UO
IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations
full-time•Chicago•$200k - $212k
About this role
Department
OPS ITS - Chief Technology Office
About the Department
Job Summary
Responsibilities
- Directs the design, implementation, and administration of the data network infrastructure including both campus and off-campus sites.
- Leads and mentors a multidisciplinary team of network engineers, architects, and operational staff.
- Develops, implements, and maintains high-availability network services, including LAN, WAN, wireless, and remote access.
- Establishes and enforces network policies, standards, procedures, and best practices for performance, security, and compliance.
- Oversees network monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, and disaster recovery planning.
- Collaborates with campus stakeholders to understand evolving connectivity needs and supports strategic initiatives and projects.
- Manages vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement related to network hardware, software, and services.
- Prepares and administers budgets for network operations, equipment refresh cycles, and technology upgrades.
- Stays abreast of emerging technologies and trends to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
- Ensures ongoing documentation, reporting, and communication with senior leadership regarding network health, projects, risks, and metrics.
- Participates in University-wide committees and workgroups related to IT infrastructure and security.
- Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Determines plans to sustain and improve the University's Networking Services and Information Technologies (NSIT) network. Creates strategic plans for network design, implementation, and upgrades/modifications to existing networks.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or related field.
- Master’s degree strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in network engineering and operations, with at least 3 years in supervisory or managerial roles.
- Managing large-scale, complex enterprise networks in higher education.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- In-depth expertise with Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or similar enterprise networking platforms.
- Strong knowledge of routing, switching, wireless, and network security protocols and technologies.
- Familiarity with cloud networking, virtualization, SDN, NAC, and related fields.
- Proficient in network monitoring, management, and automation tools.
Preferred Competencies
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing technical teams.
- Clear and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
Working Conditions
- Standard office environment.
- Occasional after-hours work to support maintenance and incident response.
- Some travel between campus sites.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
What you'll do
- This role provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and technical guidance for planning, designing, deploying, and managing the University's complex data network infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments. The director oversees a multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring reliable, high-performance connectivity supporting academic, research, and administrative missions.
About University of Chicago
The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School in an unparalleled effort to uncover new ways of thinking about economics. We put those ideas into action by translating rigorous research into accessible and relevant formats, and proactively disseminating it to key decision-makers around the world.
Read more: bfi.uchicago.edu/about/
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/BeckerFriedman
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: bfi.uchicago.edu/subscribe
Ready to join University of Chicago?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does University of Chicago pay for a IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations?
University of Chicago offers a competitive compensation package for the IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations role. The salary range is USD 200k - 212k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations do at University of Chicago?
As a IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations at University of Chicago, you will: this role provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and technical guidance for planning, designing, deploying, and managing the University's complex data network infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments. The director oversees a multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring reliable, high-performance connectivity supporting academic, research, and administrative missions..
Is the IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations position at University of Chicago remote?
The IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations position at University of Chicago is based in Chicago, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations position at University of Chicago?
You can apply for the IT Director, Network Engineering and Operations position at University of Chicagodirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.