Director of Technology and Network Operations
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Frankfort, KY, United States
Summary of Position
The Director of Technology & Network Operations provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all technological functions across Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, including broadband infrastructure, network operations, and enterprise information technology systems. This role is responsible for aligning technology strategy with the Cooperative’s electric and broadband objectives, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure to support both utility operations and high-quality fiber broadband services. This position will lead the integration of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) environments while advancing digital transformation initiatives across the organization.
Core Competencies
Work effectively as an employee of Paulding Putnam and maintain good job behavior.
Must be supportive of Cooperative business concepts and principals.
Must be of high integrity, dependable and professional.
Punctual and conscientious about work hours and perform overtime when requested. Communicate with supervisor when unable to work at the appointed time.
Accept responsibility for the duties of your position. Work diligently toward complete accurate work assignments.
Develop the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the position. Attend meetings and seminars as directed.
Continually develop and recommend more efficient and effective ways of carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Review and abide by established policies and procedures of the Cooperative.
Must have a high regard for the safety of themselves and others. Promote safety in every activity and attend scheduled safety meetings as directed. Become familiar with and abide by the Paulding Putnam safety rules and procedures.
Must have the desire to work as part of a team and contribute to the high morale in the organization. Promote teamwork through communication and cooperation. Treat co-workers in a professional manner and consider the opinions and personal needs of others.
Accept and adapt positively to changes in your position and within the Cooperative. Develop a commitment to accept ongoing change.
Be a positive influence within and outside the Cooperative.
Support the Cooperative’s mission by staying current with information to cultivate and positively project the Cooperative’s philosophy.
Job Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive technology strategy and roadmap supporting both electric utility and broadband operations
Align all technology initiatives with Cooperative business objectives, regulatory requirements, and long-term infrastructure planning
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on emerging technologies, cybersecurity risks, and capital investment priorities
Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, including smart grid, advanced metering, and fiber network expansion
Continuously evaluate industry trends, regulatory changes, and technology advancements to ensure the Cooperative remains forward-looking and competitive
Provide executive oversight of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative’s fiber broadband network, including both outside plant (OSP) and core network infrastructure
Ensure high levels of network reliability, scalability, and performance through effective monitoring, incident response, and capacity planning
Establish and enforce operational standards for network performance, uptime, maintenance, and restoration
Oversee network architecture and engineering strategies, including transport, routing, and access network design
Direct internal teams and external partners in the deployment, operation, and lifecycle management of broadband infrastructure
Ensure accurate system documentation, network visibility, and asset management across all broadband systems
Drive the adoption of automation, monitoring, and performance management tools to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability
Lead the strategy, implementation, and ongoing management of all enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, and applications
Oversee operational technologies supporting electric operations, including SCADA, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Management Systems, and substation automation
Ensure effective integration and alignment between IT and OT systems while maintaining system reliability and security
Establish standards for system performance, availability, and lifecycle management across all technology platforms
Ensure internal teams are equipped to support end users, operational systems, and member-facing technologies
Lead and continuously mature the Cooperative’s enterprise cybersecurity program, ensuring protection of critical infrastructure and data assets
Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and controls to address cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and industry standards, including NERC CIP, FCC, RUS, and other requirements
Oversee disaster recovery, business continuity, and system resilience planning across IT and broadband systems
Proactively identify and mitigate risks to technology systems, infrastructure, and operations
Lead planning and management of all technology-related operating and capital budgets
Develop and prioritize long-term capital investment strategies for IT systems and broadband infrastructure
Ensure cost-effective deployment of technology solutions while maintaining long-term sustainability and reliability
Evaluate vendors, partners, and technology solutions to ensure alignment with Cooperative objectives and financial performance expectations
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for network operations, system reliability, service quality, and internal support functions
Implement proactive monitoring and response strategies to minimize service disruptions and improve system performance
Ensure consistent execution of processes related to system maintenance, upgrades, and issue resolution
Promote continuous improvement across all technological functions through standardization, accountability, and performance tracking
Provide leadership and direction to teams responsible for Broadband OSP, Network Operations, and Enterprise IT
Establish clear organizational structure, roles, and accountability across all technological functions
Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management efforts within the technology organization
Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Effectively manage cross-functional relationships and resolve operational and organizational challenges
Maintain strong working relationships with Cooperative leadership, departments, members, and external partners
Ensure technology systems and broadband services deliver high-quality experience for members
Coordinate effectively with internal teams to align construction, operations, and service delivery efforts
Communicate technological initiatives, risks, and performance to executive leadership in a clear and actionable manner
Ensure the physical and logical security of all technology infrastructure, including data centers, network facilities, and remote sites
Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting in compliance with Cooperative, regulatory, and legal requirements
Oversee governance of technology systems, ensuring integrity, accountability, and long-term sustainability
Ensure compliance with Cooperative policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations
Support and promote a strong safety culture across all technological operations
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulation and Paulding-Putnam Electric policies.
