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?
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.
Director Operation • La Mirada, CA, US