Assistant Director, Systems Administration and Security

This Assistant Director, Systems Administration and Security position is with University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Manage a team responsible for enterprise level architecture, design, maintenance, and functionality of servers, virtual server environments, storage systems, backup systems, patch management, and logging and monitoring processes. Conduct weekly team meetings to drive strategy and one-on-one interactions focused on coaching, development, and performance. Actively grow and diversify technical skill sets of each staff member. Define and implement server, storage, backup and monitoring infrastructure architecture in alignment and support of the university and campus strategic plans. Manage and oversee enterprise projects, planning, timelines, and deliverables. Provide weekly updates of progress through reporting and analytics. Serve as escalation point and liaison between Infrastructure Services teams and SVP/College/Division IT teams within UITS. Participate in building relationships and sharing/advocating UITS/campus needs to develop effective enterprise solutions. Develop and execute plans for comprehensive adoption of UITS Managed Cloud Services (where appropriate), and communicate regularly with IT leadership, faculty, researchers, project and program managers, and other key stakeholders to understand business requirements and provide relevant progress updates and performance metrics. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Ability to set expectations, develop staff, and create a proactive team environment for effectively developing solutions that satisfy the business objectives of the university. Strong team-building skills particularly involving culture shifts. Proficient management, organizational, and strategic planning skills. Strong customer support and service orientation. Ability to quickly absorb technical and business requirements, develop short- and long-term strategies, and implement a plan to produce tested and usable solutions. In-depth understanding of systems administration practices and technologies, including Windows and Linux server operating systems, AWS cloud computing services, systems security and monitoring, and incident, problem, and change management. Ability to exercise sound judgment in complex, fast-paced situations. Ability to work effectively with peers in joint decision-making and in accepting and implementing decisions made by others. Proven ability to grasp complex technologies, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of technology innovations and options to make recommendations and justify decisions. Ability to manage time, schedule, and attend activities independently with little direct supervision. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate highly technical concepts and details to the layperson. Ability to develop partnerships with other units or outside entities to enhance and expand services. Ability to function as a change agent. Ability to demonstrate initiative, good judgment and effective decision-making; exhibit strong process improvement orientation; and achieve results through other programs and individuals. Ability to lead and manage conflict effectively at all levels of the organization.