Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Network and Security Operation

Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Network and Security Operation The Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is looking to hire a Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) of Network and Security Services to directly support the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in overseeing the organization’s network, communications infrastructure, cyber‑security operations, and disaster recovery/resiliency functions. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to manage and enhance the Commonwealth‑wide network and secure systems. Position Responsibilities Provide leadership and expertise in managing network, communications and security information systems across the enterprise. Lead and manage a diverse team of IT professionals responsible for network and security operations. Supervise, hire, coach, and evaluate the performance of staff. Develop and implement strategic plans for the organization’s network and security infrastructure aligned with strategic goals. Design, implement, and maintain robust network architecture that meets current and future needs, including appropriate technologies, hardware, and software. Ensure the proper functioning, scalability, and maintenance of network, voice and security infrastructure, software, hardware, and related components. Develop and implement a comprehensive security operations strategy to safeguard data, systems, and networks. Establish protocols, processes, and procedures for responding to and managing security incidents, coordinating with stakeholders, investigating, and implementing corrective actions. Ensure compliance with enterprise policies and standards related to information security and adjust policies as regulations change. Develop and manage budgets for network and security initiatives, optimizing costs while meeting organizational goals. Collaborate with vendors and external partners to procure hardware, software, and services, evaluating vendors against security and network requirements. Implement tools and processes for monitoring network and security posture, continuously analyzing performance data for improvement. Work closely with internal and customer teams to align network and security measures with enterprise objectives, communicating effectively with executives and stakeholders. Stay abreast of developments in network and security technologies and recommend new technologies that enhance capabilities. Lead strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation, and coordination of IT systems. Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures. Optimize cost, performance, and security. Deploy and manage monitoring tools to track performance and availability of services. Perform capacity planning to anticipate and accommodate future growth in IT infrastructure needs. Collaborate with other IT teams, such as hosting operations and end‑user support, to ensure seamless support of hosted services. Manage relationships with service providers, hardware vendors, and third‑party suppliers. Participate in contract negotiations and ensure that service level agreements (SLAs) are met. Key Initiatives OneNetwork Modernization and Consolidation – advancing the Commonwealth’s statewide network transformation strategy through standardization, modernization, resiliency enhancements, and agency migrations. Zero Trust Architecture Implementation – driving the adoption of enterprise‑wide Zero Trust principles, including identity‑centric security, network segmentation, privileged access management, and continuous verification capabilities. Cybersecurity Operations Maturity – enhancing Security Operations Center capabilities through advanced threat detection, incident response, cyber defense, and threat intelligence programs. Enterprise Data Protection Program – strengthening protection of Commonwealth data through data loss prevention, encryption, backup security, and data governance initiatives. Resiliency, Disaster Recovery, and Business Continuity Modernization – improving enterprise recovery capabilities through planning, testing, cyber‑resiliency programs, and continuity‑of‑operations strategies. Network Security and Infrastructure Modernization – advancing secure network architecture, cloud connectivity, secure access solutions, and enterprise infrastructure modernization efforts. Preferred Qualifications Ten (10) years of senior leadership experience with the development and deployment of new technologies and solutions. Ten (10) years of supervisory experience managing medium‑to‑large cross‑functional technical teams in a fast‑paced environment. Proficient experience leading enterprise network and security systems teams in a hybrid cloud environment. Ten (10) years of experience developing, implementing, and maintaining large‑scale network, communications, and security systems across multiple platforms. Ability to think big and challenge conventional technology refresh assumptions. Expert project management and organizational leadership skills, including risk identification and management. Strong strategic and business leadership, with long‑range planning, budget development, resource allocation, vendor and contract oversight, and alignment of technology investments with organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain high‑performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and development. Demonstrated ability to manage change, drive consensus, and make sound decisions in a rapidly evolving operational and cybersecurity landscape. Strong relationship‑building skills with internal stakeholders, partners, and vendors. Experience interacting with all levels of management, with strong presentation and facilitation skills. Collaborative attitude and strong technical aptitude. Ability to adapt to changing situations and meet changing priorities. Success in vendor management. Consensus‑building skills. Professionalism and confidentiality at a high degree. Strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. Solid understanding of information security, including system hardening, log analysis, intrusion detection, and vulnerability scanning. Education and Certification Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related IT field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required for this senior leadership role. Minimum Entrance Requirements Applicants must have at least seven (7) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in IT administration or management, of which at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity. Equal Opportunity / Affinity Action Statement The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other covered basis. The Commonwealth strongly encourages qualified individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts