Job Details

Position Summary

The University of Montana invites applications for a senior Network Architect position within Information Technology (IT). This role is the university's senior-most authority on network design, strategy, and long-term architecture. It partners directly with IT leadership to define the vision and standards for enterprise and statewide network infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and innovation across the institution.

The Network Architect operates with broad independence and decision-making authority, setting architectural standards, guiding investments, and advising executive leadership on networking strategy. This position represents the university in statewide and multi-campus collaborations, influencing policy and advancing the institution's position within regional and national research networks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the enterprise architect for campus and wide-area networks, defining long-term strategy, standards, and technology roadmaps
• Partner with the CIO, Associate CIO, and IT directors to align network strategy with institutional goals and priorities
• Lead evaluation and adoption of advanced technologies (cloud integration, next-generation wireless, IPv6 migration, SD-WAN, etc.)
• Establish policies and best practices for network security, performance, and interoperability in collaboration with IT Security
• Act as primary liaison with state, regional, and national research and education networks
• Represent UM in cross-institutional governance bodies, providing thought leadership and strategic input
• Provide mentorship and technical direction to network engineers, ensuring continuity of expertise and professional growth
• Oversee architectural design for disaster recovery, high availability, and business continuity planning
• Drive vendor relationships, including evaluation, negotiation, and selection of enterprise-scale networking solutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise network design and architecture
• Senior-level certifications such as CCNP, CCDP, or equivalent
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex, high-availability enterprise or statewide networks
• Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage executive leadership and external stakeholders
• Expertise in routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, VPNs, and hybrid cloud networking

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field
• Ten (10) plus years of experience in network architecture within higher education or complex public-sector organizations
• CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent senior-level certification
• Experience leading enterprise-wide transitions such as VoIP migration, fiber backbone expansion, or SD-WAN deployment
• Active participation in regional or national networking consortia (Internet2, Quilt, etc.)

Additional Information

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Application Requirements

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references – names and contact information

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Background Investigation and Reference Checks

Criminal background investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. Finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing and Eligibility

Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. All new employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required. The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. The university may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship.

Benefits

The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the Montana University System Benefits website for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.

Job Location

Missoula County, MT