IT Infrastructure Manager

Winston-Salem State University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston-Salem State University seeks an IT Infrastructure Manager to oversee network and server teams, reporting to CIO/CISO. This on-site role guides infrastructure strategy, policy development, and vendor coordination across campus, supervising seven staff members and coordinating with department managers.

The position requires 5+ years in network/telecommunications and a strong background in virtualization, data center management, and IT security.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree required in IT or related field with emphasis on networking/telecommunications/data center management.
• Minimum 5 years in network/telecommunications analysis and administration; experience with multi-vendor networks.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and staff; vendor and contract oversight.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware) and data center operations.
• Understanding of network design, voice, video, and data networking technologies.
• Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee campus network and data center infrastructure including LANs/WANs, VOIP, and data communications.
• Plan and implement long- and short-term infrastructure capacity strategies.
• Develop policies, procedures, and training for infrastructure and server administration.
• Coordinate IT strategies with executive leadership and departments.
• Prepare RFPs, bids, contracts, and vendor negotiations for infrastructure projects.
• Manage staff performance, project priorities, and departmental budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team-building

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology/Technology Management/Computer Technology

Master's degree in Information Technology/Technology Management/Computer Technology

Tools

VMware

Cisco

Avaya

Juniper

F5

Dell/EMC

Palo Alto

Job description

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University is seeking an IT Infrastructure Manager to oversee our network and server teams. The IT Infrastructure Manager reports to the Chief Information Security Officer and supervises seven staff members. The IT Infrastructure Manager’s role is to plan, organize, and manage staff and overall operations to ensure the stable operation of the organization’s IT infrastructure. This includes developing, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing key functional areas, particularly network infrastructure, server infrastructure, data communications, and telecommunications systems.

This position is an on‑site position with very little remote work opportunities. The IT Infrastructure Manager will provide leadership, guidance, and technology advice for communication and connectivity to all the departments on campus and technical oversight of staff within the division. This position also coordinates with department managers, contractors, vendors and provides critical support and coordination to the CIO, CISO and other senior management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the campus internet connection, campus access requirements, camera surveillance system, data cable plant to include fiber optic backbone, campus PBX, VOIP phone and voicemail systems, and data center including servers and components.
• Oversee and perform the installation, maintenance, and support of associated infrastructure, access, telecom, and connectivity.
• Design and implement short- and long‑term strategic plans to ensure infrastructure capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for infrastructure and server administration and project management.
• Participate in the development of IT strategies in collaboration with the executive team.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards in support of all infrastructure procurement and development efforts.
• Establish service level agreements with business units.
• Manage and set priorities for the design, maintenance, development, and evaluation of all infrastructure systems, including LANs, WANs, Internet, intranet, security, wireless implementations, and so on.
• Conduct feasibility studies for various upgrade projects, improvements, and other conversions.
• Define hardware and software standards in conjunction with owners and stakeholders.
• Test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining network infrastructure.
• Test server performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining server infrastructure.
• Manage operational costs; conduct near‑ and long‑term financial forecasts for expanded functionality/user base.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in‑person communications with the organization’s executives, decision‑makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent infrastructure activities.
• Practice IT asset management, including maintenance of component inventory and related documentation.
• Direct and administrate a contingent of network analysts and technicians, and where necessary, conduct performance reviews and corrective action.
• Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for infrastructure projects and associated efforts.
• Negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure infrastructure‑specific products and services.
• Assist with the planning and deployment of infrastructure security measures.

Requirements and Preferences

• B.S. degree in Information Technology, Technology Management, Computer Technology or a comparable field with an emphasis in Data Networking, Telecommunications, Systems Administration, Data Center Management, or Infrastructure systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in network and telecommunications analysis and administration in addition to the design of a major multi‑vendor network or telecommunications environment.
• Management experience involving project management, planning, preparing project cost estimates, budget oversight and development, and supervision.
• Working knowledge of virtualization, VMWare, or equivalent.
• Understanding of network design and voice, video, and data networking and telecommunications design, protocols, and products.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple technical projects with a high degree of detail while working with potentially short deadlines.
• Understanding of current and emerging voice, data, and telecommunications technologies.
• Effective interpersonal, customer service, organizational, and team‑building skills, including the ability to work with a variety of constituencies possessing a wide range of technical knowledge.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding information processed, stored, transmitted, or accessed by the systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in writing technical specification documents.

• Other: The twenty‑four‑hour scope of University operations requires this position to be available evenings, nights, and weekends to respond to calls regarding questions or problems with the University’s networks. Occasional travel to remote sites to provide support or engage in professional development opportunities is required.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• M.S. degree in Information Technology, Technology Management, Computer Technology or a comparable field with an emphasis in Data Networking, Telecommunications, Systems Administration, Data Center Management, or Infrastructure systems.
• Eight (8) to ten (10)+ years experience in maintaining systems and networking infrastructures, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Extensive experience developing and maintaining custom systems and networking/communication or telecommunication interfaces.
• System administration and IT certifications in Linux, Microsoft, or other network related fields.
• Understanding of digital telephony engineering and video‑based distributed learning systems.
• Extensive experience in networking, infrastructure, and server hardware installation, programming, and configuration: (Cisco, Avaya, Juniper, F5, Dell, EMC, VMWARE, PaloAlto).
• Extensive knowledge of internet networking topologies and applications such as WIFI, mesh networking, SONET, MPLS, BGP.
• Experience with Disaster Recovery methods and server backup systems.
• Advanced knowledge of Banner/ERP systems, network, and communications monitoring, access infrastructures, systems programming, and server management.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in capacity planning, budget management, staff supervision, and ongoing maintenance of centralized systems.
• Outstanding communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and proven experience fostering positive team‑spirited technology culture in higher education.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required No