Manager, IT Network Engineering

The Manager of Network Engineering leads and manages a team of network engineers responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and supporting Pepperdine University’s data network. As part of the Information Technology Systems & Networking group, this role ensures the reliability, security, and performance of the University’s network infrastructure. In alignment with Pepperdine’s mission, the Manager supports a technology environment that advances teaching, learning, and community engagement, enabling faculty, staff, and students to thrive in a purpose-driven academic setting.

Duties

• LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION: Provides strong leadership to the Network Engineering team. Sets departmental goals and objectives, reviews the goals and objectives of the other Systems & Networking teams, and aligns teams and projects with the strategic goals of Systems & Networking, Information Technology (IT), and the University. Delegates tasks with appropriate guidance or mentorship. Empowers staff to take ownership of duties, projects, and problems; to work collaboratively in flexible teams with strong camaraderie; to provide excellent, compassionate customer service; to gather and analyze metrics for team and area success; to work with high integrity to maintain the trust of the University community; to manage time, information, and resources responsibly for excellent stewardship and productivity. Routinely reviews established standards, practices, procedures, and processes within the unit and recommends and/or implements continual improvement initiatives. Manages contracts and renewals, negotiating for the best possible prices and terms. Holds teams, individuals, and external vendors accountable for following procedures/practices and representing the University well through word and deed. Motivates and develops assigned staff by evaluating performance, identifying technical training opportunities, and providing developmental work assignments. Reviews and submits regular, timely, and complete paperwork and processes, such as status reports, bi-weekly or monthly timesheets, financial activities, assessments for mid-year and annual reviews, and other routine IT and University practices. Keeps personal and shared workspaces clean and organized.
• NETWORK, DATA, SYSTEMS, AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and training plans for network systems administration and appropriate use in conjunction with other team members. Serves as the primary point-of-contact for network engineering services, network scope expansion, and contact management to ensure customer needs are met. Ensures daily work orders, support requests, and tasks are performed by self and the team on a timely basis. Maintains accurate, effective, and complete documentation and inventory of the University's network systems. Assists team and others as needed in the day-to-day analysis and support for all University networking solutions. Researches the latest innovations in communication and networking solutions that may improve services and meet the current and future needs of Pepperdine University.
• PLANNING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Works with the Director of Systems & Networking to establish a vision and roadmap for Network Engineering and the University's network infrastructure and partners with key stakeholders to gather feedback and build a consensus on future projects, upgrades, and/or changes. Oversees multiple and complex projects. Estimates time and resources required for tasks and projects. Manages or coordinates project assignments, application/service upgrades, operational support, documentation updates, communication plans, and post-implementation monitoring. Takes ownership of assigned projects and plays a proactive role towards the goal of project completion from start to finish. Reports status of current projects on a regular basis to supervisor, leadership, and stakeholders. Uses project management software to track, monitor, and measure all projects.
• COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS: Promotes professionalism across the division to ensure that each staff member represents Pepperdine and IT in a professional manner when collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Conducts outreach to University stakeholders to determine needs and build strong, positive, and collaborative relationships. Develops and maintains strong partnerships with University departments and leadership, as well as with external vendors and service providers, to improve IT outcomes and to assure current and future operational and strategic success. Works with high integrity to maintain the trust of the University community.
• COLLABORATION: Provides backup support and assistance to other team members. Collaborates with co-workers and University colleagues on departmental, division-wide, and institutional projects. Shares process information