Associate Director, Network Services job in Atlanta

PeachNet is the backbone network supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, instructional technologies, research initiatives, cloud connectivity, and critical services shared across Georgia's education ecosystem. The Associate Director provides architectural guidance, advanced troubleshooting expertise, and strategic planning necessary to sustain PeachNet&iquests reliability and performance. This leadership ensures PeachNet continues to evolve to meet growing bandwidth demands, cybersecurity requirements, and the digital transformation priorities of the University System.

The Associate Director is essential to the successful execution of ongoing and upcoming statewide network initiatives. These include core network refresh cycles, security modernization efforts, expansion of data center interconnects, and multi-agency infrastructure projects.

The Associate Director is responsible for coordinating the efficient operation of NSS&iquests statewide network infrastructure, including redundancy planning, lifecycle management, vendor coordination, and complex incident response.

The Associate Director manages a team of highly skilled network administrators that provide production enterprise services across the USG ecosystem. This position performs hands-on, architect-level network administration as needed, including advanced optical transport and IP routing design, implementation, and troubleshooting, and collaborates effectively with leadership, internal teams, and external vendors. The Associate Director fosters a culture of continuous improvement for both personnel and technology, promotes ongoing learning and collaboration, and evaluates and implements new processes, products, and technologies. Additionally, this role oversees project execution and leads multi-year planning efforts, including the development of project roadmaps, cost models, and budget projections.

Responsibilities

1. Manage team members, including regular guidance, feedback, and 1:1 meetings.

2. Coordinate and manage projects, including cross-team projects.

3. Hands-on network administration with DWDM optical networks and large-scale routed networks.

4. Lead and contribute to research and development of new technologies and tools.

5. Evaluate vendor proposals for software, services, and hardware.

6. Provide guidance and technical assistance to University System of Georgia member institutions.

7. Support the PeachNet - GaDOE network.

8. Frequent communication with leadership, including regular status updates on projects.

9. High-level, multi-year project and expense planning.

10. Yearly performance evaluations.

11. Ensure all systems are reliable, robust, up-to-date, secure, and follow best practices.

12. Respond to emergencies after hours.

13. Related duties as assigned., * The supervisor assigns work in terms of very general instructions.

• The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
• This position includes supervisory responsibilities.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK:

• The work consists of varied specialized duties. The necessity of providing for the needs of multiple campuses with diverse needs and resources contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to develop, maintain and support network infrastructure. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of a variety of USG and institutional operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping.
• The position may involve lifting and installing hardware.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

Background Check

Offers of employment are subject to a background investigation, including criminal records history, to determine eligibility for employment. Additionally, credentials and employment history stated in your application materials are also subject to verification.

For certain positions, a satisfactory credit check, MVR, or other relevant investigations may also be conducted. The University System Office holds the sole discretion in assessing eligibility for employment.

1. Baccalaureate degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

2. Experience managing or leading a team of network administrators.

3. A minimum of five years of experience managing network operations in a production environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Knowledge of project management principles.

2. Knowledge of networking protocols.

3. Knowledge of routing protocols and network media.

4. Knowledge of Board of Regents policies and procedures.

5. Skill in collaborating with multiple constituents.

6. Skill in decision making and problem solving.

7. Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.

8. Skill in oral and written communication.

9. Ability to respond diplomatically to sensitive and critical issues.

10. Ability to effectively multi-task.

11. Knowledge and hands-on expertise with DWDM optical networks.

12. Knowledge and hands-on expertise with large-scale routed/switched networks.

The University System of Georgia (USG) is comprised of 25 higher education institutions as well as the University System Office (USO). Within the USO, our administrative operations are primarily housed in the Trinity Washington Building located in downtown Atlanta. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) division is located in Athens. The University System of Georgia Shared Services Center (SSC) is located in Sandersville. The Georgia Public Library System is located in Atlanta. The Georgia Archives is located in Morrow. The State of Georgia Records Center is located in Austell., The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Conditions of Employment Offers of employment are subject to federal and state laws, as well as the statutes, rules, and regulations of this institution, and the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG). These Bylaws and Policies are available for inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity The University System Office is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the University System Office to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).