"Lead IT Network Administrator"

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is committed to providing a robust and secure technological environment supporting our academic excellence and social impact mission. We seek a skilled and proactive Lead IT Network Administrator to join our team. This critical role will be at the forefront of designing, managing, and optimizing our enterprise network infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity across our campus and affiliated locations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Design & Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and management of the university’s enterprise network, including LAN/WAN cabling, data center networks, telephone/telecom, and converged communications infrastructure.
• Equipment Installation & Monitoring: Lead the installation, configuration, and ongoing monitoring of network equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.
• Project Management: Coordinate and manage network-related projects, from initial planning to implementation, working closely with IT leadership and stakeholders across the university.
• Troubleshooting & Support: Provide advanced troubleshooting for network issues, including data access deficiencies, outages, and security breaches. Ensure timely resolution of hardware and software problems to minimize disruptions.
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Administer and support the university’s telecommunications systems, including PBXs, VOIP, call management systems, and video conferencing.
• Guidance & Mentorship: Provide leadership and guidance to junior network administrators, sharing industry best practices and fostering professional development within the team.
• Documentation & Training: Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation and training materials to ensure consistent and informed use of network resources.

What You’ll Bring:

• Expertise in network design, implementation, and management.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to lead and coordinate projects.
• Experience in managing telecommunications systems and associated software.
• A commitment to maintaining high network performance, security, and reliability standards.
• The ability to mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment.

Why WSSU? At WSSU, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to innovation and excellence. As the Lead IT Network Administrator, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring that our technological infrastructure supports our mission and the needs of our students, faculty, and staff. Your work will help maintain a secure, connected environment where education and research thrive.

Requirements and Preferences

Department Required Skills:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in Information Technology, Network Systems Administration, Information Systems, telecommunications, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Five years of experience in network design, telecommunications system management, system analysis, or management. (Experience in the field of work related to the position’s role may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for education requirements.)
• Strong supervisory, project management, and budget management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset, preference for team-oriented environments.
• Experience working with end users to establish service level agreements based on user requirements.
• Experience in cabling/connectivity, LAN/WAN design and support, networking technology equipment, or telecommunications design/support.
• Experience in design, installation, and configuration of networking infrastructure systems such as routers, switches, firewalls, IDS/IPS.
• Working technical knowledge of network, PC, and Network Core functions and Layer 2 and 3 protocols.
• Proficient in the deployment and maintenance of network equipment including switches, access points, implementation of business continuity technologies and processes such as backup, recovery, and hardware redundancy.
• Hands-on software and hardware troubleshooting experience.
• Experience documenting and maintaining configuration and process information.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCIE, Net+, or RCDD.
• Experience creating long-range telecommunications development plans in accordance with stated business strategy.
• Knowledge of telecommunications systems such as VoIP, PBX, analog phone systems, outside plant connectivity, indoor/outdoor copper/fiber cable installation and connectivity.
• Ability to design, troubleshoot, and provide connectivity for complex internet/intranet cabling systems, MPLS networks, WiFi, cable TV and video systems, and WAN systems.