Join to apply for the Associate Director, Network Operations role at CENIC 3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Associate Director, Network Operations role at CENIC This range is provided by CENIC. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $170,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr About CENIC

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.

Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students, together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.

Position Summary

CENIC is seeking an Associate Director of Network Operations to oversee the direction, performance, and modernization of its Network Operations function. While the shift leads manage the day-to-day operations on their respective shift, the Associate Director provides the strategic leadership, structure, and oversight necessary to enhance service reliability, performance, and accountability across CENIC's network operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with a track record of transforming teams, combining technical fluency, operational discipline, and people-first leadership to build high-performing, responsive, and metrics-driven teams within a culture of continuous improvement.

Supervisory Responsibility

Direct supervision of the network management team, including the Lead Network Engineers & Senior Network Engineers Leadership that focuses on achieving goals across the Network Operations team through an OKR framework Mentorship and active participation in professional development planning that fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation

LOCATION: Hybrid

Essential Functions

Leadership & Organizational Development Lead OKR activities, offering guidance and enforcing rigor Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and collaboration Support staff development through coaching, training, and performance management practices to support continuous learning, skill development, and career growth Engage the HR team and senior leadership in collaboration on addressing legacy challenges and strengthening the team dynamic.

Operational Oversight & Strategy Oversee all aspects of network operations, including a 24/7/365 NOC, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and service expectations. Define, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and post-incident reviews (PIRs) Drive improvements in incident response, problem management, and root cause analysis Identify areas for greater operational alignment with best practices, such as ITIL and ITSM frameworks, and implement processes to improve alignment.

Tools & Automation Develop working familiarity with the current toolset and assess requirements for enhancing, supplementing, and/or replacing tools in support of effective monitoring, alerting, and escalation. Collaborate closely with the engineering team to enhance observability and telemetry across the network infrastructure. Champion process efficiency, including appropriate automation, to improve operational outcomes.

Cross-Functional Engagement Review and refine processes to ensure close coordination with other internal functional groups, such as those responsible for network design, cybersecurity, project management, asset management, finance, and member relations. Serve as the escalation point of contact and leadership liaison during a major network incident.s Collaborate with the rest of the management team on process improvements to ensure timely communication and accountability within and across teams.

Key Success Factors

Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment Deep technical expertise in network operations, including WAN, MAN, and optical transport environments Proven track record of effectively managing operational teams and fostering a collaborative culture Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a focus on proactive issue resolution Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders at all levels

Required Education And/Or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience) Minimum of 10 years of experience in network engineering or operations, with at least 5 years in a management role Expertise in managing live production networks in dynamic environments, including advanced troubleshooting skills Experience with monitoring tools, automation frameworks, and change management processes. Experience in applying network security principles and practices Experience implementing a standards-based framework, such as ITIL, to promote best practices

Preferred Education And/Or Experience

Experience working with large commercial service provider networks Experience working with high-performance research networks Familiarity with operating and troubleshooting networks at Layers 1-3, as well as with advanced networking protocols Master's degree in a related technical or management field

WHY WORK AT CENIC?

Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization. Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. Your work has meaning. Health Benefits : We have generous medical benefits as well as dental, vision, and life insurance. Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions on top of that.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Work Hours

The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Network Operations Center is a 24-hour per day/7 days per week/365 days per year operation.

Evening and weekend work may be required based on CENIC’s business demands.

Work Authorization

Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.Seniority level Seniority levelDirector Employment type Employment typeFull-time Job function Job functionInformation Technology IndustriesSoftware Development Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at CENIC by 2x Get notified about new Director of Network Operations jobs in La Mirada, CA . Director of Network Engagement & Customer Success Santa Ana, CA $110,000.00-$150,000.00 3 weeks ago Director of Network Operations, Edge Devices Los Angeles, CA $190,000.00-$220,000.00 2 weeks ago Director Network-Data Center - 100% onsite Whittier, CA $166,940.00-$274,560.00 2 weeks ago Santa Ana, CA $160,000.00-$200,000.00 1 week ago IT Director (Co-working Space, Non-profit) Irvine, CA $190,000.00-$275,000.00 4 days ago Irvine, CA $140,000.00-$170,000.00 1 week ago Carson, CA $180,000.00-$210,000.00 2 weeks ago Santa Fe Springs, CA $165,000.00-$185,000.00 1 week ago Director, Network Underwriting and Operations Los Angeles Metropolitan Area 2 weeks ago Director of Operations and Transformation Long Beach, CA $40,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week ago Los Angeles County, CA $90,000.00-$100,000.00 3 weeks ago Manhattan Beach, CA $160,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr