Director of Network Infrastructure and Security

As the Director of Network Infrastructure and Security at the NYC Department of Correction, your primary responsibilities will include the design, planning, implementation, and management of the organization’s network infrastructure, particularly focusing on Cisco systems. You will lead a team of technical staff who are responsible for maintaining Local and Wide Area Networks, Routers, Switches, and Firewall security while ensuring 24x7 support across all DOC operations.

To apply for the Director of Network Infrastructure and Security position at the NYC Department of Correction, candidates must be permanent in the title of Computer Systems Manager. Additionally, preferred qualifications include over 5 years of experience in managing Cisco networks, knowledge of Wi-Fi environments, and relevant Cisco and Checkpoint Certifications, along with a Master's degree in Computer Science or a relevant combination of education and experience.

Experience with Cisco technologies is crucial for the Director of Network Infrastructure and Security role at the NYC Department of Correction. Candidates should possess at least 5 years of experience overseeing staff and managing Cisco network routers and switches, as this expertise plays a significant role in ensuring the stability and security of our network infrastructure in a large, distributed environment.

To succeed as the Director of Network Infrastructure and Security at the NYC Department of Correction, candidates should exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, project management expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Familiarity with Checkpoint Firewalls and virtual networks is also beneficial, as well as a commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of our technological frameworks.

The NYC Department of Correction offers a unique opportunity for the Director of Network Infrastructure and Security to make a meaningful impact in the community by contributing to reform initiatives within the criminal justice system. The organization prides itself on its diverse workforce, commitment to public safety, and a focus on providing employees and those in custody with a supportive environment. This position allows you to lead innovative technology projects while making a difference in people's lives.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you implemented, maintained, or troubleshot Cisco network solutions. Mention your familiarity with relevant certifications and the scale of the networks you managed. It's essential to highlight your problem-solving skills and any positive impacts your work had on network performance.

While discussing your approach to prioritizing tasks, emphasize your ability to assess project urgency versus strategic importance. Describe any tools you use for project management, such as Gantt charts or task management software, and provide examples of how you have successfully coordinated multiple priorities within your team.

In discussing network security methodologies, mention specific frameworks or protocols you have worked with, such as NIST or ISO standards. Talk about practices like regular audits, penetration testing, and staff training on security policies. Providing examples of past challenges and solutions will paint a clearer picture of your expertise.

Your response should demonstrate your leadership style, be it collaborative, authoritative, or transformational. Share examples of how you motivate your team, facilitate skill development, and address underperformance. Emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive team culture to ensure everyone feels valued.

When answering, refer to your direct experience with multicasting and IP video transmission. Talk about specific projects where you implemented these technologies and the outcomes. Highlight any challenges faced and strategies you used to ensure smooth delivery for end-users.

Explain the network monitoring tools you’ve utilized, such as SolarWinds or Nagios, and how they contribute to real-time network performance analysis. Provide specific examples of issues these tools helped you identify and resolve and the methods you used to enhance overall efficiency.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning professional development activities such as attending conferences, obtaining certifications, subscribing to industry-related publications, or participating in online forums. Share any insights you've gained from these experiences to show you're proactive about your knowledge.

In your response, walk the interviewer through the problem, your investigative process, and the solution you implemented. Be sure to illustrate your analytical skills, systematic troubleshooting abilities, and how you communicated updates to relevant stakeholders throughout the process.

Explain your method of fostering clear communication, perhaps by adapting your language according to the audience. Discuss strategies you employ to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical teams to ensure all stakeholders are well-informed and aligned on project objectives.

Talk about your proactive approach to assessing and refining network architecture regularly. Discuss techniques like performing regular audits, gathering feedback from team members, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance system performance and reliability for ingrained processes.