Special Instructions to Applicants:All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.
Position Summary
As a member of the Office of Information Technology's (OIT) Enterprise Infrastructure (EI) team, the Manager of Cloud & Collaboration Platforms oversees the technical administration and staff in the following disciplines: cloud compute platforms, cloud collaboration platforms, email routing infrastructure, email security infrastructure, and hybrid collaboration services infrastructure. The manager is responsible for all aspects of the team's performance, maintenance of systems infrastructure, and continual improvement of cloud compute and collaboration platforms in alignment with Enterprise Infrastructure (EI) goals and strategy. This role requires strong technical and leadership expertise in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, along with a deep understanding of email routing, security needs, administrative roles, user license assignment, and cloud-native service architecture. This position will engage and collaborate across OIT, OIT Partners, and EI peers to develop and implement scalable and secure hybrid collaboration services solutions, architecture plans, technology roadmaps, and project plans. Operates as a thought leader, using expertise to drive strategy and facilitate smooth and effective teamwork on cross-departmental projects.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Five years of related experience in managing enterprise system infrastructure, leading support staff, including system administrators, engineers, and architects, and demonstrating progressive expertise in the administration and oversight of enterprise collaboration platforms, email infrastructure, routing, security platforms, and cloud compute infrastructure services
Skills Required
Advanced knowledge of email routing and infrastructure standards, architecture, and implementation
Advanced proficiency in the administration and operation of Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online) and/or Google Workspace (Gmail) collaboration platforms
Knowledge of cloud storage and collaboration platforms, including OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, Sharepoint, Confluence, and MS Teams
Proven knowledge of and experience in implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email security frameworks
Ability to troubleshoot issues and identify solutions in complex and disparate systems environments
Proven ability to lead and execute large deployments and implementation projects in a team environment
Strong interpersonal, analytical, presentation, and critical thinking skills
Strong customer service and communication skills
Self-motivated and actively shares knowledge and experience with colleagues
Vendor management skills
Familiarity with current computing, trends, and issues
Essential Functions
Provides operational management and oversight of EI collaboration platforms team and infrastructure, including cloud compute platforms, cloud collaboration platforms, email routing infrastructure, email security infrastructure, and hybrid collaboration services infrastructure
Lead efforts to design, implement, and maintain robust email infrastructure leveraging cloud services that can handle increasing volumes of email traffic while ensuring high reliability and availability
Provide advanced infrastructure troubleshooting assistance and routinely collaborate with other University departments and OIT teams on operational issues, projects, and other initiatives
Manages complex projects (both technically and logistically) including project planning, implementation, staff allocation, and staff performance
Proactively identifies opportunities to better leverage tools, improve processes, or enhance services to be more efficient and effective
Work with clients and departments both inside and outside of OIT to ensure satisfactory delivery of services in an efficient manner
Compares, evaluates, and recommends new technologies and enhancements to improve and enhance the infrastructure environment, including proposed implementation plans, dependencies, and resource requirements
Recruits, retains, manages, and mentors staff
Ensures documentation of internal processes, standards, and procedures
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions
Provides feedback and updates to support staff, project teams, and OIT Leadership
Designs and provides insight and feedback on technical proposals, presentations, and other project development documents related to Enterprise Infrastructure
Develops and maintains standard operating procedures, procedures, and related system infrastructure documentation
Develop and maintain solutions to streamline routine administrative tasks using cloud-native tools
Works with OIT staff and appropriate university customers to anticipate operational changes associated with information technology
Preferences
Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field
Experience
Experience with Windows Active Directory and associated RBAC/Group Policy infrastructure
Experience with Microsoft Azure, Azure Active Directory, AWS, and GCP cloud platforms
Experience with the administration and deployment of next-generation data center firewalls and micro-segmentation
Experience managing enterprise backup systems and related data recovery technologies
Implementation of security controls and zero-trust practices
Familiarity with Project Management methodologies, and experience as a project technical lead
Familiarity with the ITIL service delivery framework, including Incident, Change, and Problem management
Prior experience working in a Higher Education environment
Skills
Private cloud compute
Cloud networking and security
Advanced knowledge of email and collaboration technologies, their usage, adoption, and management
License / Certification
Cloud Collaboration Platforms certifications (MS365, Google Workspace)
Azure or AWS Cloud Computer certifications (associate or professional)
Microsoft systems administration/system engineer certifications (e.g., MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, MCDST)
Formal information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) training
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as a full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID-19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies.
As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University aspires to pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor.