Director and Deputy CTO Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications

About This Role

The Director and Deputy CTO for Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's networking, telecommunications, and unified communications infrastructure and capabilities. This role ensures the delivery of reliable, secure, and high-performing wired, wireless and research networks, voice, video, messaging, presence, and collaboration tools that support digital transformation across academic, research, and administration. As a senior IT leader, the Director partners with technology and campus leadership to align network and communications strategies with institutional priorities.

The position plays a critical role in advancing digital transformation, improving service resiliency, business continuity, research enablement, optimizing operational efficiency, and enabling a modern, connected campus environment.

Kansas State University's Division of Information Technology is committed to providing excellent IT services to the K-State community in support of the teaching, learning, research, and service missions. They offer a wide range of information technology and communications services. They provide leadership for developing and delivering computing and digital resources to K-State students, faculty and staff. The Division coordinates and manages central IT business services including Enterprise Systems, Portfolio & Project Governance, Infrastructure & Operations, Academic Applications, Information Security, and Academic IT and Research Support.

On-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and ten years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced education in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred; however, significant and equivalent experience in network and telecommunications management, design, and operations, or a closely related field, will be considered in lieu of education beyond the bachelor's degree.
• 10 or more years in IT and business/industry
• Extensive experience in network and telecommunications management, including design, implementation, and support of large-scale networks.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging network technologies, standards, and best practices.
• Experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders within and outside the university.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop high performing personnel and teams and foster a unified IT culture.
• Strong Leadership:
  Demonstrated ability to lead with vision in the network and telecommunications domain, executing key strategies in areas of responsibility. Capable of inspiring and guiding the team towards achieving the department's goals.
• Cybersecurity Expertise:
  Extensive knowledge of current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks, with the ability to apply these in protecting network infrastructure and ensuring data privacy and integrity.
• Infrastructure Mastery:
  Expert knowledge in the planning, operation, design, deployment, and lifecycle management of network and telecommunications infrastructure. This includes experience in modernizing and transforming infrastructure to support academic and administrative functions efficiently.
• Financial Acumen:
  Strong skills in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation to ensure the network and telecommunications division operates within financial constraints while achieving its strategic objectives.
• Technology Strategist:
  Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and implementing current and emerging network technologies. Ability to align technology solutions with the university's strategic needs, enhancing business processes and academic operations.
• Operational Efficiency:
  Capability to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery effectiveness across the network and telecommunications spectrum.
• Project Management Excellence:
  Exceptional project management skills, with a track record of effectively deploying resources and managing multiple, diverse projects in a cross-functional environment. Ability to lead complex network infrastructure projects from conception through to completion.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent oral and written communication abilities, with a knack for explaining complex network and telecommunications solutions in business terms. Proven success in building rapport, persuading stakeholders, and facilitating effective communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: A history of successful collaboration, facilitation, and relationship building. Strong interpersonal…