Executive Director, MD Research & Education Network (MDREN)

Best Consideration Date for Applications: Friday, September 5, 2025 PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Executive Director for the Maryland Research & Education Network (MDREN) provides strategic planning, direction, and leadership for the delivery of existing and new services to MDREN members. This position monitors the evolution of network technologies and industry trends and develops roadmaps to adopt new technologies as appropriate. The Maryland Research and Education Network (MDREN) delivers high-speed, reliable networking and advanced technology services to Maryland’s education, research, and community institutions, connecting them to each other, the Internet, and Internet2. Established in 2011, MDREN fosters collaboration, innovation, and shared resources across universities, community colleges, K–12 schools, and research partners statewide. For more information about what MDREN is and who they serve, click here. RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages Operations & Service Delivery: Monitors service delivery and member experience through direct engagement and performance metrics. Builds and evaluates organizational structures to ensure effective service. Leads the design, implementation, and support of USM data and voice communication systems, including related procedures and policies. Ensures timely delivery of services. Leads Member & Partner Engagement: Facilitates the development of member communities of practice to foster peer collaboration and learning, as well as the achievement of shared goals. Builds and maintains relationships with educational institutions, research centers, state agencies, regional networks, and national network organizations. Supports the MDREN Board of Directors and related committees by preparing reports and meeting agenda items. Maintains active engagement with these groups. Leads efforts to establish and grow partnerships around next-generation networks with Maryland education and research entities, state agencies, and regional and national networks. Leads Strategic Planning Initiatives: Drives strategic focus on network reliability, robustness, and redundancy. Enhances MDREN’s value through membership growth and enhancement of networking technology and services, Participates in USM and member IT planning to align MDREN services with institutional needs. Develops, implements and updates the MDREN Strategic Plan. Manages Finances & Resource Development: Oversees procurement contracts as well as internal agreements for inter-governmental services. Manages MDREN’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities aligned with MDREN’s strategic goals. Collaborates on grant proposals development and grant management. ANNUAL SALARY: $195,000-$230,000 Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Required Education Level/Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field. Related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis, with one year of experience equivalent to 30 college credits (i.e., one year of full-time study). Candidates without a bachelor’s degree must have at least 4 years of directly related experience to substitute for the degree requirement. Required Experience: 10 years of progressive experience in enterprise technology services. Experience leading and managing technical teams, including internal staff and external contractors. Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong understanding of wide area networks (WANs), architectures, and related technologies. Awareness of current networking trends, opportunities, and challenges. Familiarity with evolving technologies and the ability to align them with changing customer needs. Proven ability to provide strategic technology leadership. Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across organizational lines and reporting structures. Skilled in initiating and managing projects, partnerships, and cross-functional activities. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse internal and external constituencies. Approachable and collaborative style that encourages open communication and idea sharing. Skilled in conflict resolution, consensus-building, and maintaining professionalism under pressure. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation delivery. Demonstrated consultative and customer-focused approach to problem-solving and service delivery. Committed to delivering high-quality service and follow-up to meet member expectations. Self-directed and accountable, with a strong sense of ethics and integrity. Flexible and resilient in dynamic, ambiguous, or evolving organizational environments. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred Education Level/Certifications: Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field. Preferred Experience: Specific experience in networking. Experience in higher education shared governance environment. Prior grant writing experience. Benefits Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 15 holidays, 3 personal leave days, 12 weeks paid parental leave. Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts. Retirement Plans: Mandatory and supplemental options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA. Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife. Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families. Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access. Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services. Click to learn more.