How You’ll Contribute

The Director, Infrastructure Operations oversees the operations of the Society’s computing architecture. This includes the Society’s wired and wireless data networks, telecommunications networks, computing and storage platforms, OS images, and the equipment on-premise platforms. Additionally, the Director, Infrastructure Operations is responsible for planning and executing infrastructural upgrades as well as ongoing patch management. The Director tracks and refines KPIs and other operational metrics to evaluate the health and performance of the infrastructure, identify defects, efficiencies, enhancements, and ensure a cycle of continuous improvement. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Infrastructure and Security, the Director, Infrastructure Operations manages the personnel and budget allocated to the infrastructure operations, including tracking and reporting usage of on-premise infrastructure resources by business unit or program. This role will recommend and implement technology solutions and integrate them with the service catalog and IT operational processes; Leveraging project management, leadership and technical expertise, ensuring optimal user satisfaction through reliable service delivery and effective change management.

The ideal candidate will have a natural curiosity, proactive approach to find and recommend new solutions, and strong commitment to deadlines. To sustain a culture of innovation and fulfill NGS mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of the world, it is expected a continued learning mindset and commitment to excellence from all outward-facing programs, services, products, as well as the systems and teams that support the Society’s work.

Your Impact

Your Impact & Responsibilities

Planning and Governance (40%)

• Develops and manages the infrastructure operations team roadmap, budget, and project plans and schedules under the direction of the Sr. Director, Infrastructure and Security. Meets with key stakeholders to review project plans and establish measurable objectives before submitting plans for approval.

• Works with the Sr. Director, Infrastructure and Security to establish policies, standards, procedures, and governance activities related to infrastructure. Defines and executes plans to incorporate policies and procedures into daily operations and systems design.

• Directs compute and network engineering teams to develop innovative architecture and features to advance the goals of the organization.

• Monitors benchmarks, trends, and product developments to anticipate change, minimize risk, and identify growth opportunities.

Infrastructure Operations (40%)

• Directs the operational support of technology infrastructure, ensuring that all components meet service-level objectives for availability, capacity, performance, and other KPIs.

• Leads infrastructure projects and supports all technology projects requiring team subject matter expertise or resources.

• Monitors service level objectives, optimizes operational activities, and brings visibility into operations through analysis, trends, and measurement.

• Ensures that the technology infrastructure adheres to NGS policies regarding information security, business continuity, etc.

• Develops and maintains relationships with external IT vendors and service providers to ensure alignment in goals and seamless execution.

Leadership and Management (20%) 

• Performs personnel management and development for new and existing staff, ensuring that the team has the appropriate skills and depth to meet service level objectives and customer service standards.

• Leads or participates in appropriate steering committees and internal technology working groups.

• Collaborates with procurement, legal, and other administrative teams on RFP documents and processes, statements of work, contract negotiations and disputes, and other vendor performance management activities.

What You’ll Bring

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline, or equivalent experience.  

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in the information technology field, with at least 5 years of hands-on experience designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise infrastructure including networks and hosts. Candidates m