"IT Director - Networking"

IT Director - Networking

Job #: 041919

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $126,000 - $155,000

Hours: Standard University business hours. 8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year); 8:00am - 4:30pm (summer). Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

The IT Director, Networking Services plays a pivotal leadership role in supporting Syracuse University’s academic, research, and administrative missions by ensuring the delivery of robust, secure, and reliable network infrastructure and services. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of all aspects of networking services, including wired and wireless connectivity, network security, and telecommunications infrastructure.

As a member of the ITS leadership team, the Director collaborates across the university to align network technologies with institutional priorities, ensuring a forward-looking, resilient, and responsive IT environment. The Director also serves as the university’s subject matter expert and strategic advisor for all networking-related initiatives.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required with at least ten or more years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in providing leadership and supervision in higher education technology services.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Proven experience in a leadership role(s) within Networking or related IT management positions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex networking challenges.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

• Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic roadmap for Networking Services that aligns with the University’s mission and ITS strategic objectives.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies, evolving standards, industry trends, and best practices to guide investment and innovation in network infrastructure and capabilities.
• Advise senior leadership on network planning, policy development, risk mitigation, and service delivery.

Operations Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of enterprise-wide networking systems, including LAN, WAN, wireless networks, internet connectivity, firewalls, load balancers, and VPN.
• Ensure enterprise-grade high availability, scalability, security, and performance across all networking services.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce operational standards, SLAs, and performance metrics.

Policy and Compliance:

• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards for network usage, security, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, university policies, and industry standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, NIST) supporting audits, reporting, and regulatory obligations.
• Lead business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing for network infrastructure.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Plan, manage, and forecast the Networking Services budget, aligning fiscal stewardship with strategic priorities and operational needs.
• Lead procurement strategies and lifecycle management for network hardware, software, and services.
• Ensure cost-effective support and maintenance strategies, including vendor and contract management.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of leaders, network engineers, analysts, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and customer service excellence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of top talent in network services.

About Syracuse University: Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

To apply, visit https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/109638