Assistant Director Network Engineering
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.
Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
Position Objective The Network Engineering and Unified Communications department is responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of enterprise network infrastructure. Areas include wired networking, wireless networking, DDI, Unified Communications, and network security. The university network covers approximately 150 buildings, with a 100 Gigabit‑per‑second backbone and multigigabit access layer. The network consists of more than 500 switches supporting over 20,000 computers, 5,000 IP telephones, and over 5,200 wireless access points. The university also has over 110 Gbps of capacity to external networks. The network is vital to the university’s business functions.
This position oversees the Network Engineering team, which focuses on design and implementation of network infrastructure and related services. The position will function as project manager for initiatives that span the division as well as other areas of the university including project management, budgeting, and reporting. Focus on services of extremely high risk, complexity, availability, and visibility is required. This position will work closely with the Assistant Director of Network Operations to ensure engineering solutions and operational needs are properly aligned and share resources when needed.
Essential Functions
Provide day‑to‑day supervision for team(s) including remote and on‑campus personnel. Manage the training and development of staff and self. Ensure staff activities and performance are aligned with department and divisional goals. Conduct performance appraisals for staff. Collaborate with UTech leadership and Human Resources regarding personnel issues and conflict resolution. Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of full‑time engineering staff, contractors, and students. Provide guidance to staff and prioritize work based on changing demands. (30%)
Participate in and execute project plans leveraging the network engineering team and others throughout the department, division and University. Contribute in network and system design activities considering service improvements and operational efficiency. Collaborate with faculty and staff across the University to ensure network and telephony service are meeting the needs of their administrative, teaching, and research activities. Propose new and emerging technologies that may enhance services and operations. Participate in IT change control meetings and procedures. (25%)
Collaborate with operationally focused teams to ensure incident and problem resolution and assist in fulfilling service requests as needed. Field after‑hours emergencies and respond as appropriate. Pursuing continuous process improvements to lower incident rate. (25%)
Collaborate with peers and leadership in developing and monitoring annual capital and operational budgets. Develop multi‑year communications infrastructure refresh plans. Manage vendor and service provider relationships and review contracts. Develop spending proposals and procure equipment and services. (20%)
Nonessential Functions Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. ( CONTACTS Department: Daily and weekly contact with team(s), developers, engineers, and managers. Regular contact with supervisor and cross‑functional project teams. External: Daily/weekly contact with vendors and affiliates (e.g., OARnet, Internet2, AT&T, other universities).
Supervisory Responsibilities Supervise network engineering employees. May include supervision and team leadership of core technical services projects. May direct the work of student employees.
Qualifications Experience: 7 years of experience. Previous management or supervisory experience is preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Professional level certifications such as PMP, CCNP, or CISSP may also be desirable.
Required Skills
Knowledge of network automation concepts including Intent Based Networking, network orchestration, network source of truth, software development, version control, and CI/CD are desirable.
In‑depth knowledge of network and communications technologies and protocols and the ability to apply that knowledge to design creative solutions.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
A service‑oriented collaborative approach to customer and peer relationships.
High level of integrity is required, as the individual will be required to work with and manage sensitive information.
Familiarity with network security as it relates to the network and network services infrastructure.
Proficiency with application programs such as spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), word processors (Microsoft Word), graphics, databases, diagnostic utilities, terminal emulators and communication/network software.
Ability to develop project team – improve team performance by building cohesiveness, leading, mentoring, training, and motivating in order to facilitate cooperation, ensure project efficiency, and boost morale.
Ability to execute project plan – execute the tasks as defined in the project plan to achieve the project goals.
Knowledge of risk monitoring and control – implement approved actions and workarounds to mitigate project risk events.
Ability to create technical documentation and review design documents to ensure requirements are met.
Demonstrated mentorship, leadership, managerial, and facilitation skills.
Good listening skills – listen intently, ask questions, avoid interrupting.
Superior collaboration skills – define alternate solutions, resolve conflicts, create partnerships.
Superior interpersonal and negotiating skills.
Ability to manage difficult or stressful interpersonal situations to maintain good working relationships.
Ability to develop networks to strengthen internal and external support and build strategic relationships.
Ability to optimize time and resources to achieve desired results; plan and organize work; prioritize; attention to detail.
Consistent adherence to honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect.
Ability to work with and draw from various university teams and resources, collaborate and scope projects, manage group efforts, provide feedback.
Understanding of client needs and choosing appropriate communication methods.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Attendance reliability.
History of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with university values, mission, and messaging; adherence to staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Working Conditions General office environment. Periods of stressful times especially during project deadlines. Travel between various campus locations may be required. Position requires typing on a computer keyboard and using a computer mouse and printer. The employee may be required to attend meetings/functions outside normal working hours and carry a cell phone during and after normal hours, including weekends, to attend after‑hours emergencies. This position may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements after 90 days with department approval. May be eligible for up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
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Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.
