Job No. 157021
- Job Title:
- Network Architect, IT
- Employer:
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The University of Montana
- Location:
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Missoula , MT
- Posting Date:
- 12-Nov-2025
- Description:
-
Description
The University of Montana invites applications for a Network Architect for Information Technology (IT). This position is the University of Montana’s senior-most authority on network design, strategy, and long-term architecture. This role 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.
Examples of Duties and 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.
A complete application includes:
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
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
- Contact information:
- The University of Montana
- Missoula, MT 59812
- United States
- Employer's Website:
-
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