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Associate Director, Network Operations

Associate Director, Network Operations

CENICLa Mirada, CA, US
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Job Description

Job Description

About CENIC :

Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students, together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.

POSITION SUMMARY :

CENIC is seeking an Associate Director of Network Operations to oversee the direction, performance, and modernization of its Network Operations function. While the shift leads manage the day-to-day operations on their respective shift, the Associate Director provides the strategic leadership, structure, and oversight necessary to enhance service reliability, performance, and accountability across CENIC's network operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with a track record of transforming teams, combining technical fluency, operational discipline, and people-first leadership to build high-performing, responsive, and metrics-driven teams within a culture of continuous improvement.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

Direct supervision of the network management team, including the Lead Network Engineers & Senior Network Engineers

Leadership that focuses on achieving goals across the Network Operations team through an OKR framework

Mentorship and active participation in professional development planning that fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation

LOCATION : Hybrid

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Leadership & Organizational Development

Lead OKR activities, offering guidance and enforcing rigor

Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and collaboration

Support staff development through coaching, training, and performance management practices to support continuous learning, skill development, and career growth

Engage the HR team and senior leadership in collaboration on addressing legacy challenges and strengthening the team dynamic.

Operational Oversight & Strategy

Oversee all aspects of network operations, including a 24 / 7 / 365 NOC, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and service expectations.

Define, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and post-incident reviews (PIRs)

Drive improvements in incident response, problem management, and root cause analysis

Identify areas for greater operational alignment with best practices, such as ITIL and ITSM frameworks, and implement processes to improve alignment.

Tools & Automation

Develop working familiarity with the current toolset and assess requirements for enhancing, supplementing, and / or replacing tools in support of effective monitoring, alerting, and escalation.

Collaborate closely with the engineering team to enhance observability and telemetry across the network infrastructure.

Champion process efficiency, including appropriate automation, to improve operational outcomes.

Cross-Functional Engagement

Review and refine processes to ensure close coordination with other internal functional groups, such as those responsible for network design, cybersecurity, project management, asset management, finance, and member relations.

Serve as the escalation point of contact and leadership liaison during a major network incident.s

Collaborate with the rest of the management team on process improvements to ensure timely communication and accountability within and across teams.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS :

Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Deep technical expertise in network operations, including WAN, MAN, and optical transport environments

Proven track record of effectively managing operational teams and fostering a collaborative culture

Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a focus on proactive issue resolution

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders at all levels

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)

Minimum of 10 years of experience in network engineering or operations, with at least 5 years in a management role

Expertise in managing live production networks in dynamic environments, including advanced troubleshooting skills

Experience with monitoring tools, automation frameworks, and change management processes.

Experience in applying network security principles and practices

Experience implementing a standards-based framework, such as ITIL, to promote best practices

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE :

Experience working with large commercial service provider networks

Experience working with high-performance research networks

Familiarity with operating and troubleshooting networks at Layers 1-3, as well as with advanced networking protocols

Master's degree in a related technical or management field

WHY WORK AT CENIC?

  • Company Culture : Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization.
  • Community Engagement : We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. Your work has meaning.
  • Health Benefits : We have generous medical benefits as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • Paid Time Off : We offer liberal vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
  • Investment in Your Future : CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions on top of that.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

WORK HOURS :

The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. The Network Operations Center is a 24-hour per day / 7 days per week / 365 days per year operation.

Evening and weekend work may be required based on CENIC’s business demands.

WORK AUTHORIZATION :

Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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Director Operation • La Mirada, CA, US