Network Services Technical Implementation Liaison

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement matching

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Merit Network seeks a Network Services Technical Implementation Liaison to coordinate end-to-end delivery of Internet and WAN services while translating client requirements into technical plans and ensuring on-time delivery. Reporting to the Executive Director of Network Operations, this role bridges technical teams and clients to complete implementations with minimal disruption.

The position is full-time and hybrid.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 2+ years of experience coordinating technical implementations, service deliveries, or network-related projects
• Working knowledge of WAN/Internet circuits, carrier turn-ups, demarcation/hand-off points, basic routing/switching, and testing/validation
• Ability to translate technical requirements into implementation plans, schedules, and stakeholder communications
• Proven project coordination skills across multiple workstreams, priorities, risks, and dependencies
• Strong documentation skills and experience with ticketing and collaboration tools
• Ability to manage vendor/provider relationships to meet timelines and service expectations

Responsibilities

• Translate client business requirements into technical specifications for network teams and explain solutions to clients
• Coordinate and track installation, configuration, and testing of networking solutions with proper documentation
• Manage carrier turn-ups, delivery milestones, test plans/results, and outage/escalation communications
• Review equipment location specs for proper carrier activities and report changes internally
• Lead delivery of network implementations and upgrades for Internet and WAN services
• Own implementation outcomes including scheduling, milestones, risk management, and stakeholder communications
• Act as the first line of technical support during the implementation phase
• Support testing and acceptance processes
• Track quoting, installation charges, and ongoing costs for third-party providers
• Assist in reports, budgets, and internal financial/operational projections

Skills

Coordination experience

WAN/Internet concepts

Requirements to plans & schedules

Project coordination

Documentation skills

Vendor relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related field

Job description

This is a full‑time, hybrid position. During your 6‑month probationary period, you will be required to work on‑site for at least 3 days per week at Merit’s office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, working on‑site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week.

This is a term‑limited position. The term end‑date will be 3 years from your official start date.

Job Summary

At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For more than 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Network Operations, the Network Services Technical Implementation Liaison coordinates end‑to‑end delivery of Internet and WAN‑related services, from requirements intake and scheduling through carrier turn‑up, testing/acceptance, documentation, and operational handoff. The role bridges technical teams (Network Engineering/Operations and third‑party providers) and non‑technical stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure implementations are completed on time, communicated clearly, and transitioned into support with minimal disruption.

Have questions about the role or want to learn more before applying?

Join our informal, open‑forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you’d like — whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

• Translate client business requirements into technical specifications for network teams, and explain technical solutions or alternatives to clients. (E)
• Coordinate and track the processes of installing, configuring, and testing networking solutions to meet specific client needs, ensuring required documentation and approvals are captured. (E)
• Manage carrier turn‑ups and delivery activities, applicable authorization support, delivery milestones, test plans/results, and outage/escalation communications as needed. (E)
• Review equipment location specifications for proper carrier activities and communicate information for proper internal reporting after changes are made.
• Lead delivery of network implementations and upgrades across Internet and Wide Area Network (WAN) related services. (E)
• Own implementation outcomes including (E):
• Scheduling and milestone tracking
• Change/release readiness and maintenance window coordination
• Risk management, mitigation, and issue tracking
• Stakeholder communications and status updates
• Operational handoff
• Act as the first line of technical support during the implementation phase to support both network teams and customers. (E)
• Support testing and acceptance processes.
• Track and manage quoting, installation charges, and ongoing cost review for third‑party circuit providers. (E)
• Assist in report development and compilation, prepare financial and operational projections of activity and costs, analyze and interpret budget‑to‑actual variances, and assist in developing accurate and timely internal reports.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of you for this job. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

You have no supervisory responsibilities, however at times will direct the work of others within the scope of project management activities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. You will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud‑based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and up to 50lbs throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 2+ years of experience coordinating technical implementations, service deliveries, or network‑related projects
• Working knowledge of network service delivery concepts (e.g., WAN/Internet circuits, carrier turn‑ups, demarcation/hand‑off points, basic routing/switching concepts, and implementation testing/validation)
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical requirements into implementation plans, schedules, and stakeholder‑ready communications
• Proven project coordination skills in managing multiple workstreams, priorities, risks/issues, and cross‑functional dependencies
• Strong documentation skills and comfort working in ticketing and collaboration tools
• Ability to manage vendor/provider relationships and elevate effectively to meet timelines and service expectations

Modes of Work

This is a full‑time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6‑month probationary period, you will be required to work on‑site for at least 3 days per week at Merit’s office location:

880 Technology Dr., Suite B
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Following, working on‑site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad‑hoc on‑site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Travel

Some travel within and outside of Michigan will be required.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $65,000-$70,000, depending on experience and credentials.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well‑being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long‑term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work‑life balance
• Access to a variety of well‑being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more — discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits

If you have any other questions regarding this role, please contact [email protected].

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.