The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Network Operations Manager at the KRESA Service Center in Portage, Michigan. This is an in-person role.

The essential duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
Lead and mentor the network team, fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity, and high performance
Support team members' professional development through coaching and training
Ensure that the datacenter, fiber optics, leased circuits and network hardware for KRESA and our partner districts are properly maintained and secure
Responsible for ensuring highly reliable Internet access for KRESA and all partner districts by Monitoring network performance and proposing necessary upgrades or improvements
Manage network-related projects using industry-standard management frameworks (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timely delivery
Communicate network changes, upgrades, or outages to MiTech staff and key stakeholders
Recommend, manage, and support physical security systems such as electronic building access controls and video surveillance systems
Install and configure network hardware, providing high-level troubleshooting and support to ensure optimal performance and reliability
Ability to resolve critical/complex issues (routing/switching, wireless, firewall, VoIP, surveillance/access control), performing deep-dive troubleshooting and coordinating resolution
Maintain proficiency in core technologies by regularly participating in configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities alongside the team staff
Lead RFP technical requirements development for partner districts and participate directly in evaluation and implementation planning (including hands-on validation of proposed solutions)
Partner with our E-rate consultant and Site Coordinators to obtain funding for network projects • Manage network operations center (NOC), including incident response
Ensure network related items in the disaster recovery plan are regularly updated and tested
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for unplanned outages, developing actionable insights to prevent future occurrences
Ensure network documentation (diagrams, inventories, configurations) remains current and usable by others for continuity of operations
Create network documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Act as the Project Manager for all networking projects, creating user stories, and leading appropriate meetings to ensure district needs are met
Troubleshoot and repair network cabling as needed
Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a:

Bachelor's degree in related field required
Scrum, Agile, or Kanban project management
5+ years of professional IT experience, at least two of which were in a supervisory capacity showing a strong history of customer service, teamwork, and innovation
Experience installing and maintaining network systems such as firewalls, switches, wireless networking, video surveillance, and telephony
Experience working with bond consultants and construction planning committees
Experience with E-Rate grant filing
Experience managing network security, authentication and security protocols, security vulnerabilities and remediation techniques
Experienced in network cabling installation and repairs
Experience with various networked K-12 technologies, including, clocks, bells, public address, access controls, cameras, classroom and conference room audio visual systems

Certificates, License, Registration: One or more related certifications such as: Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) or equivalent, Cisco CCNE (Cisco Certified Network Engineer) or equivalent, Comp TIA N+, Security+

Other skills and abilities include:

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage direct reports, setting clear expectations, and ensuring accountability for performance and outcomes
Budgeting, planning, and procurement
Ability to troubleshoot and repair various network hardware
Ability to update and manage FortiGate firewalls and VPN connections
The candidate should have knowledge of enterprise IT security best practices, TCP/IP networks, and security architectures best practices and methodology
Team player with ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
Ability to communicate effectively including listening
Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills required
Flexible and open-minded when working with staff and various stakeholders
Works in a team-oriented fashion
Ability to efficiently troubleshoot computer and software issues
Strong ability to solve problems
Displays willingness to support and make decisions with sound judgment in timely manner
Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
Ability to write reports, correspondence, create thorough documentation and procedures
Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment
Practices safe work habits

This is a 12-month calendar position in job grade 19T with an annual rate of pay between $108,144 and $134,768.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.