Director of Wired Networks

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington IT is seeking a Director of Wired Networks to lead engineering, implementation, and operation of UW's large-scale wired networks across multiple campuses and partners. The role oversees strategy, budgets, vendor relationships, and a sizable team of engineers and managers.

The position requires strong networking knowledge, proven leadership, and experience managing complex budgets and cross-functional programs in a large enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, wireless, security)
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, risks for large-scale projects
• Ability to develop and execute long-range technology roadmaps
• Translate complex requirements into actionable plans
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Responsibilities

• Define vision, strategy, and roadmap for Wired Networks aligned to UWIT plans.
• Direct development and evolution of service offerings and SLAs.
• Oversee budgets (OPEX/CAPEX) and cost recovery, ensure auditability.
• Lead lifecycle for network engineering and deployment (architecture, capacity, security).
• Oversee change, incident, and problem management; drive continual improvement.
• Create and maintain service documentation (catalog, knowledge base).
• Sponsor major cross-unit initiatives and manage vendor deliverables.
• Lead a large team of engineers and managers; foster inclusive, high-performing culture.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Budget management

Strategy development

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Engineering

Job description

Job Description

UW Information Technology has an outstanding opportunity for Director of Wired Networks to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Wired Networks is responsible for the overall engineering, implementation, and operation of multiple large scale UW managed wired networks (UW Academic Campus, UW Medicine, the Washington State K-20 Network, and the Pacific Northwest Gigapop). This includes developing and directing technical strategy, overseeing operational and service delivery efforts, and directly managing a large team - including senior network/systems engineers and two managers, each with large teams (Network Implementation and Wired Network Engineering). The role also oversees large project and operational budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-organizational delivery while aligning with governance and service management practices.

Job Description

UW Information Technology has an outstanding opportunity for Director of Wired Networks to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Wired Networks is responsible for the overall engineering, implementation, and operation of multiple large scale UW managed wired networks (UW Academic Campus, UW Medicine, the Washington State K-20 Network, and the Pacific Northwest Gigapop). This includes developing and directing technical strategy, overseeing operational and service delivery efforts, and directly managing a large team - including senior network/systems engineers and two managers, each with large teams (Network Implementation and Wired Network Engineering). The role also oversees large project and operational budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-organizational delivery while aligning with governance and service management practices.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals (including TCP/IP, routing and switching, wireless networking, and network security principles) and network service delivery practices
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and resources for large-scale technical projects and on-going operations
• Ability to develop and execute long-range technology strategies and roadmaps
• Ability to analyze complex business and technical requirements and translate them into actionable plans and solutions
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, including executive leadership
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels, including executive leadership

Key Responsibilities

Technical Strategy & Budget Development/Management - 30%

• Define vision, strategy, and roadmap for Wired Networks aligned to UWIT strategic plans and enterprise architecture; represent the service to governance bodies.
• Direct the development and evolution of service offerings; set service-level objectives and define outcome metrics
• Oversee financial performance: direct development and management of OPEX/CAPEX budgets, work with UWIT Finance on cost recovery rates, ensure auditability and compliance.

Service Ownership & Lifecycle - 25%

• Direct lifecycle for Network Engineering and Deployment: architectures, standards, capacity, reliability, continuity, and security controls.
• Oversee change, incident, and problem practices; chair/participate in Change Advisory Board as needed; ensure post-incident reviews and continual improvement.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of service documentation: both customer facing (Service Catalog, Knowledge Base, etc.) and internal (engineering processes/procedures, drawings, etc.)

Portfolio & Major Projects - 20%

• Sponsor and provide leadership for large cross-unit initiatives and projects (network infrastructure and tools, process development, etc.)
• Set success criteria and milestones; manage risks, dependencies, and vendor deliverables; report to executive stakeholders.

People Leadership - 15%

• Lead a large team - including senior network/systems engineers and two managers, each with large teams (Network Implementation and Wired Network Engineering).
• Build a diverse, inclusive, high-performing culture; hire, coach, set goals, conduct annual reviews, and drive career development.
• Align staffing models, on-call coverage, and succession planning to service risk profiles.

External Partnerships & Vendor Management - 10%

• Maintain relationships with leadership at UW Medicine IT, PNWGP, Washington State K-20, and peer R&E networks; coordinate technical strategies and service delivery models
• Own vendor portfolio strategy; negotiate contracts and manage performance; provide input/influence product roadmaps; and optimize value.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in IT management, involving complex networks and related IT infrastructure in a large enterprise environment - with demonstrated success in service lifecycle, governance, managing risk, and budget stewardship
• Demonstrated experience managing a large team of senior network engineers
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex technology projects and programs with multiple stakeholders, dependencies, and competing priorities
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex network-related projects (e.g., LAN/WAN, wireless, data center, or telecommunications)
• Experience developing and managing large capital and operating budgets
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating work across technical and business organizations
• Comprehensive experience with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches)
• Experience with portfolio management, project governance, risk management, and strategic planning
• Demonstrated experience managing communications with diverse stakeholders: excellent written and verbal skills; able to influence across academic, research, and clinical constituencies in a matrixed environment; strong documentation and executive reporting

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing network services in higher education, healthcare, or research environments.
• Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL).
• Experience coordinating with regional or national research and education networks.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid, open office environment.
• Must be willing to work occasional off hours to support planned maintenance windows and/or critical delivery deadlines.
• This is an essential position and may be required to work remote when UW suspends operations.

About The Team

UWIT is the central information technology organization responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and direction of the University’s IT infrastructure, resources, and services. UWIT provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, and research operations worldwide. UWIT partners with the UW community to enable innovation, learning, discovery, and service. Within UWIT, the Infrastructure (INF) division is the primary network support group for the University and its strategic partners.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $168,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum $219,996.00 annual

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.