The Director and Deputy CTO for Network, Telecommunications, and Unified Communications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s networking, telecommunications, and unified communications infrastructure and capabilities. This role ensures the delivery of reliable, secure, and high-performing wired, wireless and research networks, voice, video, messaging, presence, and collaboration tools that support digital transformation across academic, research, and administration. As a senior IT leader, the Director partners with technology and campus leadership to align network and communications strategies with institutional priorities. The position plays a critical role in advancing digital transformation, improving service resiliency, business continuity, research enablement, optimizing operational efficiency, and enabling a modern, connected campus environment.
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.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced education 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 education beyond the bachelor's degree.
• 10 or more years in IT and business/industry
• Extensive experience in network and telecommunications management, including design, implementation, and support of large-scale networks.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• 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.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop high performing personnel and teams and foster a unified IT culture.
• Strong Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead with vision in the network and telecommunications domain, executing key strategies in areas of responsibility. Capable of inspiring and guiding the team towards achieving the department's goals.
• Cybersecurity Expertise: Extensive knowledge of current cybersecurity best practices and frameworks, with the ability to apply these in protecting network infrastructure and ensuring data privacy and integrity.
• Infrastructure Mastery: Expert knowledge in the planning, operation, design, deployment, and lifecycle management of network and telecommunications infrastructure. This includes experience in modernizing and transforming infrastructure to support academic and administrative functions efficiently.
• 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 Excellence: Exceptional 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 non-technical 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
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: January 31, 2026
$115,084 - $189,892 annually
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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