Director of IT Infrastructure & Automation

At Pavlov Media, we’re on a mission to create something extraordinary. We’re passionate about delivering a far superior internet experience to the communities we serve, powered by cutting-edge fiber technology. But it’s not just about speed and reliability—at Pavlov, we see our role as an opportunity to bring people closer together. Through the services we provide, we connect more than just devices; we help foster connections that strengthen communities, businesses, and enrich lives. If you’re looking to be part of a team that’s making a real impact, Pavlov Media is the place for you. Position Summary: The Director of IT Infrastructure & Automation leads Pavlov Media’s Systems Administration and Helpdesk teams while serving as the technical and operational driver of AI‑enabled automation across IT Operations. The role is accountable for systems reliability, uptime, incident response, and the design and execution of AI‑driven tooling and workflows that materially improve service quality, scalability, and operating efficiency. This leader is expected to move beyond strategy and personally drive the implementation of AI and automation technologies across monitoring, incident management, ticketing, capacity planning, and infrastructure operations—delivering measurable business outcomes. This position is onsite at Pavlov Media’s headquarters in Champaign, IL. Regular, in ‑ person presence is required to effectively lead teams, support real ‑ time IT operations, and drive hands ‑ on AI and automation initiatives. Primary Responsibilities: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Oversee daily IT operations, including network infrastructure, servers, systems, and end-user supportFunction as a key technical escalation resource for complex IT incidents involving server systems, network infrastructure, and on-premises hardware, driving root cause analysis and resolution.Plan, implement, and maintain IT infrastructure projectsTeam Management: Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of System Administrators and Technicians, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.System Monitoring and Management: Oversee the maintenance and monitoring of IT systems to proactively identify and address potential issues before they impact service delivery.Incident Management: Develop and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures, ensuring timely and effective resolution of network incidents and outages while minimizing service disruptions.Performance Optimization: Continuously assess system performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing optimizations and improvements to enhance user productivity, system reliability, and scalability.Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, procedures, and incident reports, as well as prepare regular reports and presentations for executive stakeholders on network performance, uptime, and compliance.Be the technical leader in AI implementation. Work closely with senior leadership to ensure AI provides value across the organization. Provide both efficiencies for technical teams and the company. Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the MIS department, fostering innovation, efficiency gains, and best practices adoption through ongoing training, process enhancements, and technology upgrades.Establish success metrics for AI and automation initiatives and report progress, outcomes, and lessons learned to executive stakeholders.Stay current on AI, automation, AIOps, and ITSM advancements and translate emerging capabilities into practical, production‑ready implementations.Champion process reengineering and tooling improvements that replace manual work with repeatable, automated, and intelligent workflows. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree desired; relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Proven experience in managing systems within the telecommunications industry.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and deliver results within established timelines.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external partners.Outstanding demonstrated ability to navigate IT systems, support tools, and other relevant software applications.Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and execution skills with a bias toward reducing manual effort through technology. Physical Requirements: The successful candidate will be able to perform the following with or without reasonable accommodation: Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer or participating in meetingsAbility to operate a computer and other standard office equipment using hands and fingersAbility to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholdersAbility to read and interpret electronic and written documentsAbility to travel within the facility as needed to support real-time IT operationsMust be able to safely perform physical activities related to IT infrastructure support, including lifting and installing server and networking equipment up to 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation. Additional Considerations This role may require occasional travel to company locations, vendor sites, or industry eventsWork outside of normal business hours may be required to support incident response or critical system activities Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is: $155,000 - $190,000 base annually Actual base pay for this job will depend on the candidate's primary work location and other factors, such as relevant skills and experience. Pavlov Media is committed to complying with the Equal Pay Act and places a strong emphasis on internal equity when determining compensation. Final pay will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and alignment with our internal equity standards, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organization. The salary banding for this role also allows room for growth, with opportunities for pay increases within the band based on performance and contributions. Compensation is one part of the total rewards package at Pavlov Media. We also offer the following benefits to support the well-being of our employees: 15 company paid holidays3 weeks PTOMedical, Dental, Vision starting day one401K with company match Health and Flexible Savings AccountLife and AD&D, Spousal Life, Child Life Insurance PlansEducational and professional reimbursementShort- and long-term disability benefits Pavlov Media is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodation.