Director of Network Operations

Job Summary:

Join the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology (ASET) Division, in a pivotal leadership role as the Director of Network Operations! This key position oversees the strategic and operational direction for the Arizona Network Program (AZNet), the State's comprehensive enterprise telecommunications and network infrastructure program managed by ADOA's Enterprise Infrastructure and Communications (EIC) unit, manages services contacts. Drawing from a legacy established 20 years ago to consolidate the State's fragmented services, AZNet currently delivers essential voice, data, video, and network services under a managed contract exceeding $200 million in scope. As the Director of Network Operations, you will be the driving force ensuring the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of the State’s entire network infrastructure—including WAN, LAN, Internet, VoIP, and collaboration tools. You will be directly responsible for critical areas such as vendor performance management, Network Operations Center oversight, service delivery excellence, and leading continuous modernization efforts, all while fostering vital collaboration across State agencies, technology partners, and executive leadership.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

• Lead and oversee statewide network operations, including all telecommunications services, network management, and infrastructure performance
• Manage strategic relationships with the State’s telecommunications service provider(s) and coordinate with Executive Branch agencies to ensure optimal service delivery
• Develop, implement, and enforce network operations policies, service standards, and governance frameworks in alignment with ADOA and EIC objectives
• Lead and mentor cross-functional technical teams and project groups representing ADOA-EIC, agencies, and managed service providers
• Develop business cases, budgets, and performance reports for network operations, capital investments, and modernization initiatives
• Lead special technology initiatives, pilots, or emerging infrastructure projects as directed by ADOA leadership
• Represent ADOA-EIC and the AZNet program at interagency meetings, legislative sessions, and statewide forums

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of technology terms, concepts, and a firm understanding of technology applications as they relate to current and future state requirements to appropriately track contract compliance
• Considerable knowledge and experience with contract management, performance measurements, and contract service agreements
• Knowledge of principles, concepts, and current practices of State government, government management, and administrative processes
• Extensive knowledge and experience with various telecommunications equipment platforms inclusive of but not limited to routers, switches, and call center applications from numerous equipment vendors
• Management techniques and organizational processes

Skills in:

• Interpersonal - Ability to verbally communicate clearly and effectively in one-on-one and group settings with officials, managers, and representatives of ADOA and various agencies, boards and commissions as well as vendors and the general public as needed. The ability to lead discussions regarding requirements, project activities, and contract compliance
• Analytical - Ability to appropriately develop tools and analyze contract compliance, formulate and identify effective solutions to problems. Conduct research and extract, compile, analyze, and present information in support of contract compliance and benchmarking
• Communications (Oral, written, graphic) - Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely in reports, etc., interview appropriate resources and acquire data in support of telecommunications objectives and deliver high-level written and verbal presentations

Ability to:

• Balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks
• Work collaboratively in teams and across organizations
• Synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly
• Build strong relationships inside and outside the organization
• Manage medium and large teams
• Evaluate and test emerging technologies
• Apply creative solutions to business problems to ensure business needs are most effectively met
• Understand and anticipate needs and priorities of both internal and external customers
• Management: Direct, motivate, and lead team meetings to positively benefit the agency
• Organization: Manage time effectively, perform under pressure within budget and personnel constraints
• Negotiation: Work with vendors, State Agencies, agency leadership, and peers to achieve positive outcomes for all

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise network operations, telecommunications management, or IT infrastructure leadership
• Proven experience managing large-scale managed services contracts, preferably in public sector or complex enterprise environments
• Strong background in IP networking, cybersecurity, VoIP, and cloud-based communication solutions
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor performance, service level agreements (SLAs), and multi-agency operations

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Background and reference check, including state and federal criminal records fingerprint check

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

• Participation in ASRS Lifetime Benefit Pension Plan after 26 weeks of employment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary : $125,000 - $135,000