Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is seeking a Manager of Network Services and Operations (NSO) who will serve as a thought leader in their space, inspire a team that provides critical support to our organization and clients and report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). 
 
The Manager of NSO will be responsible for the strategy, development, implementation, and support of our datacenters, networking and telecommunications infrastructure, cloud technologies, and complex data collection technology solutions across multiple offices.  
 
The Manager of NSO will manage day-to-day operations, make technology recommendations, and develop and maintain all necessary corporate hardware and software to ensure a resilient and high-performing network infrastructure.
 
As a member of the IT Leadership Team, this role will interface with senior management across the firm to develop and implement strategies that have a direct impact on process efficiency and competitive capabilities for the company. 
 
The responsibilities include the following but are not limited to:
 
Technology Planning and Management
 
•    Coordinate and communicate closely with IT and business leaders across the organization on projects and initiatives that create impact for the company and our clients
•     Develop, maintain, and monitor a technology roadmap
•     Stay current with trends in information technology and advise on innovative technologies and solutions
•     Assess existing technologies and infrastructure and make recommendations for improvement
•     Assist IT team in the design and implementation of technologies to ensure uninterrupted operations of our network and telecommunication technology services and data collection systems
•     Scope and implement network security hardware/software and recommend network capacity planning and design of new and expanded network technology   
•     Participate in technical requirements gathering and continuous process improvement activities

System and Network Operations
 
•    Ensure delivery and operation of network and telecommunication services by monitoring systems performance
•    Identify, investigate, and eliminate security vulnerabilities in a timely matter to increase data security and manage reporting and resolution of network and telecommunication system incidents 
•    Maintain documentation of all software/hardware changes and updates according to industry standards and procedures
•    Create, maintain, and educate on disaster recovery policies and procedures for the organization

Business and Staff Management
 
•     Collaborate across the organization to create efficiency, process improvements, and eliminate redundancies 
•     Adeptly manage project timelines, budgets, and resources 
•     Provide technical guidance, counsel, and direction for all individuals on the team, as needed, to resolve technical issues
•     Manage vendor relationships, develop strategic partnerships and negotiating terms in the best interest of the organization
•     Oversee the planning and budgeting for all network and telecommunication services  
•     Develop, implement, and maintain business plans, policies, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency of network and telecommunication services 
•     Recruit, motivate, and develop staff
•     Conduct annual performance review for staff and develop professional development plan to provide growth and improvement opportunities

Basic Qualifications:
  
•    Bachelor's degree in a computer science related field with a minimum of 10 years of progressive network services experience including leadership experience; or a minimum of 15 years of progressive network services experience including 10 years of leadership experience.

•    Demonstrated experience in:

o    Developing and growing talent
o    Managing change
o    Project management skills and ability to manage large network and telecommunications projects
o    Managing and negotiating with external vendors/partners

•      Proficiency with

o    AWS, Office 365, and Microsoft Azure related cloud technologies
o    FISMA security standards
o    VoIP, SIP, Nortel phone system, UCaaS
o    Citrix XenApp, XenDesktop, Netscaler technologies 
o    Vmware technologies
o    Cohesity technologies
o    Certifications in cloud technologies a plus

This role will make the most of your ability to be detail-oriented with excellent organization and analytical and problem-solving skills. Your ability to gather information effectively and make quick decisions, forge trusting, consultative relationships, navigate ambiguity and communicate clearly and effectively with senior IT, business, and services leaders will be key.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

 

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.