Position Objective The Network Engineering and Unified Communications department is responsible for the design, implementation, and operation of enterprise network infrastructure. Areas include wired networking, wireless networking, DDI, Unified Communications, and network security. The university network covers approximately 150 buildings, with a 100 Gigabit‑per‑second backbone and multigigabit access layer. The network consists of more than 500 switches supporting over 20,000 computers, 5,000 IP telephones, and over 5,200 wireless access points. The university also has over 110 Gbps of capacity to external networks. The network is vital to the university’s business functions.
This position oversees the Network Engineering team, which focuses on design and implementation of network infrastructure and related services. The position will function as project manager for initiatives that span the division as well as other areas of the university including project management, budgeting, and reporting. Focus on services of extremely high risk, complexity, availability, and visibility is required. This position will work closely with the Assistant Director of Network Operations to ensure engineering solutions and operational needs are properly aligned and share resources when needed.
Essential Functions
Provide day‑to‑day supervision for team(s) including remote and on‑campus personnel. Manage the training and development of staff and self. Ensure staff activities and performance are aligned with department and divisional goals. Conduct performance appraisals for staff. Collaborate with UTech leadership and Human Resources regarding personnel issues and conflict resolution. Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of full‑time engineering staff, contractors, and students. Provide guidance to staff and prioritize work based on changing demands. (30%)
Participate in and execute project plans leveraging the network engineering team and others throughout the department, division and University. Contribute in network and system design activities considering service improvements and operational efficiency. Collaborate with faculty and staff across the University to ensure network and telephony service are meeting the needs of their administrative, teaching, and research activities. Propose new and emerging technologies that may enhance services and operations. Participate in IT change control meetings and procedures. (25%)
Collaborate with operationally focused teams to ensure incident and problem resolution and assist in fulfilling service requests as needed. Field after‑hours emergencies and respond as appropriate. Pursuing continuous process improvements to lower incident rate. (25%)
Collaborate with peers and leadership in developing and monitoring annual capital and operational budgets. Develop multi‑year communications infrastructure refresh plans. Manage vendor and service provider relationships and review contracts. Develop spending proposals and procure equipment and services. (20%)
Nonessential Functions Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. ( CONTACTS Department: Daily and weekly contact with team(s), developers, engineers, and managers. Regular contact with supervisor and cross‑functional project teams. External: Daily/weekly contact with vendors and affiliates (e.g., OARnet, Internet2, AT&T, other universities).
Supervisory Responsibilities Supervise network engineering employees. May include supervision and team leadership of core technical services projects. May direct the work of student employees.
Qualifications Experience: 7 years of experience. Previous management or supervisory experience is preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Professional level certifications such as PMP, CCNP, or CISSP may also be desirable.
Required Skills
Knowledge of network automation concepts including Intent Based Networking, network orchestration, network source of truth, software development, version control, and CI/CD are desirable.
In‑depth knowledge of network and communications technologies and protocols and the ability to apply that knowledge to design creative solutions.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
A service‑oriented collaborative approach to customer and peer relationships.
High level of integrity is required, as the individual will be required to work with and manage sensitive information.
Familiarity with network security as it relates to the network and network services infrastructure.
Proficiency with application programs such as spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), word processors (Microsoft Word), graphics, databases, diagnostic utilities, terminal emulators and communication/network software.
Ability to develop project team – improve team performance by building cohesiveness, leading, mentoring, training, and motivating in order to facilitate cooperation, ensure project efficiency, and boost morale.
Ability to execute project plan – execute the tasks as defined in the project plan to achieve the project goals.
Knowledge of risk monitoring and control – implement approved actions and workarounds to mitigate project risk events.
Ability to create technical documentation and review design documents to ensure requirements are met.
Demonstrated mentorship, leadership, managerial, and facilitation skills.
Good listening skills – listen intently, ask questions, avoid interrupting.
Superior collaboration skills – define alternate solutions, resolve conflicts, create partnerships.
Superior interpersonal and negotiating skills.
Ability to manage difficult or stressful interpersonal situations to maintain good working relationships.
Ability to develop networks to strengthen internal and external support and build strategic relationships.
Ability to optimize time and resources to achieve desired results; plan and organize work; prioritize; attention to detail.
Consistent adherence to honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect.
Ability to work with and draw from various university teams and resources, collaborate and scope projects, manage group efforts, provide feedback.
Understanding of client needs and choosing appropriate communication methods.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Attendance reliability.
History of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with university values, mission, and messaging; adherence to staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Working Conditions General office environment. Periods of stressful times especially during project deadlines. Travel between various campus locations may be required. Position requires typing on a computer keyboard and using a computer mouse and printer. The employee may be required to attend meetings/functions outside normal working hours and carry a cell phone during and after normal hours, including weekends, to attend after‑hours emergencies. This position may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements after 90 days with department approval. May be eligible for up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.
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