> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2847265-network-operations-director](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2847265-network-operations-director). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network Operations Director - **Company:** NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO-OP ASSN - **Location:** Arlington, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, Ethernet, Internet Protocol, Network Security, Routing, Computer Network Operations - **Published:** September 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.ntca.org/job-center/network-operations-director-1 ## About the Role The right candidate will bring strong telecommunications and networking expertise along with the ability to lead, teach, and collaborate. You may be a great fit if you are: Innovative and creative. You look for better ways to design networks, solve problems, improve processes, and use technology. Collaborative. You work effectively across departments and value ideas from every level of the organization. A teacher and leader. You develop people, establish clear expectations, communicate openly, create accountability, and build trust. Technically credible. You understand modern carrier-grade networks and are willing to roll up your sleeves when needed. Forward-looking. You can maintain today's network while planning for future capacity, security, technology, customer needs, and investment. Experience We Value We're interested in candidates with significant experience in telecommunications, broadband, IP networking, network operations, engineering, or related fields. Valuable experience includes fiber/FTTP, carrier-grade IP networking, routing and switching, Ethernet and transport, voice, network security, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and network modernization. Prior leadership, supervisory, project management, or team-development experience is important. A bachelor's or associate degree is welcomed, but relevant technical training, certifications, and substantial industry experience will also be considered. ## Description Lead the Network. Develop the Team. Help Build What's Next. Dakota Central is looking for an innovative, creative, collaborative leader who understands modern broadband networks and is excited to shape what comes next. As Network Operations Director, you'll lead network infrastructure and operations across voice, video, broadband, transport, and data services. You'll help ensure reliability today while identifying technologies, processes, and opportunities that prepare Dakota Central for the future. You'll also develop people through mentoring, hands-on technical training, cross-training, and knowledge sharing-building a team where expertise is shared and employees grow. What You'll Do You'll have the opportunity to: * Lead the planning, operation, maintenance, security, and evolution of Dakota Central's network. * Bring new ideas and creative thinking to network design, technology deployment, automation, processes, and service improvement. * Evaluate emerging technologies and guide future investments. * Lead network projects, upgrades, migrations, installations, and cutovers from planning through completion. * Strengthen reliability, cybersecurity, resiliency, disaster recovery, and capacity planning. * Partner with the CEO/General Manager and leadership team on technology strategy and long-term investment. * Develop the operations team through hands-on training, mentoring, cross-training, and knowledge sharing. * Build documentation and processes that strengthen the organization. * Collaborate across departments to support excellent customer experiences. ## Related Videos - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [The CAMARA Project: How Telcos Collaborating Improves Developer Experience](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/671-the-camara-project-how-telcos-collaborating-improves-developer-experience) - [The Best Job Search Websites of 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/368-the-best-job-search-websites-of-2025) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Best Companies in the Netherlands: Top 25 Companies in 2023 ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/193-best-companies-in-the-netherlands-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager)