Deputy Chief Technology Officer, CUNY Network Services

POSITION DETAILS

The Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS) at the City University of New York (CUNY) supports the IT and telecommunications needs of CUNY's 26 colleges. CIS supports enterprise IT and applications, develops new technologies that advance the University's core mission, builds, upgrades and maintains the University's network, operates the University's Data Center and Service Desk, and manages the processes of safeguarding the University?s IT assets. Additionally, CUNY operates the SO, develops disaster recovery plans for business continuity, maintains the security of the University?s IT assets, and maintains the CUNYfirst Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that integrates student administration, financial management, and human resources operations across CUNY?s 26 colleges. Lastly, CIS provides strategic and operational IT leadership with respect to the maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of the CUNY network spanning across all CUNY campuses.

CUNY-CIS is the backbone of the University?s IT infrastructure, managing network operations, cybersecurity, data centers, and enterprise applications across its 26 colleges. As the nation?s largest urban public university, CUNY relies on a secure, scalable, and modern network to support academic, administrative, and research functions. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer will be responsible for mitigating rising cyber threats, performance bottlenecks, and compliance risks. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the incumbent will: drive network modernization, cloud integration, and cybersecurity resilience, ensuring high availability, operational efficiency, and cost-effective digital transformation. Additionally, the Deputy CTO will oversee enterprise-wide network architecture, IT governance, and vendor partnerships, thus leading CUNY?s transition to next-generation technologies, including AI-driven automation, network virtualization, and Zero Trust security.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead the modernization of CUNY?s enterprise-wide network infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and seamless integration across 26 colleges and central offices.
• Oversee the consolidation and optimization of data center operations, implementing hybrid cloud solutions to enhance server efficiency, cost reduction, and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Drive the implementation of next-generation networking technologies, including SD-WAN, AI-driven automation, and network virtualization to optimize performance, security, and scalability.
• Implement and enforce Zero Trust security frameworks, next-gen firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), AI-driven threat detection, and automated incident response to protect institutional data.
• Standardize and enforce network governance policies and IT security compliance, ensuring alignment with NIST, SOC 2, CIS, NYS cybersecurity policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Direct the modernization of campus-wide network connectivity, integrating high-speed solutions, intelligent traffic management, and cloud-based networking to support academics,research, and administration.
• Optimize hybrid and multi-cloud networking strategies, ensuring secure seamless connectivity between AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and on-premises infrastructure.
• Supervise and collaborate with campus CIOs, IT directors, and system administrators to streamline network operations, improve IT service delivery, and drive digital transformation.
• Negotiate and manage enterprise agreements and vendor contracts, ensuring cost-effective procurement of hardware, software, and managed IT services.
• Enhance network monitoring, incident response, and cybersecurity resilience through automated analytics, real-time threat detection, security audits, and proactive risk mitigation.
• Develop and execute a network transformation strategy, aligning IT infrastructure investments with CUNY?s academic, research, and administrative priorities.
• Advocate for and secure sustainable IT infrastructure funding, optimizing cost efficiency through centralized IT service management and scalable cloud-based network solutions.
• Mitigate risks of network outages, cybersecurity threats, and operational inefficiencies, ensuring CUNY remains technologically competitive, resilient, and future-ready.

NOTE :

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in IT infrastructure and enterprise network management, with 6+ years in senior or executive roles, overseeing large-scale network modernization, multi-campus IT transformations, and cross-functional team leadership.
• Proven expertise in designing, deploying, and optimizing hybrid network infrastructures, integrating on-premises, multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and edge computing solutions to ensure high availability, scalability, and cybersecurity resilience.
• Deep proficiency in IT governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with experience enforcing NIST, SOC 2, CIS, NYS cybersecurity policies, and other higher educationIT security frameworks.
• Extensive experience in modernizing network architectures, implementing SD-WAN, AIdriven network automation, and Zero Trust security models to enhance connectivity, performance, and threat mitigation.
• Mastery of disaster recovery planning, high-availability system design, and capacity planning, ensuring business continuity and operational resilience across a complex university ITecosystem.
• Strong background in enterprise data center operations, overseeing server consolidation, virtualization, network security, and cloud migration strategies to optimize cost efficiency and service reliability.
• Strategic leadership in emerging technologies, including AI/ML-driven automation, network analytics, and digital transformation initiatives to improve IT service delivery, student experiences, and institutional agility.
• Proven ability to define and execute enterprise-wide IT strategies, aligning technology investments with institutional goals through collaboration with C-suite executives, IT leadership, finance, and resource management teams.
• Advanced knowledge of IT procurement, vendor negotiations, and contract management, securing cost-effective solutions for network infrastructure, cybersecurity tools, and cloud services.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, translating complex technical strategies into business value for campus leadership, governance committees, and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing high-impact IT initiatives across decentralized environments, ensuring standardized policies, efficient network operations, and seamless connectivity between all CUNY campuses.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to lead large-scale IT transformations, oversee multi-million-dollar budgets, and drive continuous innovation in afast-evolving higher education technology landscape.
• Relevant industry certifications preferred, such as CISSP, CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, ITIL, or PMP, demonstrating expertise in network security, cloud computing, andenterprise IT governance.

CUNY TITLE

University Associate Administrator

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary range is $190,000 - $200,000 , commensurate with commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS\HRAM\FL.HRS\CG\SEARCH\FL.GBL?Page=HRS\APP\JBPST\FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=30693&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Executive

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

Location

Central Office

About CUNY City University of New York - System

The City University of New York provides high-quality, accessible education for more than 269,000 degree-credit students and 270,000 adult, continuing and professional education students at 25 campuses across New York City. The University is an integrated system of senior and community colleges, graduate and professional schools, research centers, institutes and consortia. From certificate courses to Ph.D. programs, CUNY offers postsecondary learning to students of all backgrounds. It provides the city with graduates trained for high-demand positions in the sciences, technology, mathematics, teaching, nursing and other fields. As CUNY has grown, the University also has strengthened its mission as a premier research institution, building an array of modern facilities and expanding the ranks of its world-class faculty. Throughout its history, the University has been an integral part of the city and state through partnerships with public schools, economic development initiatives, immigration aid and financial advice services and other community outreach programs. Today, CUNY faculty and staff continue to benefit New York City — as well as the entire nation — by serving as policy exper...ts to business and government, advisers to nonprofit institutions, civic organizations and community groups. Students, too, are strongly encouraged to experience the cultural, educational and community-based opportunities of the five boroughs, through a network of internships and fellowships, to embracing the city as their campus.

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