The Director of Network Services is the lead position focused on the design, implementation, and operation of Montana State University’s LAN, WAN, wireless, telephony, and physical network infrastructure. The position requires expertise in networking technologies and strong leadership skills to manage the Network Services team in support of Montana State University’s research, teaching, and outreach mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensures the reliable and efficient operation of the local wired and wireless network infrastructure as well as all aspects of the Unified Communications/VOIP services for the entirety of the MSU Bozeman campus.
- Manages the Network Services team, comprised of network, wiring, and telephony professionals in the planning, design, implementation, performance monitoring, and overall operational support of all elements of the Montana State University network.
- Provides technical leadership for assigned projects, which may include network design, equipment ordering, testing, troubleshooting, installation, and implementation of upgrades; Support for research services and grants as well as classroom technologies, residential networks, and sports facilities.
- Responsible for ensuring a resilient routing infrastructure to external networks including the State of Montana; Pacific Northwest Gigapop, Internet2; and other local, regional, and national networks.
- Assists the Associate CIO and IT Senior Leadership in budgeting, capital planning, design, and evaluation of new technology solutions aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan and industry best practices.
- Provides technical consultation and support to other Montana State University campus affiliates, local Bozeman constituents, Agricultural Research Centers, MSU Extension locations, and other groups.
- Responsible for empowering staff to provide high quality customer service to internal and external customers, establishes team goals, and manages departmental performance.
- Clearly plans, documents, and prioritizes and communicates project work.
- Develops project and operational budgets using knowledge of project management best practices to achieve consistent team and project performance.
- Promotes/implements standard and repeatable operational processes in accordance with Incident Management and Change Management procedures in coordination with related IT teams.
Other Duties:
- This position will interact with staff, faculty, students across the MUS as well as vendors, service providers, and industry partners in unit activities that may include policy and procedure development, project coordination, customer service analysis, preparation of special reports, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
- Major fiscal and administrative responsibilities include contract reviews, participation in unit budget management, project planning, assisting in strategic planning, providing staff training, and maintaining UIT standards for infrastructure-related products and services.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Extensive experience in information technology management, with emphasis in network systems, typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree and several years of progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven leadership in IT environments, including supervisory or managerial roles with demonstrated success in team development and project oversight.
- Expertise in managing network infrastructure, including IP telephony and both wired (copper/fiber) and wireless systems.
- Experience in network architecture, including design, implementation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of complex systems.
- Working knowledge of routing and switching protocols, with the ability to configure and optimize network performance.
- Demonstrated proficiency in network security, including planning, implementation, and maintenance of secure, highly available, redundant enterprise-grade systems.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in a field related to the position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in technical leadership and/or managerial roles in a higher education environment.
- Associate and advanced level Cisco networking certifications such as Cisco CCIE/CCNA/CCNP/CCDP.
- Demonstrated experience with Aruba wireless controllers, AP’s, ClearPass (AAA, NAC, Guest Access), and monitoring applications.
- Demonstrated experience with routing/switching configuration, and troubleshooting Cisco network infrastructure devices including: firewalls, routers, switches, and monitoring applications; experience with VOIP, Unified Communications, and telephony services.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Experience leading a group of professional-level technical staff; and experience in planning and implementing technical initiatives in an open, participative environment.
- Knowledge of best practices to secure networks with an emphasis on higher education and use of network security appliances.
- Skilled in oral and written communications.
- Ability to handle competing demands and maintain high levels of customer service and response.
- Ability to manage and develop technical staff in a way which enables the Network Services and Communication Wiring units to function as a team, working toward shared goals where individual efforts complement group efforts.
- Ability to engage others in the unit in accepting and developing a customer-service orientation in all aspects of the operation.
- Ability to anticipate and resolve technical problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others related IT units; and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- This position requires periodic on-call availability and after-hours support.
- This is a full-time, on-site position based at our Bozeman, Montana campus.
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Physical Demands
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 11, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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