Executive Director, Network and Communication Systems Operations

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Information Technology Services (CITS) - Operations has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Director, Network and Communication Systems Operations.

The Center for Information Technology Services (CITS) is the central information technology organization for UMB. Our mission and focus is to treat UMB students, faculty, staff, colleagues, and co-workers as treasured customers. Excellence in service to the UMB community is our challenge and responsibility. The selected incumbent in this position will perform duties that support the department's mission.

BENEFITS: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Direct the UMB enterprise wired and wireless networks installed for the entire University. Responsibility includes the development of short and longer-term plans that include adoption of new network technologies and make presentations regarding the state of the network to senior leadership. Contribute to the development and sustainment of network redundancy, disaster recovery and continuity of network operations so that University business and academic operations can be sustained.
• Formulate and propose the technical vision and strategy for networking and communications systems. Provide the technical direction and oversight in support of networking and communications infrastructure and operations.
• Collaborate with IT colleagues throughout the University to design the network and communications architecture, create and apply data and voice technology standards, and contemporary best practices for data and voice infrastructure and management, enhance innovation to remain on the cutting edge of data and voice services, and ensure high quality administration of networking and communication activities and services for the University.
• Manage networking and communication systems expenditures. Direct the day-to-day management activities of the enterprise network maintenance budget for timely and accurate maintenance, especially as it pertains to network security. Prepare and present to senior leadership, the annual network refresh and maintenance expenditure budget and state of the network which documents performance, throughput, and utilization statistics and trends.
• Responsible for the development of plans that include adoption of new technologies and upgrade of existing technologies, expense budget preparation and presentations of the state of the network to senior leadership. Formulate and propose the technical vision and strategy for networking and communications systems. Provide the technical direction and oversight in support of networking and communications infrastructure and operations. Develop and successfully implement network and communications systems plans and projects and provide project management for network and communications infrastructure and services initiatives. Communicate networking and communication needs and activities to key stakeholders on a regular basis. Hold regular meetings to apprise key stakeholders of new and current initiatives.
• Maintain current on new networking and communications technologies to ensure that the University is implementing and maintaining the highest level of data and voice performance. Collaborate and partner with school and department leaders, key stakeholders and IT colleagues to develop, build and maintain a state-of-the-art network and communications infrastructure. Establishes and implements network and communications best practices, and procedures to ensure that high quality services are delivered to meet University strategic goals and customer needs.
• Participate in University meetings and special projects, and on state, regional and national networking and communications systems committees. Proactively represent the department through participation in campus meetings and special projects, as well as UMB on an external basis with USM headquarters and other system-wide units. Engage with vendors, peers, senior leaders, to develop and implement upgrade, patch, and/or new technology plans that require notifications and multiple implementation phases. Consult with vendors to ensure new or optimized network designs fit with strategic direction.
• Create a cohesive work team that works collaboratively to achieve goals. Oversee the recruitment, performance, and training of team members and continually reviews strengths and weaknesses of staff to maintain a well-trained, highly involved, and motivated team. Motivate networking and communications personnel resources. Ensure an efficient and effective networking and communications operation within network team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Accounting or Information Systems or related field.

Experience: Nine (9) years of responsibility in supervisory/leadership information technology roles in network and communication technology experience with at least five (5) years specialized network experience required. Experience in Higher Education IT service support with direct experience at dealing with engaged student communities in higher education preferred.

Supervisory Experience: Five (5) years of direct management involved in recruitment, training and professional development of staff and directly responsible for the performance of staff.

Certification/Licensure: Network certifications and licensures preferred.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Financial disclosure reporting required by State of Maryland Ethics Committee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of position requirements. Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to support a mission and strategic vision. Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships. Skill in consultation and change management. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

SALARY RANGE: $197,000 - $218,600, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

Job: Reg or CII Exempt Staff - E0714K

Employee Class : Exempt Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Financial Disclosure: Yes

Organization: CITS Operations

Job Posting: Nov 12, 2025

Unposting Date: Nov 26, 2025, 10:59:00 PM