Data Center Network Manager at Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT)

Are you looking for a rewarding career with an organization that values their staff? The Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is seeking to hire qualified candidates with the opportunity to work in a dynamic, creative thinking, problem solving environment.

This position serves as the Data Center Network Manager planning, designing and implementing long-term network strategies to maintain a secure, robust, and reliable data center network.

In this role you will develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures and operational practices to ensure a high-quality, reliable, and secure data center network, adhering to DoIT, industry best practices, and compliance standards (e.g. IEEE, ITIL, SCTE, PMI).

In addition, you will develop and manage the data center network operations budget and procurement, serve as full line supervisor and lead and direct the evolution and innovation of the data center network by researching the latest technology.

If you possess these knowledges, skills, abilities, and experience, we invite you to apply for this position to join the DoIT Team!

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position)
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per year
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

Essential Functions

• Subject to management approval, serves as the Data Center Network Manager for the Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), planning, designing, and implementing long-term network strategies to maintain a secure, robust, and reliable data center network.
• Develops, implements, and enforces policies, procedures and operational practices to ensure a high-quality, reliable, and secure data center network, adhering to DoIT, industry best practices, and compliance standards (e.g. IEEE, ITIL, SCTE, PMI).
• Develops and manages the data center network operations budget and procurement.
• Serves as full line supervisor.
• Leads and directs the evolution and innovation of the data center network by researching the latest technology.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in management information systems, data processing, telecommunications or directly related Information Technology field.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in management information systems, data processing or telecommunications in a public or business information technology organization.
• Requires three (3) years of professional experience supervising a team of Information Technology professionals in a large and highly complex public or private IT organization.

Preferred Qualifications (in Order Of Significance)

• Four (4) years of professional experience planning, designing, and implementing secure, scalable, and high-performance data center networks, including hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures such as: (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Four (4) years of professional experience developing, managing, and forecasting data center network operations budgets, conducting cost analyses, and providing financial recommendations for new technology investments.
• Four (4) years of professional experience developing, implementing, and enforcing network policies and operational procedures aligned with industry best practices (IEEE, ITIL, SCTE, and PMI) and compliance standards, while collaborating with auditors and compliance officers to ensure adherence.
• Four (4) years of professional experience managing network-related projects using ITSM, ITIL, and project management tools (Excel, MS Project or similar), ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery, while overseeing and guiding technical staff.
• Four (4) years of professional experience drafting and reviewing technical language for RFIs, RFPs, and IFBs, as well as negotiating and approving contract terms to align with network operations and organizational needs.
• Four (4) years of professional experience managing and optimizing load balancing, micro-segmentation, and cloud peering to enhance network performance, security, and scalability.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for management and stakeholders, providing expert guidance on network operations, strategies, and challenges.
• Ability to monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot data center network infrastructure, working closely with leadership and security teams to ensure high availability, reliability, and security.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging networking technologies to optimize performance, enhance efficiency, and align with organizational goals.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate new and revised KPI's for network performance, managing data collection, and reporting service management metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Conditions of Employment

NOTE: Applicants must possess the ability to meet ALL of the following conditions of employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Requires the ability to verify identity and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires employment authorization to accept permanent full-time position with State of Illinois.
• Requires the ability to pass a position specific, agency required background check.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties.
• Requires the ability to work outside of normal hours to meet deadlines.
• Requires the ability to use agency supplied equipment such as laptop, personal computer, work cell phone, etc.
• Requires the ability to lift and carry objects or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. This is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Requires adherence to the revolving door restrictions outlined in 5 ILCS 430/5-45. Consequently, employees should be aware that in the event of receiving a non-State employment offer during state employment or within one year immediately following the termination of State employment, they are required to inform the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor before accepting such non-State employment. Failure to notify the OEIG may result in the imposition of a fine.
• Requires compliance with the provisions outlined in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, necessitating the occupant of this position to file of a Statement of Economic Interest. Pursuant to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.), specific state officials and employees are required to annually submit Statements of Economic Interest to the Office of the Secretary of State, which will be accessible to the public for examination and copying. Employees subject to this requirement must also file a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission, as specified in Executive Order 15-09. Failure to submit these statements in a timely manner may result in fines and penalties.
• The conditions of employment listed are incorporated and/or related to any duties included in the position description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Headquarter Location: 201 W Adams St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704-1874