Perform other duties as required to support the Cooperative’s mission and strategic objectives
Reporting Relationships Reports to: COO
Supervises and Directs work of: Senior IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Broadband OSP Manager
External relationships: (none specified)
Specifications Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent certificate
Bachelor’s degree in computer and network systems or computer information systems. (Preferred)
5-10 years of related work experience.
Skills and Abilities
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Must be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Effectively convey and share information and ideas with others. Listen carefully and understand various viewpoints. Present ideas clearly and concisely and understand relevant details in presented information.
Must be able to operate computers and various software programs proficiently.
Works together with others and helps others to work cooperatively to accomplish goals/objectives.
Must be able to determine priorities, organize work schedules and direct people effectively.
Must be able to provide effective leadership, motivate and develop the skills of those supervised.
Must be able to handle pressure of meeting multiple deadlines.
Additional Expectations
Maintain confidentiality regarding Paulding Putnam proprietary information and other department information.
Competent with the architecture and maintenance of complex service provider enterprise networks and data centers.
Competent in business security, continuity and disaster recovery best practices.
Competent in risk management as related to position.
Competent with position-specific software and applications.
Competent with position specific equipment.
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Core Competencies
Work effectively as an employee of Paulding Putnam and maintain good job behavior.
Must be supportive of Cooperative business concepts and principals.
Must be of high integrity, dependable and professional.
Punctual and conscientious about work hours and perform overtime when requested. Communicate with supervisor when unable to work at the appointed time.
Accept responsibility for the duties of your position. Work diligently toward complete accurate work assignments.
Develop the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the position. Attend meetings and seminars as directed.
Continually develop and recommend more efficient and effective ways of carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Review and abide by established policies and procedures of the Cooperative.
Must have a high regard for the safety of themselves and others. Promote safety in every activity and attend scheduled safety meetings as directed. Become familiar with and abide by the Paulding Putnam safety rules and procedures.
Must have the desire to work as part of a team and contribute to the high morale in the organization. Promote teamwork through communication and cooperation. Treat co-workers in a professional manner and consider the opinions and personal needs of others.
Accept and adapt positively to changes in your position and within the Cooperative. Develop a commitment to accept ongoing change.
Be a positive influence within and outside the Cooperative.
Support the Cooperative’s mission by staying current with information to cultivate and positively project the Cooperative’s philosophy.
