Associate Director, Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications

About This Role

The Associate Director, Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications, under the supervision of the Director and Deputy CTO, Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications, supports strategic execution and provides day-to-day operational leadership for the university’s networking, telecommunications, and unified communications services. This role ensures the effective implementation, management, and optimization of wired, wireless, and research networks, along with voice, video, messaging, and collaboration platforms that enable academic, research, and administrative functions. Supports decision-making through informed technical guidance and tactical leadership.

The Associate Director plays a key role in connecting the Director and Deputy CTO, Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications strategic leadership with frontline teams and translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, managing service delivery, leading technical teams, and ensuring the availability, performance, and security of the university’s communications infrastructure. This position contributes to digital transformation, service resilience, operational excellence, and user experience, helping to foster a modern, connected and collaborative campus environment. This position will act as a resource for departmental, university-wide, and state projects, and will act as the Director and Deputy CTO, Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications representative, as needed.

About Us

Kansas State University's Division of Information Technology is committed to providing excellent IT services to the K-State community in support of the teaching, learning, research, and service missions. They offer a wide range of information technology and communications services. They provide leadership for developing and delivering computing and digital resources to K-State students, faculty and staff. The Division coordinates and manages central IT business services including Enterprise Systems, Portfolio & Project Governance, Infrastructure & Operations, Academic Applications, Information Security, and Academic IT and Research Support.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. This position is fully on-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred; however, significant and equivalent experience in network and telecommunications management, design, and operations, or a closely related field, will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in network and telecommunications operational management, including design, implementation, and support of large-scale, enterprise-grade network, telecommunications, and unified communications infrastructure.
• 3+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to manage and develop technical teams.
• Leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team guiding those towards achieving departmental and university goals.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging network technologies, standards, and best practices.
• Experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders within and outside the university.
• Strong Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead with vision in the network and telecommunications domain, executing key strategies in areas of responsibility.
• Cybersecurity Foundations Expertise: Knowledge of current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks, with the ability to apply these in protecting network infrastructure and ensuring data privacy and integrity.
• Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation to ensure the network and telecommunications division operates within financial constraints while achieving its strategic objectives.
• Technology Strategist: Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and implementing current and emerging network technologies. Ability to align technology solutions with the university's strategic needs, enhancing business processes and academic operations.
• Operational Efficiency: Capability to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery effectiveness across the network and telecommunications spectrum.
• Project Management: Project management skills, with a track record of
  effectively deploying resources and managing multiple, diverse projects in a cross-functional environment. Ability to lead complex network infrastructure projects from conception through to completion.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication abilities, with a knack for explaining complex network and telecommunications solutions in business terms. Proven success in building rapport, persuading stakeholders, and facilitating effective communication across technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: A history of successful collaboration, facilitation, and relationship building. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building collaborative working relationships with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to drive collective success.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Capable of tackling complex issues, identifying innovative solutions, and making informed decisions to advance the university's network and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Executive Level Support: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior executive leadership, supporting strategic planning and decision-making processes with insights and expertise in network and telecommunications strategies.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: October 3, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$80,000-$110,000