Manager of IT Infrastructure na None

Position Overview
The Manager of IT Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of the university’s core technology infrastructure. This includes servers, networks, Wi-Fi, storage, firewalls, telecom/VoIP systems, and physical security systems such as cameras and door access controls. The manager leads a team of system administrators and network engineers, provides hands-on technical expertise when needed, and ensures that the university’s infrastructure is secure, reliable, and modernized.

This role owns the university’s cloud strategy, manages infrastructure lifecycles, and partners closely with the IT Security Manager on disaster recovery, backups, and compliance. The Manager of IT Infrastructure also manages relationships with infrastructure vendors in coordination with the CIO. While primarily a leadership role, the manager remains hands-on as needed for complex troubleshooting and critical system changes. This position also presents future opportunities for growth into a director-level role as the university modernizes its IT operations.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise system administrators, network engineers, and other infrastructure staff.
• Assign workload, establish performance goals, and conduct regular evaluations.
• Build a collaborative, technically skilled, and customer-focused infrastructure team.

Infrastructure Operations & Support

• Oversee daily operations of servers, networks, Wi-Fi, telecom/VoIP, firewalls, and storage systems.
• Ensure uptime, performance, and reliability of mission-critical systems.
• Provide occasional hands-on support for high-priority troubleshooting and system optimization.
• Act as the escalation point for major outages or infrastructure-related incidents.

Systems Administration & Lifecycle Management

• Manage lifecycle planning, patching, and upgrades for servers, network devices, and core systems.
• Oversee virtualization platforms, hybrid/cloud infrastructure, and storage systems.
• Standardize system builds, documentation, and operational procedures.

Cloud Strategy & Integration

• Own the university’s cloud strategy (Azure, AWS, Google, or hybrid).
• Ensure cloud adoption enhances scalability, agility, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee integrations between cloud and on-prem systems with proper controls.

Wi-Fi & Network Strategy

• Own the planning, coverage, and lifecycle of campus Wi-Fi to ensure high availability and strong user experience.
• Develop network capacity plans to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinate upgrades and expansions in line with campus growth.

Physical Security Systems

• Manage IT-enabled physical security systems, including cameras, door access, and card readers.
• Coordinate with campus security staff to ensure availability and proper use of access controls.
• Ensure integrations align with compliance and security requirements.

Collaboration with Security & Support

• Partner with the IT Security Manager to secure infrastructure, patch vulnerabilities, and jointly manage storage, backup, and DR planning.
• Collaborate with the IT Support Services Manager to align infrastructure performance with end-user support.
• Support cross-functional projects requiring infrastructure integration.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Co-own the university’s DR/BCP program with the IT Security Manager.
• Ensure critical infrastructure systems have tested recovery strategies.
• Lead redundancy, failover, and backup implementations to minimize downtime.

Vendor Relationships

• Manage day-to-day relationships with infrastructure, carrier, and telecom vendors.
• Coordinate contract discussions, escalations, and service reviews with the CIO.
• Provide input into vendor negotiations, licensing, and renewals.

Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track uptime, network performance, Wi-Fi coverage, and incident resolution KPIs.
• Provide regular infrastructure health and capacity reports to the CIO.
• Continuously evaluate new technologies and recommend modernization opportunities.

Budget & Resource Input

• Monitor infrastructure-related expenditures, licensing, and service contracts.
• Provide budget recommendations for refreshing cycles and infrastructure modernization.
• Support cost-effective decision-making without compromising performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in infrastructure, networking, or systems administration, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of networking (LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, firewalls, routing, switching), server administration (Windows/Linux), virtualization, and storage.
• Hands-on experience with telecom/VoIP systems and IT-enabled physical security systems (cameras, door access).
• Familiarity with hybrid/cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google).
• Knowledge of disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Excellent leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Higher education or similar environment experience preferred.