Job Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive technology strategy and roadmap supporting both electric utility and broadband operations
Align all technology initiatives with Cooperative business objectives, regulatory requirements, and long-term infrastructure planning
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on emerging technologies, cybersecurity risks, and capital investment priorities
Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, including smart grid, advanced metering, and fiber network expansion
Continuously evaluate industry trends, regulatory changes, and technology advancements to ensure the Cooperative remains forward-looking and competitive
Provide executive oversight of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative’s fiber broadband network, including both outside plant (OSP) and core network infrastructure
Ensure high levels of network reliability, scalability, and performance through effective monitoring, incident response, and capacity planning
Establish and enforce operational standards for network performance, uptime, maintenance, and restoration
Oversee network architecture and engineering strategies, including transport, routing, and access network design
Direct internal teams and external partners in the deployment, operation, and lifecycle management of broadband infrastructure
Ensure accurate system documentation, network visibility, and asset management across all broadband systems
Drive the adoption of automation, monitoring, and performance management tools to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability
Lead the strategy, implementation, and ongoing management of all enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, and applications
Oversee operational technologies supporting electric operations, including SCADA, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Management Systems, and substation automation
Ensure effective integration and alignment between IT and OT systems while maintaining system reliability and security
Establish standards for system performance, availability, and lifecycle management across all technology platforms
Ensure internal teams are equipped to support end users, operational systems, and member-facing technologies
Lead and continuously mature the Cooperative’s enterprise cybersecurity program, ensuring protection of critical infrastructure and data assets
Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and controls to address cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and industry standards, including NERC CIP, FCC, RUS, and other requirements
Oversee disaster recovery, business continuity, and system resilience planning across IT and broadband systems
Proactively identify and mitigate risks to technology systems, infrastructure, and operations
Lead planning and management of all technology-related operating and capital budgets
Develop and prioritize long-term capital investment strategies for IT systems and broadband infrastructure
Ensure cost-effective deployment of technology solutions while maintaining long-term sustainability and reliability
Evaluate vendors, partners, and technology solutions to ensure alignment with Cooperative objectives and financial performance expectations
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for network operations, system reliability, service quality, and internal support functions
Implement proactive monitoring and response strategies to minimize service disruptions and improve system performance
Ensure consistent execution of processes related to system maintenance, upgrades, and issue resolution
Promote continuous improvement across all technological functions through standardization, accountability, and performance tracking
Provide leadership and direction to teams responsible for Broadband OSP, Network Operations, and Enterprise IT
Establish clear organizational structure, roles, and accountability across all technological functions
Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management efforts within the technology organization
Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Effectively manage cross-functional relationships and resolve operational and organizational challenges
Maintain strong working relationships with Cooperative leadership, departments, members, and external partners
Ensure technology systems and broadband services deliver high-quality experience for members
Coordinate effectively with internal teams to align construction, operations, and service delivery efforts
Communicate technological initiatives, risks, and performance to executive leadership in a clear and actionable manner
Ensure the physical and logical security of all technology infrastructure, including data centers, network facilities, and remote sites
Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting in compliance with Cooperative, regulatory, and legal requirements
Oversee governance of technology systems, ensuring integrity, accountability, and long-term sustainability
Ensure compliance with Cooperative policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations
Support and promote a strong safety culture across all technological operations
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing consistent with DOT regulation and Paulding-Putnam Electric policies.
Perform other duties as required to support the Cooperative’s mission and strategic objectives
Reporting Relationships Reports to: COO
Supervises and Directs work of: Senior IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Broadband OSP Manager
External relationships: (none specified)
Specifications Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent certificate
Bachelor’s degree in computer and network systems or computer information systems. (Preferred)
5-10 years of related work experience.
Skills and Abilities
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Must be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Effectively convey and share information and ideas with others. Listen carefully and understand various viewpoints. Present ideas clearly and concisely and understand relevant details in presented information.
Must be able to operate computers and various software programs proficiently.
Works together with others and helps others to work cooperatively to accomplish goals/objectives.
Must be able to determine priorities, organize work schedules and direct people effectively.
Must be able to provide effective leadership, motivate and develop the skills of those supervised.
Must be able to handle pressure of meeting multiple deadlines.
Additional Expectations
Maintain confidentiality regarding Paulding Putnam proprietary information and other department information.
Competent with the architecture and maintenance of complex service provider enterprise networks and data centers.
Competent in business security, continuity and disaster recovery best practices.
Competent in risk management as related to position.
Competent with position-specific software and applications.
Competent with position specific equipment.
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