Job No. 156339
- Job Title:
- Assistant Director Network Infrastructure and Unified Communications
- Employer:
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Community College of Rhode Island
- Location:
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Warwick , RI
- Posting Date:
- 05-Sep-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Network Infrastructure & Unified Communications is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, maintenance, and support of the College’s network infrastructure, including wired and wireless (WiFi) networks, firewalls, and unified communications systems. This role provides leadership and management of network operations personnel and ensures the reliable and secure operation of these critical systems. The Assistant Director will lead and manage network-related projects, engaging in capacity planning, hardware lifecycle management, and the execution of upgrade strategies to maintain a robust and up-to-date network environment. This position collaborates closely with IT Directors to coordinate workflow and contribute to the overall technology strategy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage the implementation, maintenance, and support of the College’s network infrastructure operations and support activities, with a specific focus on wired and wireless networks, firewalls, and unified communications.
Provide leadership, management, and training of network operations personnel, including recruiting, evaluating, and supervising staff.
Lead comprehensive network infrastructure management, focusing on short and long-term capacity planning, strategic hardware lifecycle management for network devices, and ensuring reliable network operations.
Lead and manage network infrastructure and unified communications projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and scope. This includes planning, designing, and implementing all new network projects (including new construction) and the removal of network equipment.
Develop strategic partnerships with IT Directors; keep abreast of projects and help to coordinate and prioritize network-related workflow.
Working with IT Directors and the Executive Director of Technology Support & Services, contribute to the development and management of the budget as it relates to the network infrastructure and unified communications area and the strategic plan.
Plan and execute upgrade strategies for all critical network systems and infrastructure, ensuring they remain up-to-date, secure, and aligned with the evolving technological landscape.
Manage strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation, and coordination of the College’s network and unified communications systems.
Negotiate and maintain contracts for network equipment purchase, equipment repair, and system software purchase and maintenance related to network infrastructure and unified communications.
Participate in projects to integrate new network technologies, including installing, configuring, and testing new hardware and software related to network infrastructure and unified communications.
Maintain daily operations of multi-campus local and wide area networks; respond to service outages and emergencies outside of normal working hours as needed.
Evaluate, implement, and support software, systems, and network hardware for network convergence (voice, video, and data networks using one infrastructure).
Install, configure, and maintain up-to-date network management software and tools with their underlying databases to monitor and manage the College’s network.
Participate in and manage statewide collaborative OSHEAN (Ocean State Higher Education Academic Network) projects.
Assume technical leadership for evolving network security, wireless, and VoIP technologies.
Manage network practices and policies; participate in policy definition.
Respond to technical emergencies related to network infrastructure and unified communications outside of normal working hours as needed.
Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field
Five years of progressively responsible experience in network infrastructure management and leadership, including significant experience with network design, implementation, security (firewalls), and unified communications systems or an Associate’s Degree in a related field plus nine years of progressively responsible experience in the areas outlined above will be considered.
Strong understanding of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF), network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers), and wireless technologies (e.g., 802.11 standards, wireless controllers).
Experience with unified communications platforms (e.g., VoIP, video conferencing).
Demonstrated experience managing and configuring firewalls and other network security devices.
Experience with network monitoring and management tools
Competencies and Desired Qualifications
Relevant industry certifications such as CCNP (Enterprise, Security, or Collaboration) or equivalent.
Experience with specific network technologies including Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Aruba, or Meraki.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management experience.
Experience working in an IT environment within a college or university.
- Contact information:
- Community College of Rhode Island
- Warwick, RI 02886
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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