Chief Technology Officer - Connecticut Education Network

About Connecticut Education Network (CEN)

CEN is Connecticut’s dedicated Research and Education network, providing high-speed internet connectivity and secure shared services tailored for community anchor institutions across the state. With more than 25 years of service, CEN supports education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, cultural arts, and open-access entities, offering reliable, scalable, and secure networking solutions. The organization values trust, partnership, collaboration, and dependable service, working closely with members and peer R&E networks nationwide to foster exceptional benefit for its communities.

Position Overview

The Chief Technology Officer is a senior leadership role responsible for aligning CEN’s strategic goals with operational excellence, and driving continuous enhancements of network infrastructure, platform services, and cybersecurity capabilities. The CTO leads expert teams in engineering, operations, and systems management ensuring dependable daily operations and spearheading long-term technology planning supporting CEN’s mission to link Connecticut’s community institutions effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and guide the implementation of CEN’s multi-year technology strategy and architecture.
• Ensure technology investments support organizational objectives and financial plans.
• Engage with leadership and committees on policy, governance, and strategic direction.
• Collaborate regionally and nationally with Research & Education partners.
• Provide executive leadership in technology cost, risk, and return analyses.
• Recruit, lead, evaluate, and retain skilled technical personnel fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented culture.
• Manage organizational structure, performance standards, and subcontracted roles within the technology teams.
• Oversee 24/7 operational excellence for CEN’s statewide network including capacity planning, resilience, lifecycle management, and cybersecurity architecture.
• Lead cloud integration, interconnection, peering, caching partnerships, and identity/access management strategies.
• Manage technical budgets, KPIs, contracts, and ensure alignment with CEN’s value proposition.
• Drive service innovation, support grant development, and represent CEN in external forums and member engagements.
• Maintain strong presence in-office with hybrid scheduling flexibility; support occasional off-hours work and required travel within state and region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Systems or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in technology within service provider, R&E, or large enterprise environments.
• At least 5 years’ leadership experience managing complex technical teams.
• Proven expertise with mission-critical high-capacity IP networks including backbone or optical transport.
• Deep experience leading multi-year technology strategies aligned with funding and mission goals.
• Demonstrated ability in 24x7 operational management, resiliency, lifecycle, and cybersecurity oversight.
• Strong communication skills capable of conveying technical strategy to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of network security technologies like DDoS mitigation, firewalls, and identity access management.

Preferred Enhancements

• Advanced degrees such as Master’s or PhD.
• Background in Research & Education networks or non-profit ISPs.
• Experience with large-scale network upgrades or transformations (e.g., 100G/400G networks, optical, cloud).
• Project management certification or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity overseeing SOC/SIEM, federated security services, and automation-driven operations.
• Relevant professional certifications in networking, security, or cloud technologies.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range $140,000 to $175,000, based on experience.
• 40-hour workweek.
• Retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Comprehensive and affordable health insurance options.
• 22 paid vacation days annually plus sick leave and 13 paid holidays.
• Tuition waivers available for employees and dependents.
• Supportive work environment promoting work-life balance.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

• Employment contingent upon passing a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Strong in-office presence expected, with hybrid work schedule available.
• Engagement may require physical activity including site visits and occasional lifting.
• Valid driver's license required with travel throughout the state and region.
• Position is full-time with potential renewal dependent on performance and funding.
• Subject to collective bargaining agreement between the University and its employees’ association.
• The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion without discrimination on any protected status.

Application Process

Candidates must demonstrate meeting minimum qualifications in the resume and cover letter including professional references. The posting will be open until August 5, 2026.