols, wireless network design and management, and TCP/IP network environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills across organizational boundaries Ability to facilitate problem-solving among administrative groups with varying needs and priorities, and to communicate well with administrative users, technical staff, and senior management Strong project management skills Demonstrated ability to expand own skills Solid organizational and time management skills Budget management experience Experience with vendor contract negotiations

Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in business administration, computer science, data science, computer information systems, or a related field; Five years experience in data and voice networking protocols, wireless network design and management, and TCP/IP network environment; and Five years experience in a management or leadership role. One or more of the following certifications: JNCIS-ENT, PCNSA, PMP, CWNA, CISSP, or CISM Preferred experience: Experience with IP configuration, routing, and troubleshooting. Experience working in a higher education environment Deep understanding of network security procedures and common practices. Knowledge of Internet connectivity methods and practices. In-depth knowledge server hardware and peripherals, multiple server operating systems, and personal computer hardware and software. Thorough knowledge of diagnostic tools and procedures. Considerable knowledge of methods and practices in the installation and maintenance of information technology equipment in a large complex network. Ability to plan and manage a departmental budget. Experience supporting a DAS cellular infrastructure. Experience supporting Juniper, Aruba, PaloAlto, and F5 network equipment in an enterprise environment.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.Please include a cover letter addressing qualifications as related to the job requirements, a current resume, and a list of three recent (within past five years) professional references (which include name, title, email, phone, and relationship) in order to complete the application.For questions or additional information please contact Tabatha Springer at tjspringer@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/29669