Director IT Cloud & Network Operations

Job Summary The Director of Cloud and Network Operations reports to the Senior Vice President of IT Operations and is responsible for the cloud technology management and network maintenance efforts for MAA. Primary responsibilities include managing efficiency, performance, and reliability of the company's hybrid cloud infrastructure, SD-WAN network, and collaboration tools. This role will be ensuring best practices and managing the maintenance of all connectivity across the portfolio of multifamily properties. The successful candidate will embody and work to reinforce MAA’s Core Values. Those values include: Appreciating the uniqueness of each individual Communicating openly and with integrity Embracing opportunities Doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons Duties and Responsibilities Partners with the IT Team to assist with comprehensive optimization strategies for cloud infrastructure and on-premise infrastructure. Partners with the IT teams to determine areas for network performance improvement. Manages the Cloud and Network Operations Team through goal setting, delegating work and projects, monitoring, managing, and evaluating individual and team performance, and promoting professional growth and development. Leads the planning and execution of routine maintenance activities for cloud and on-premise network systems. Establishes and reviews maintenance schedules to minimize disruptions and ensure system health. Implements robust monitoring tools and practices to proactively identify and address performance issues. Reviews performance metrics and collaborates with the infrastructure team to optimize resource utilization. Reviews system capacity to anticipate future needs and ensure scalability. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to plan and implement necessary expansions. Assists the Cybersecurity Team with implementing and maintaining best practices. Develops and maintains comprehensive documentation for cloud and network configurations. Facilitates knowledge sharing within the team to enhance troubleshooting and resolution processes. Works with third-party vendors providing managed and hosted services. Assists with the provisioning of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the business. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field and 10 years of experience with design, optimization, and maintenance of cloud and network operations required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory/management experience supporting cloud and network operations required. Preferred Qualifications Relevant certifications (e.g., Azure Cloud Fundamentals, Cisco Certified Network Professional) strongly preferred. Master's degree in business or related field preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of cloud and network design, maintenance, and optimization principles, best practices, and technology Knowledge of infrastructure-as-code concepts and deployment (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Azure IaaS and SaaS offerings Deep knowledge of SD-WAN principles and VPN management (e.g., Cisco Meraki) Skill and ability to manage and maintain IT vendor relationships Knowledge and skill to manage identity management administration (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Okta) Knowledge of network security best practices, compliance, and maintenance processes Skill and ability to develop and execute optimization strategies that align to business objectives. Leadership and management skills to coach, counsel, and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing Skill and ability to communicate verbally clearly and concisely and in writing. Critical thinking, analytical, and decision making skills Business and financial acumen Customer service orientation and skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office application (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Physical and Environmental Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Disclaimer Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. MAA is a real estate investment trust (REIT) company focused on providing a high-quality apartment living experience to residents across the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. As an active buyer and developer of apartment communities, MAA is currently the largest owner-operator of apartment homes in the country and is an S&P 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Currently, MAA owns and operates over 100,000 apartment homes across 17 states and the District of Columbia. We have successfully navigated numerous business cycles, captured significant growth and built an efficient, technology-driven operating platform with an investment portfolio that is uniquely balanced and diversified across markets noted for strong population growth and robust housing-demand dynamics. Our mission at MAA is to deliver superior service and value for our residents, employees and shareholders. We refer to this as creating "A Brighter View" and we are doing it every day. As an employer, we strive to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce that mirrors the diversity of our residents and the communities where we do business. Our corporate charity, The Open Arms Foundation, is the heart of our company. Its mission is to provide a home away from home for those who must travel to receive medical treatment. Would you like to learn more about what a day at an MAA Community looks like? Click below to view a quick video from our associates. Property Manager for an MAA Community leads all aspects of community life and above all – quality customer service. The Maintenance Supervisor leads and coordinates the maintenance team through repairs and maintenance of property facilities and apartments. Assistant Property Managers support the operations and financial performance of the community, handle the collections process, and assist with leasing. In other words, they wear several hats! An Apartment Maintenance Technician performs maintenance and repairs to ensure apartments and facilities are in top shape. A special role for an MAA community, a Leasing Consultant supports leasing operations, interactions and communication with residents, and assists with community events and marketing activities.