Network Operations Manager

The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan's education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need., We are currently seeking a Network Operations Manager at the KRESA Service Center in Portage, Michigan. The essential duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
• Lead and mentor the network team, fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity, and high performance
• Support team members' professional development through coaching and training
• Ensure that the datacenter, fiber optics, leased circuits and network hardware for KRESA and our partner districts are properly maintained and secure
• Responsible for ensuring highly reliable Internet access for KRESA and all partner districts by Monitoring network performance and proposing necessary upgrades or improvements
• Manage network-related projects using industry-standard management frameworks (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timely delivery
• Communicate network changes, upgrades, or outages to MiTech staff and key stakeholders
• Recommend, manage, and support physical security systems such as electronic building access controls and video surveillance systems
• Install and configure network hardware, providing high-level troubleshooting and support to ensure optimal performance and reliability
• Ability to resolve critical/complex issues (routing/switching, wireless, firewall, VoIP, surveillance/access control), performing deep-dive troubleshooting and coordinating resolution
• Maintain proficiency in core technologies by regularly participating in configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities alongside the team staff
• Lead RFP technical requirements development for partner districts and participate directly in evaluation and implementation planning (including hands-on validation of proposed solutions)
• Partner with our E-rate consultant and Site Coordinators to obtain funding for network projects * Manage network operations center (NOC), including incident response
• Ensure network related items in the disaster recovery plan are regularly updated and tested
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for unplanned outages, developing actionable insights to prevent future occurrences
• Ensure network documentation (diagrams, inventories, configurations) remains current and usable by others for continuity of operations
• Create network documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Act as the Project Manager for all networking projects, creating user stories, and leading appropriate meetings to ensure district needs are met
• Troubleshoot and repair network cabling as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Do you have experience in Team management?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Bachelor's degree in related field required

• Scrum, Agile, or Kanban project management
• 5+ years of professional IT experience, at least two of which were in a supervisory capacity showing a strong history of customer service, teamwork, and innovation
• Experience installing and maintaining network systems such as firewalls, switches, wireless networking, video surveillance, and telephony
• Experience working with bond consultants and construction planning committees
• Experience with E-Rate grant filing
• Experience managing network security, authentication and security protocols, security vulnerabilities and remediation techniques
• Experienced in network cabling installation and repairs
• Experience with various networked K-12 technologies, including, clocks, bells, public address, access controls, cameras, classroom and conference room audio visual systems

Certificates, License, Registration: One or more related certifications such as: Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) or equivalent, Cisco CCNE (Cisco Certified Network Engineer) or equivalent, Comp TIA N+, Security+

Other skills and abilities include:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
• Embraces and supports KRESA's vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
• Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage direct reports, setting clear expectations, and ensuring accountability for performance and outcomes
• Budgeting, planning, and procurement
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair various network hardware
• Ability to update and manage FortiGate firewalls and VPN connections
• The candidate should have knowledge of enterprise IT security best practices, TCP/IP networks, and security architectures best practices and methodology
• Team player with ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
• Ability to communicate effectively including listening
• Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills required
• Flexible and open-minded when working with staff and various stakeholders
• Works in a team-oriented fashion
• Ability to efficiently troubleshoot computer and software issues
• Strong ability to solve problems
• Displays willingness to support and make decisions with sound judgment in timely manner
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, create thorough documentation and procedures
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment
• Practices safe work habits

Pulled from the full job description

• Loan forgiveness
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Wellness program, This is a 12-month calendar position in job grade 19T with an annual rate of pay between $108,144 and $134,768.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan's Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives - all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.