DescriptionResponsible for the day-to-day management, operation, and strategic oversight of Baton Rouge General's network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN systems, wireless networking, voice, and data communications. Makes decisions that affect the division's financial and performance objectives, develops and monitors the department budget, and ensures network reliability, security, and compliance across all BRG campuses. Direct reports may include network engineers, supervisors, and technical staff, with full responsibility for performance reviews, hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations. All duties are performed in alignment with BRG's mission to preserve and restore health, one person at a time.
Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to:
1. Departmental Leadership & Administration
- Ensures that the objectives of the Networking department are administered and that established priorities are carried out on a daily basis.
- Ensures organizational alignment with Collaboration technology and modern experience on an easy to use and maintainable platform.
- Ensures that departmental goals are consistent with BRG's philosophy, strategic direction, and IS standards.
- Monitors department operations and recommends process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Utilizes available staff to maximize the effectiveness of work performed; coordinates staffing needs with regard to operational and project demands.
- Reviews the compilation and analysis of department data as necessary and presents findings to IS leadership.
- Uses alternative methods of service delivery to reduce operating costs where appropriate.
2. Network & Collaboration Infrastructure Management
- Oversees planning, design, configuration, and maintenance of LAN/WAN network infrastructure and collaboration platforms across all BRG campuses.
- Manages collaboration platform and network connectivity, performance, and reliability, ensuring high availability for clinical and administrative systems.
- Directs the support and troubleshooting of collaboration and network issues, coordinating resolution activities across technical staff and vendors.
- Oversees management and maintenance of Collaboration and Cisco data network components including Nexus 7000, Catalyst 6500, 4500, 3560, 3750, and related platforms.
- Manages Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Access Points across all facilities, ensuring reliable wireless coverage and security.
- Oversees IP, voice, and LAN/WAN services including Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Unity Connection and all other collaboration platforms.
- Ensures proper configuration and maintenance of routing protocols including EIGRP and OSPF.
- Oversees network security monitoring and maintenance using tools such as SolarWinds, ensuring proactive identification of performance issues.
- Directs the management of server environments as they relate to network integration.
3. People Management & Staff Development
- Manages network engineering staff, including performance reviews, coaching, hiring decisions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
- Ensures staff members adhere to policies, procedures, and standards necessary to achieve department objectives.
- Provides opportunity for skill development and supports staff in obtaining and maintaining relevant Cisco certifications.
- Provides ongoing performance feedback and takes corrective action when necessary; completes annual appraisals by the established review date.
- Encourages staff participation and communication in decision-making; fosters a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with IS management and other departments across the organization.
4. Project & Vendor Management
- Leads project planning, solution design, cost analysis, and vendor comparisons for network initiatives.
- Coordinates with vendors for installation, maintenance, and upgrades of network equipment and services.
- Integrates network systems and implements ongoing modifications, enhancements, and technology refreshes.
- Functions as an integral part of the IS decision-making process, making recommendations based on technical expertise, research, and available resources.
- Researches potential networking technologies, software, and hardware to enhance performance across assigned areas.
5. IT Governance, Security & Compliance
- Ensures that all regulatory requirements applicable to network and communications systems are met, including HIPAA compliance.
- Maintains network security and reliability in a healthcare environment, implementing controls to protect patient and organizational data.
- Works with internal customers and IS leadership to continually improve service and performance within constraints of existing systems and budgets.
- Maintains current knowledge of networking technologies, healthcare IT standards, and industry best practices.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable HIPAA regulations and organizational safety requirements appropriate to the role.
6. Performs all other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Experience
Required:
- 3 years of experience installing and configuring routers and switches
- Prior experience in network engineering and LAN/WAN support
Preferred:
- 1 to 3 years of supervisory or management experience
- Prior experience working in a healthcare environment
Education
Required: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Technology, Information Systems, or a related field (equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted at manager's discretion)
Certifications & Licensure
Required: Cisco certification (CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, or equivalent)
Special Skills or Knowledge
Required:
- Strong knowledge of IP networking, network design concepts, and supporting infrastructure
- Cisco data network components: Nexus 7000, Catalyst 6500, 4500, 3560, 3750, and related platforms
- Wireless networking: Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Access Points
- SolarWinds or comparable network monitoring and maintenance tools
- IP, voice, and LAN/WAN services: Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Unity Connection
- IGP Routing protocols: EIGRP and OSPF
- Cabling infrastructure standards and management
- Modernized Collaboration platforms (ex. Cloud Infrastructure)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to lead teams, manage projects, and collaborate across departments
