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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICSThe Penn State Information Technology (PSU IT) Infrastructure Division is seeking a
Wireless Team Manager (Network Engineering Manager - Manager) to provide overall leadership for staff, service operations, financial management, and IT Strategic Partner (ITSP) engagement supporting the University's enterprise wireless services. This position is being filled to ensure leadership continuity following the retirement of the current Wireless Manager.
This is a
leadership-first role focused on people leadership, service ownership, and operational excellence. While a background in wireless networking is required, success in this role is defined by the ability to lead and develop teams, manage services, and deliver reliable outcomes-not by serving as the primary technical expert. The Manager is accountable for staff leadership, service delivery, and financial oversight, and works in close partnership with the Wireless Technical Lead, who provides technical leadership and architectural direction, ensuring a clear separation between people management and technical leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIESTeam Leadership & People Management- Lead, coach, and develop a team of wireless networking professionals
- Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance standards
- Conduct performance management, goal setting, and career development
- Support onboarding, training, professional development, and succession planning
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture
Service Ownership & Operational Leadership- Own the end-to-end delivery and operational health of the University's wireless (Wi-Fi) service
- Ensure operational excellence across availability, performance, incident response, and continuous improvement
- Coordinate on-call rotations, incident response, escalation management, and post-incident follow-up
- Monitor service performance, trends, and operational metrics
- Balance day-to-day operations with long-term service evolution and roadmap execution
Technical Oversight & Strategic Alignment- Provide leadership and direction for wireless service strategy without engaging in day-to-day engineering
- Partner closely with the Wireless Technical Lead, who owns detailed design and engineering direction.
- Make informed leadership decisions by understanding technical tradeoffs, risks, and service impacts
- Build and empower a knowledgeable, self-sufficient team by ensuring staff have the skills, context, and authority needed to execute effectively
Budget, Financial & Lifecycle Management- Develop, manage, and oversee the wireless team and budget
- Plan and forecast capital and operational expenses
- Manage lifecycle planning for wireless infrastructure in alignment with service priorities
- Ensure spending aligns with institutional goals and service outcomes
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
IT Strategic Partner (ITSP) & Stakeholder Collaboration- Serve as the primary management point of contact for IT Strategic Partners (ITSPs) related to wireless services
- Coordinate ITSP engagement, communication, and alignment with service standards and priorities
- Ensure consistent service delivery and expectations across colleges and administrative units
- Partner with ITSPs and stakeholders to understand needs, communicate roadmaps, and manage service impacts
- Support escalation, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts involving ITSPs
Change, Communication & Continuous Improvement- Lead the team through technology, service, and operational change
- Identify opportunities to improve reliability, consistency, and user experience
- Champion standardization where appropriate while enabling local needs
- Communicate service status, risks, priorities, and financial outlook to leadership
- Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Actively engage a broad and diverse consumer base to gather feedback, translate insights into prioritized improvements, and drive measurable service outcomes
QUALIFICATIONS Qualified candidates will demonstrate strength across several of the following areas:
- Experience in IT or infrastructure services
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing services
- Background in enterprise networking, with experience in wireless (Wi-Fi) environments
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and people management skills
- Experience managing enterprise wireless services in large, complex environments (e.g., higher education, healthcare, large enterprises)
- Experience managing services at scale with high availability expectations
- Experience working with or leading IT Strategic Partner (ITSP) or federated IT engagement models
- Familiarity with modern Wi-Fi architectures, authentication models, and client diversity
- Experience with budget planning, financial oversight, and lifecycle planning
- Experience leading teams through organizational or technology change
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE - A motivated, high-performing wireless team that collaborates effectively and delivers results
- A stable, reliable, and continuously improving Wi-Fi service for all users
- Clear ownership, prioritization, and proactive communication across projects and teams
- Strong leadership confidence in the direction and management of the wireless service
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
LOCATIONThis position offers significant remote work opportunities; however, periodic on-site work is required based on operational needs. Candidates should live in the local area or be willing to travel to campus as needed at their own expense. Participation in an on-call rotation is required and occasional overnight travel may be needed.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAWPenn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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