Overview:This role involves managing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of network systems to ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability. Works closely with the CIO to develop and execute strategic initiatives that align with the organization's goals and ensures that all networking operations support these objectives. Will have extensive experience in networking technologies, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of emerging trends in network architecture.
Work Activities:- Partner with the CIO and other IT leaders to develop and execute networking strategies aligned with the organization's IT roadmap and business objectives.
- Lead the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of LAN, WAN, VPN, cloud networking, and related infrastructure.
- Evaluate emerging networking technologies, tools, and solutions to improve performance, scalability, security, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Plan and execute network upgrades, expansions, replacements, and modernization initiatives based on organizational growth and evolving business needs.
- Monitor network availability, bandwidth, traffic, and performance; troubleshoot issues, resolve bottlenecks, and optimize configurations for redundancy, load balancing, and uptime.
- Develop and maintain network documentation, including architecture diagrams, configurations, standards, procedures, and support documentation.
- Establish, manage, and enforce network security controls, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, access controls, and other security technologies.
- Conduct security and risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and coordinate remediation and incident response activities.
- Develop, maintain, and regularly test network disaster recovery, backup, replication, failover, and business continuity capabilities.
- Ensure networking systems and practices comply with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, security standards, and applicable city requirements.
- Evaluate networking vendors, products, and services based on technical capabilities, reliability, support, pricing, risk, and service-level agreements.
- Manage vendor relationships and contracts, including negotiations, performance monitoring, SLA compliance, issue resolution, and vendor-related risks.
- Collaborate with business and IT stakeholders to understand networking requirements and ensure vendor and technology solutions meet organizational needs.
- Assist with the development and management of networking budgets, including hardware, software, maintenance, services, upgrades, and vendor expenditures.
- Monitor networking costs, forecasts, and budget performance; identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend resource allocation based on operational and strategic priorities.
- Prepare business cases, budget justifications, performance reports, financial analyses, and recommendations for leadership regarding networking initiatives and investments.
- Analyze network and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement, increased efficiency, and improved service delivery.
- Communicate networking strategies, plans, policies, changes, risks, and performance information to leadership and other stakeholders.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for networking technologies and provide technical guidance and support across the organization.
- Promote continuous improvement and innovation by applying new technologies, industry best practices, and process enhancements to network operations.
Required Skill Sets:- Network Systems Certification- JNCIP or measurable work experience totaling at least 5 years.
- Completion of a Bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with a major course work in Public Administration, Communications, Information Technology or a closely related field
- 10 to 15 years of infrastructure and data center experience, with at least 3 years of leadership experience in managing multiple, large, cross-functional teams or projects, and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders
- 5 years of managerial or supervisor experience in planning, developing, managing or implementing a comparatively sized or larger data center.
Additional Information:Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Health Coverage: Inclusive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and eligible dependents.
- Wellness Incentives: Access to a wellness program that offers eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Retirement & Financial Wellness
- Retirement Plans: Access to multiple retirement savings options to secure your financial future.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): As a qualifying employer, City employees may be eligible for the federal PSLF program. Many employees have already had their student loans forgiven through this initiative.
Transportation & Education Perks
- Free SEPTA Transportation: As of September 1, 2023, eligible employees receive a free SEPTA Key card for unlimited access to buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rail.
- Tuition Discounts & Scholarships: Enjoy tuition savings of 10% to 40% at over a dozen partner colleges and universities. Some programs extend benefits to employees' spouses and dependents.
Residency Requirement:
- The successful candidate must become a resident of the City of Philadelphia within six months of hire.
Skills:Network Infrastructure Leadership,LAN,WAN,VPN,Cloud Networking,Data Center Management,Budget Management,Disaster Recovery,Network Architecture,JNCIP
