Basic Function and Responsibility:

Under general direction, lead the planning, implementation, and management of the college's core technology infrastructure. Responsible for ensuring the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of all foundational Information Technology (IT) systems that support the college's academic, administrative, and operational needs. The director will foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and exceptional service delivery within the IT infrastructure team.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Network Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the college's local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and robust Wi-Fi infrastructure. Ensure optimal network performance, security, and scalability to meet evolving demands.
• Server & Storage Infrastructure: Lead the administration and optimization of physical and virtual server environments, including SAN (Storage Area Network) storage solutions. Ensure high availability, disaster recovery capabilities, and efficient resource allocation.
• Virtual Infrastructure: Direct the strategy and management of the college's virtualized environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), maximizing resource utilization and system resilience.
• Data Center Operations: Manage all aspects of the on-premise data center, including power, cooling, physical security, and hardware lifecycle management.
• Cloud Integrations: Drive the integration of cloud-based services and platforms (e.g., SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) with on-premise infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations and data flow. Develop and implement cloud governance policies.
• IP Telephony & E911 Services: Oversee the college's Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony system and ensure the proper functioning and compliance of E911 services, providing reliable communication channels for the college community.
• Endpoint Systems Engineering: Lead the engineering and management of endpoint systems, including the development and deployment of workstation images, application packaging and distribution, and endpoint security solutions.
• Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Develop and execute long-term IT infrastructure strategies aligned with the college's strategic goals. Manage the infrastructure budget, including capital expenditures and operational costs.
• Manage the infrastructure hardware and software architectural roadmaps, including the software and hardware lifecycle replacement processes.  Lead the research into and selection of new infrastructure hardware, software and services.
• Project Management and Coordination: Lead and/or oversee all IT infrastructure implementation and upgrade projects using project management best practices. Coordinate the infrastructure team's support of other IT department and college projects and strategic initiatives with the other IT directors and college leadership.
• IT Governance: work closely with the Chief Information Officer and other IT directors to support the College's IT governance processes and committees.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of IT infrastructure professionals. Foster a collaborative environment focused on professional growth, knowledge sharing, and high performance.
• Security & Compliance: Collaborate with the information security team to implement and maintain robust security measures across all infrastructure components. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and college policies.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with key technology vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met. 
• Problem Resolution & Support: Oversee the efficient resolution of infrastructure-related incidents and problems, minimizing downtime and impact on college operations.
• Documentation: Ensure comprehensive and accurate documentation of all infrastructure systems, configurations, and processes.
• Other job-related duties as assigned and as technology advances and changes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure roles.
• Minimum of five years of progressive management experience in IT infrastructure roles.
• Proven experience with the design, implementation, and management of complex local, wide area, and Wi-Fi networks.
• Extensive experience with data center operations, server virtualization, SAN storage, and backup/recovery solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with cloud service integration and management.
• Strong understanding of IP telephony systems and E911 service requirements.
• Expertise in endpoint systems engineering, including imaging, application deployment, and patch management.
• Solid knowledge of information security best practices and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and personnel effectively.

Working Conditions

Light lifting up to 10 lbs. and light carrying up to 10 lbs. Ability to reach above shoulder. Periods of time spent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending and stooping. Mobility to move from building to building on-campus and to visit off-campus entities. Work is performed in a general office environment. Little or no exposure to adverse working conditions.

Supervision Received:

General direction is received from the Chief Information Officer.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision is exercised over the Manager of Systems Administration & Operations, Senior Networks & Telecommunications Manager, Voice Network Manager, and various other classified staff personnel.

Oakton College is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we seek a broad spectrum of candidates, including minorities, veterans, women and people with disabilities. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Oakton is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and reprisal or any other protected status. Further, Oakton does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational, employment, or extracurricular activity.

Out-of-State Employment Defined:

Oakton College's primary location of operation is in the state of Illinois. An "out-of-state employee" is defined as an employee of Oakton College whose primary work location is outside of the state of Illinois. State taxes, employment tax, and worker's compensation provisions vary from state to state and require payroll compliance with these various rules.

Allowable States for Out-of-State Employment:

All employees must maintain their primary residence in Illinois, Indiana, or a reciprocal state with Illinois. Reciprocal states include Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Illinois has tax agreements with these reciprocal states. Employees may have their primary residence in Indiana since Indiana is adjacent to Illinois.

Salary Range: $145,000-$160,000

A comprehensive benefit package is available which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending; term life insurance; tuition waivers and reimbursement; retirement; paid holidays; sick days.

Appointment to a Administrator position is contingent upon approval by the College's Board of Trustees

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About Oakton College

Educate. Empower. Transform At Oakton College, we know education changes lives - and that starts with the people who make it happen. For more than 50 years, we've built a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds and experiences thrive. We're looking for passionate educators, professionals and leaders to join our team. Whether in the classroom, student support, or behind the scenes, your talents and expertise will make a difference and shape the future. We provide dynamic learning environments that empower students and employees alike with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie and a Health Careers Education Center in Evanston. As a proud institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton is more than a college - it's a place where innovation, equity and lifelong learning drive everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and embrace new ideas and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and student-centered culture. Explore career opportunities at Oakton College.

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