Associate Director of Network and Data Center Operations

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens, GA seeks an Associate Director of Network and Data Center Operations to lead the Data Center Operations, Facilities Management, Cellular, and Network Operations teams. This onsite role directs day-to-day staffing, capacity planning, and service delivery for critical infrastructure.

Reporting to the Associate CIO, you will drive strategic objectives, manage budgets, coordinate cross-functional projects, and ensure reliable 24x7 operations for campus and

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience managing technical operations teams in a complex enterprise environment.
• Experience managing both enterprise network and mission-critical data center operations.
• Experience coordinating data center facilities infrastructure, including electrical power, cooling, fire suppression, environmental monitoring, and physical security.
• Demonstrated experience with infrastructure capacity planning, lifecycle management, budgeting, and modernization.
• Experience leading high-impact incidents and coordinating across IT, facilities, vendors, leadership, and customer organizations.
• Experience managing critical infrastructure in a 24x7 environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Operations, Facilities, Cellular, and Network Operations teams under the direction of the Associate CIO.
• Develop and Achieve strategic requirements/objectives and provide information regarding projects and operations.
• Participates in organizational and committee meetings to support the objectives of EITS and UGA.
• Technology impact analysis- Review new technologies for improvements in the NOC, Cellular, and data center environments. Other duties as assigned by Associate CIO.

Skills

Leadership experience

Data center operations

Enterprise network management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent + 10 years exp

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15699P

Working Title: Associate Director of Network and Data Center Operations

Department: EITS-Data Ctr Ops

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

College/Unit/Department website: eits.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Work Schedule: 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. Occasional after-hours as needed.

Advertised Salary: Up to 124,000

Posting Date: 09/02/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

• Please provide name and contact information for three professional references


• This is a full-time, onsite position


• This position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: University Data Center Manager

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

• Progressive leadership experience managing technical operations teams in a complex enterprise environment.


• Experience managing both enterprise network and mission-critical data center operations.


• Experience coordinating data center facilities infrastructure, including electrical power, cooling, fire suppression, environmental monitoring, and physical security.


• Demonstrated experience with infrastructure capacity planning, lifecycle management, budgeting, and modernization.


• Experience leading high-impact incidents and coordinating across IT, facilities, vendors, leadership, and customer organizations.


• Experience managing critical infrastructure in a 24O7 environment.

Position Summary: This position manages the Data Center Operations, Facilities Management, Cellular, and Network Operations teams. This position will also assist in infrastructure projects as needed to complete any related projects and delivery of services.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Knowledge of project management and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. People skills or equivalent development skills around leadership.

Physical Demands: Normal office environment. Driving.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)?: Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

I. Manage the Operations, Facilities, Cellular, and Network Operations teams under the direction of the Associate CIO.

• Perform the day-to-day management of staffing and project/service delivery for the unit.


• Establish and administer capacity planning and performance monitoring procedures.


• Support staff development and training.


• Establish and maintain effective customer service requirements for the Boyd Hosting, NOC, BOR, GACRC and EITS areas of the Boyd Data Center. Establish and maintain effective customer service requirements for the Peabody and HSC data center facilities. Establish and maintain effective customer service requirements for MDF and IDF facilities in campus buildings and delivery of NOC project and services.


• Develop divisional standards, policies, and procedures

Percentage of time: 40

II. Develop and Achieve strategic requirements/objectives and provide information regarding projects and operations.

• Report activities, problems and solutions to the Associate CIO


• Provide direction for Data Center projects, operating standards, systems monitoring, problem identification and resolution and reporting processes.


• Manage inventory processes for network and server/storage resources within the purview of teams managed.


• Manage projects, initiatives, and resources required to support UGA core and network services.


• Provide budget estimates for equipment, maintenance, staff training and other operating costs.


• Develop and evaluate agreements and contracts, develop budgets, and develop and submit projects in EITS systems (e.g. Team Dynamics)


• Establish and evaluate Data Center/NOC modernization and growth strategies.


• Plan and coordinate changes to the Data Center environment including: equipment additions, upgrades or removals, electrical and HVAC services, fire suppression systems and security.

Percentage of time: 40

III. Participates in organizational and committee meetings Participates in committees and work groups to support the objectives of EITS and UGA. Collaborates, partners, and develops relationships with campus units as needed.

Percentage of time: 10

IV. Technology impact analysis- Review new technologies for improvements in the NOC, Cellular, and data center environments. Review new technologies that can improve the current equipment and applications for UGA Faculty, Students, and Staff.

Percentage of time: 5

Other duties as assigned by Associate CIO.

Percentage of time: 5