Director of Network Operations

The Director of Infrastructure & Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the District's enterprise technology infrastructure and operations. This position ensures the reliability, security, scalability, and resilience of technology services supporting district-wide educational and administrative objectives. The Director oversees enterprise network and wireless infrastructure, cloud and hybrid platforms, compute and storage environments, cybersecurity, physical security systems, unified communications, AI readiness, and disaster recovery. The position also provides leadership for capital technology projects, Federal E-Rate compliance, multi-year technology planning and budgeting, vendor and contract management, and the teams responsible for infrastructure, platforms, communications, and physical security. The Director ensures technology operations align with applicable security, privacy, regulatory, and District requirements, including FERPA and COPPA, while supporting the District's strategic goals and evolving technology needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in network administration Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise information technology, infrastructure, network operations, cybersecurity, cloud/platform services, or a related technology discipline, including experience in a leadership or management capacity.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of compute and storage platform technologies Knowledge of compute, cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, SaaS/PaaS), and hybrid infrastructure architectures. In-depth knowledge of enterprise network design (LAN & WAN), modern wireless infrastructure (Wi-Fi 6/6E/7), SD-WAN, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CISA), threat mitigation, disaster recovery (DR), business continuity planning (BCP), and data privacy regulations. Knowledge of data safety regulations Knowledge of enterprise technology architectures, infrastructure standards, systems integration, and technology environments within K-12 education or other public-sector organizations is strongly preferred. Knowledge of emergency communication integrations, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), VoIP, and physical security platform architectures. Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness for enterprise infrastructure integration. Ability to work with multiple operating systems and network protocols. Ability to analyze and resolve computer network problems Experience in project management, including the ability to identify, develop, and deploy resources across multiple initiatives Knowledge of capital project execution, technology bond planning, lifecycle budget forecasting, and vendor contract negotiations Demonstrated leadership in project management, staff development, customer service excellence, and strategic multi-year planning. Expertise in administering municipal and educational funding programs, including Federal E-Rate program compliance, regulations, and provider management. Strong organizations, communication, and interpersonal skills

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

I. INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT:

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all projects, services, and activities within Infrastructure & Operations, including Network Services, Platform Services, Cybersecurity, Unified Communications, physical security technology, systems integration, software customization, systems testing, and related enterprise technology operations. Prioritizes requests of technology resources and support appropriately. Budget for all personnel, hardware, software, and network supplies required for the effective operation of networking systems Direct the District's Federal E-Rate program, ensuring total regulatory compliance, filing accuracy, maximum funding optimization, and effective administration with designated service providers. Manage and govern the District's multi-cloud, hybrid, and platform environments, ensuring high availability, scalable storage, and disaster recovery readiness Plan and coordinate networking/platform projects and activities and insure continuity of development, implementation and maintenance of all appropriate systems as required by the District Technology Plan, and as otherwise directed Direct the activities of all local and wide area network installations, operations and maintenance for the District. Act as the District focal point with external suppliers of network goods and services, including telecommunications, fiber providers, and managed service vendors. Continually stay abreast of emerging technologies and direct the planning, development, installations and operation of improved district-wide networking and platform systems Organizes and coordinates appropriate staff development activities to ensure proper and leveraged use of equipment and programs. Assures training is both operational and conceptual in scope. Work cooperatively with district administrators to provide effective network medium to support the goals and operation of the district. Promotes participation of and collaboration with end-user and staff representatives in needs assessment, program development, service delivery efforts, and project review. Identify and supports instructional applications for technology. Ensures data safety in compliance Oversee Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), VoIP infrastructure, emergency alert systems, and integrated data communications networks Direct the District's Cybersecurity and Physical Security technology platforms, enforcing Zero Trust practices, threat monitoring, and regulatory data compliance. Establish network support throughout the district to help maximize the usable up-time for computer medium. Establish and maintain comprehensive enterprise monitoring and automated alerting systems for network and system outages; ensure prompt communication to appropriate district leadership and staff regarding outage status, impact, and estimated recovery timelines. Provides oversight and direction for integrated data communications networks. Implements and evaluates systems and procedures to protect data integrity, reliability, accessibility and AI integrations

II. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE:

Foster a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented culture within Infrastructure & Operations. Promote effective communication and strong working relationships with campus and department leadership to ensure technology services meet District needs.

III. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT:

Ensure that the goals of the Infrastructure & Operations department support the goals of the district Ensure that the technology goals of the district are supported by the campuses Evaluates technological changes, emerging technologies and best practices in computer and communication fields to recommend innovative and cost effective integration of new technologies. Maintain high expectations for the Infrastructure & Operations department and communicate this perspective to others

IV. PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT:

Define job performance expectations, evaluate job performance and maintain open and continual communication with staff.

V. ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:

Provide effective leadership and management for Infrastructure & Operations support Direct financial planning, operational budgets, and resource allocation for hardware, software, and staffing needs. Lead the planning, execution, and financial accounting of technology capital Bond programs to ensure on-time delivery and strategic alignment. Oversee vendor partnerships, manage service contract lifecycles, and lead competitive bidding (RFP) processes. Evaluate and recommend hardware and software acquisitions that support district automation and networking goals. Ensure absolute compliance across all IT operations with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, purchasing guidelines, and local Board policies. Maintain thorough, up-to-date documentation for enterprise network architecture, system configurations, asset inventories, and multi-year capital replacement schedules. Provide overall direction and management for infrastructure operations, ensuring high availability, network performance, and scalable technology frameworks district-wide. Develop, implement, and govern district-wide information security standards. Protect networks, internet gateways, email systems, and user accounts against threats and unauthorized access. Lead technical support services to ensure timely troubleshooting, diagnostic assistance, and resolution for end-user equipment and software issues. Coordinate technology initiatives and infrastructure roadmaps with key district leadership to ensure technology directly advances educational and administrative outcomes. Lead the evaluation, architecture, and governance of emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies and AI agents across the district. Establish responsible AI usage frameworks, integrate automated workflows to optimize administrative and instructional operations, and evaluate AI-driven infrastructure requirements. Develop and implement a district-wide security system for all systems; ensure network security by maintaining network, Internet, and E-Mail accounts Provide assistance to end users to identify and correct equipment and software related problems #J-18808-Ljbffr Arlington ISD