Fast Facts

The Director of Network Services at UMass Lowell oversees the Network Services group, managing operations, architecture, and support of network systems while providing mentorship and leadership to the team.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include leading the Network Services team, enhancing operational capabilities, mentoring team members, and ensuring that network infrastructure aligns with the university's strategic goals.

Skills: Candidates should possess expertise in multi-vendor network routing and switching, leadership skills, knowledge of network security practices, and experience with network management systems like ExtremeCloud IQ.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree, experience with various networking technologies, and industry-recognized certifications.

Location: This position is based in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA, and it is not specified if any travel is required.

Compensation: $135000 - $145000 / Annually

The Director of Network Services is the chief architect and leader of the Network Services group in Information Technology. The Director of Network Services is responsible for managing, leading, and expanding the skillset of the Network Services team as well as the overall operations, architecture, expansion, and advanced support of network-related systems to meet the business needs of UMass Lowell.

Under the direction of the Associate CIO of Network and Communication Services, the Director of Network Services has a broad and deep view of UMass Lowell’s network-related technology systems, as well as a thorough understanding of the business drivers that impact those technology systems. As a team leader and project coordinator of highly advanced network systems, this individual is responsible for not only leading all aspects of the Network Services team, but providing thought-leadership, advanced mentoring, expert technical/strategic support, and ensuring the overall function of the university’s network services. They are responsible for the selection, adoption, and assimilation of new architectural and operational solutions, as well as the continued support of existing services.

The Director is the highest internal escalation point for all issues related to the university’s network systems, and functions as a mentor to other members of IT both inside and outside of their team. In addition to knowledge of network systems, the Director of Network Services is expected to make meaningful contributions to all areas of UMass Lowell’s technology infrastructure, including voice services, systems engineering, instructional technologies, audio/visual, security, and academic/research technologies.

The Director is responsible for providing career coaching, mentorship and professional guidance to members of their team to help shape the future of technology services at UMass Lowell. This individual will be responsible for and be required to build relationships across the campus to design, communicate and socialize changes to technology systems. Additionally, the Director will build consensus to ensure that IT’s strategy relating to network infrastructure meets the needs of the campus immediately and in the future.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• 12+ years of experience architecting and directly supporting complex, multi-vendor network routing and switching in an Enterprise or University setting
• 8+ years of experience in progressive leadership roles
• Experience with network equipment from Extreme Networks, HPE/Aruba, and Juniper
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Proven commitment to coach, mentor, and direct technical staff
• Demonstrated mastery of industry best practices relating to network services, design architecture, and data security practices
• Demonstrated curiosity and thought leadership, proactively researching and evaluating emerging technologies with a strategic focus on next-generation network solutions

Additional Considerations:

• Master’s degree strongly preferred
• Experience designing, configuring, and troubleshooting network equipment from Extreme Networks and HPE/Aruba
• Experience with ExtremeCloud IQ, Aruba ClearPass, and related network management/monitoring systems
• Industry-recognized certifications such as Extreme Certified Professional or Aruba Certified Solutions Professional

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

This is a full-time, benefited SEIU union position in P23 with anticipated hiring range of $135,000-$145,000.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.