Manager, Network Engineering

Manager, Network Engineering

The Manager, Network Engineering serves as Ohio University's senior network engineering leader, responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and performance of university-wide network and telephone services. Combines deep technical expertise with direct people management, leading a team of engineering and operations staff while maintaining accountability for the strategic direction and long-term health of enterprise network infrastructure. Evaluates emerging technologies, establishes implementation standards, ensures alignment with security and compliance requirements, and drives large-scale projects from requirements through execution.

Works across LAN, WAN, WLAN, data center, and enterprise telephony environments from a centralized position within OIT.

Designs and implements enterprise network and communication systems and solutions for the university. Configures network components, troubleshoots and resolves networking problems, and evaluates new networking technologies and products. Manages the integration, provisioning, and procurement of voice, data, and video networking technologies. Creates and develops network architecture design solutions for infrastructure systems.

Manages a work unit or a team and has full authority over personnel actions within the work unit. Contributes to the development of the area's operational plan, ensuring alignment with broader departmental or institutional goals. Accountable for the achievement of the unit's operational objectives, improving performance and addressing resource needs.

Manages a medium-sized team. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors. Has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage performance, discharge, assign duties, reward, and discipline employees.

Responsible for managing team or department budgets and resources.

Addresses departmental or cross-team issues, devises long-term solutions.

Acts independently, with consultation with senior management.

Facilitates communication among team and higher-level leadership, builds relationships across University.

This role involves both desk-based work and hands-on support of technology in office, classroom, or data center environments. Physical demands range from extended use of a computer to lifting and installing IT equipment (up to 50 pounds). Work may require movement across campus, working in confined spaces, and standing for long periods.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 5 or more years of related professional experience, and 3 or more years of supervisory experience, or equivalent education and experience.

• Experience delivering results in a large or federated environment (higher ed, public sector).

• Demonstrated impact on satisfaction, reliability, adoption, or other metrics.

• Ability to work and collaborate effectively with partners, customers, and stakeholders with diverse perspectives and needs.

• Strong skills in written and verbal communication, especially stakeholder communication and collaboration.

• Familiarity with IT risk, accessibility, and security practices.

• Comfort with IT methodologies and practices (agile, service management, etc.).

• Expert-level experience designing, implementing, and managing enterprise network infrastructure including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center environments.

• Experience with enterprise telephony systems and unified communications platforms.

• Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical teams, including hiring, development, and performance management.

• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and technology procurement processes.

• Experience developing and managing budgets for large-scale infrastructure programs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-phase network projects from planning through implementation.

• Experience establishing engineering standards, operational procedures, and documentation practices.

• Familiarity with network security principles and practices, including segmentation, access control, and threat mitigation.

• Relevant industry certification or equivalent demonstrated experience (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, or similar).