Director Telecom & Data Networks

FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Role

Responsible for the Information Technology (IT) Division's Data, Voice telecommunications, Security operations, and Cloud Computing environments, software, and data network and wiring infrastructure. Oversees the installation, maintenance, operation, administration, backup, and disaster recovery of telephone, data networks, telephone equipment, cloud computing infrastructures (AWS, Azure, Google, etc.), paging, and related equipment. Translates IT leadership strategies into comprehensive technical execution plans for the acquisition and maintenance of data, voice, wireless, and cloud computing networking equipment, considering evolving architecture needs and hardware solutions. Oversees the design and equipment placement for new and expanding facilities across the system, ensuring all critical technology needs are addressed.

Accountable for employee engagement, staffing levels, budget development and compliance, staffing decisions (hiring, terminating), coaching, counseling, and developing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Ensures compliance with ethical and legal business practices, accreditation, regulatory, and government regulations through training, monitoring, and operations initiatives.

Responsibilities

People

• Directs, develops, and implements strategic and operational/high-level projects and processes through independent work or facilitation of work teams.
• Oversees management and development of staff to meet quality, service, and cost-effectiveness objectives.
• Provides timely guidance and feedback to strengthen knowledge/skill areas.
• Manages selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees.
• Meets or exceeds department turnover goals and employee engagement metrics.
• Conducts regular department meetings, performance appraisals, new hire feedback, coaching, and recognition to achieve desired outcomes.
• Builds strategic relationships across teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals.
• Promotes teamwork, participates in process improvements, and fosters collaboration in a matrix organization.
• Drives enterprise-wide support for telecom and data network initiatives through cross-functional teamwork.

Service

• Oversees department operations, projects, schedules, and activities to ensure goals are met within prescribed time frames.
• Sets priorities and functional standards to ensure high customer/patient satisfaction.
• Drives department service standards to impact patient/customer-based satisfaction.
• Actively participates on entity committees as a department representative.
• Assesses vendor products and services, advising leadership on cost-efficient contracts.
• Provides space and equipment placement recommendations for new and expanding facilities.
• Collaborates with construction management to address critical technology needs.

Quality/Safety

• Ensures a safe and effective working environment; monitors and revises the department safety plan and accreditation/regulatory guidelines.
• Maintains staff credentials and competencies per accrediting/licensing agency requirements.
• Optimizes safe outcomes and information systems through workflow improvements and collaboration.
• Implements process improvements using lean principles and role models situational awareness.
• Ensures employee compliance with policies and procedures, addressing non-compliance as needed.
• Proactively identifies technical limitations and key product requirements, driving solutions.
• Ensures disaster recovery planning and processes are up to date.

Finance

• Develops and manages department operational and capital budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Proactively plans for capital needs related to current and future projects.
• Ensures staffing plans and schedules meet department needs with a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Creates strategies to achieve financial targets and staffing needs through productivity and efficiency.
• Creates progress reports, project timelines, and spending accruals for architecture implementation initiatives.

Growth/Innovation

• Identifies and implements innovative solutions for workflow improvements to enhance operations.
• Leads task forces, committees, and represents Houston Methodist at community/professional meetings.
• Drives change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness amid major changes in work responsibilities or environment.
• Partners effectively with stakeholders and ensures career development discussions for self and staff.
• Completes and updates My Development Plan (MDP) and conducts staff development conversations.
• Applies broad knowledge of product/service capabilities to identify new opportunities and emerging technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years of IT experience, including five years of people management experience.
• Five years of experience in telecommunications and/or information technology with a focus on voice connectivity and data networking.
• Three years of experience managing and supporting Cloud Computing or private hybrid cloud infrastructure and networking.
• Experience overseeing cloud infrastructure services implementations, including design and implementation of availability, scalability, and performance plans.
• For internal candidates: three years of people management experience at Houston Methodist demonstrating leadership responsibility.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions impacting safety.
• Ability to interact with others to instill confidence in intentions and the organization.
• Uses appropriate interpersonal styles to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; adapts behavior to accommodate tasks and individuals.
• Demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, self-direction, initiative, and effective communication skills.
• Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses data to draw conclusions and develop solutions.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements; stays abreast of industry changes.
• Highly effective communication skills, including strong written and platform presentation abilities.
• Works effectively in a fast-paced environment and demonstrates flexibility and adaptability.
• Leads teams, builds consensus, and garners confidence in professionalism and work product from senior leadership.
• Works under pressure, balances competing priorities, and is highly responsive and solution-oriented.
• Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.
• Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and handles confidential/sensitive information professionally.
• Expert knowledge of telecommunications systems, services, operations, and related database concepts.
• Manages and accomplishes business and workflow analysis, system definition, design, acquisition, and implementation of telecommunications systems.
• Demonstrates a hunger for solving complex problems in simple and intuitive ways.

Licenses and Certifications

• PMP - Certified Project Management Professional (PMI) preferred.
• Technical certifications preferred.

Supplemental Requirements

• Business professional attire required.
• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• May require travel within and outside the Houston Metropolitan area.