Assistant Director, Engineering IT-Telecom

General Information

As part of Central Information Technology's Infrastructure Services unit, the Telecom department is responsible for providing robust communication systems to all members of the university community. Telecom operates systems and maintains an extensive network of inside and outside copper, coax, and fiber optic cable plants to support distribution of Voice, Data, Simplex, CATV, UHF Radio, Public Safety Distributed Antenna, Cellular, and other technology services. JMU is a Virginia Miss Utility 811 member.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Director of Infrastructure Services, the Assistant Director of Engineering is responsible for designing, installing, operating, and maintaining telecommunication infrastructure devices and systems for distributing voice, data, simplex, CATV and other communication services across campus. Serving as the primary departmental point of contact for engineering, the Assistant Director plans, coordinates, and supervises staff and contractors in the execution of capital and non-capital construction projects, infrastructure moves, additions, changes, and deletes (MACD), responds to off hour outages & emergencies, and serves as technical contact for new communications systems. The Assistant Director develops detailed work estimates including scope of work, bill of materials, and labor requirements. The Assistant Director regularly interfaces with senior departmental and university leadership as well as a broad range of university constituents. The Assistant Director contributes to strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration and actively participates in standing meetings and serves on committees as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Layer One technologies and solid knowledge of general construction processes with the ability to design, plan, coordinate, and successfully execute large, complex telecommunications infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage personnel, contractors, and vendor relationships while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.
• Proven leadership skills with a history of motivating, mentoring, and developing technical staff, while promoting teamwork, accountability, and high performance.
• Strong commitment to exceptional customer service, with the ability to build and sustain positive relationships with university stakeholders, contractors, and external partners.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, develop practical solutions, and make sound operational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align telecommunications infrastructure and services with the university's long-term operational and strategic goals.
• Valid driver's license required.

Additional Considerations

• Ability to use or learn the following software/systems: Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam Construction Management Software, Mapcom M4 GIS, PCR360 Ticketing
• Detailed knowledge of CATV System components and distribution
• Ortronics Certifications or the willingness to obtain
• RCDD Certification or demonstrated willingness to acquire RCCD certification