In 2019, Oregon's four largest public research universities (Oregon Health & Sciences University, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon), and the State of Oregon (Enterprise Information Services) formed an Oregon non-profit organization, the Oregon Fiber Partnership (dba Link Oregon), to serve as a new statewide networking organization and to develop and operated associated network infrastructure. Link Oregon's goals are:

1. to provide a facilities-based, middle-mile, fiber-optic network capable of supporting innovative state and national research projects requiring the movement of large amounts of data within Oregon, to national and international research networks, and to major cloud computing resources; and
2. to deliver affordable broadband, Internet access and other needed network services that enable Oregon's public, educational, and non-profit sector organizations to operate effectively and achieve their collective educational, research, healthcare, and public service missions.

The Executive Director (ED) will make Oregon a leader among other states in the manner through which these goals are achieved together and will create new opportunities for research, service, and intrastate, regional, and national collaboration.

 

The ED acts on behalf of, and reports to, the Link Oregon Board of Directors. The ED builds and maintains positive relationships among the Link Oregon founding members and between Link Oregon and its stakeholders, including state and national policymakers, funders, and regular members from diverse communities (e.g., libraries, colleges, local governments, K-12 school districts). The ED is Oregon’s leader and presence in the national peer community of higher education and research, and other peer networks.

 

The ED sets goals and manages the Link Oregon organization through effective engagement with governance and advisory groups. The ED develops strategic plans and business plans to set the direction of Link Oregon and ensure its success. The ED ensures the financial health of the Link Oregon organization and is responsible for obtaining adequate funding, whether from fees, grants, e-Rate, or other forms of support. The ED manages costs, develops budgets, and determines the division of costs and development of fee structures when needed. The ED identifies opportunities for expansion of the services offered by Link Oregon, including federal and state funding opportunities, and develops business and implementation plans as needed to realize those opportunities.

 

The ED is responsible for the successful development and management of the Link Oregon network, including its organization, administration, and its technical infrastructure. The ED has overall responsibility across the breadth of technical and business operations that comprise the establishment and operation of a statewide network including acquisition and maintenance of fiber or network services, managing a technology portfolio and operations staff, and developing and delivering a set of services that meet or exceed expected service levels.

 

Please note that all Link Oregon team members are expected to meet the following commitments:

 

• Data Statement: Link Oregon has a commitment to deliver data as a strategic working asset and to enable data informed decision making. Link Oregon leaders and staff will lead by example and use data to inform decision making at all levels in the organization. Individuals in technology roles are also expected to design systems with data portability in mind and work within enterprise architecture and privacy guidelines.
• DEIA Statement: Link Oregon has a deep commitment to and belief in the strength and value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) both throughout our team and as an intentional and active practice to advance the vision, mission, and strategic efforts of the organization. As the leader of Link Oregon, the ED is expected to foster and promote the values of DEIA and to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence in their work.
• Security Statement: Proactively securing and protecting Link Oregon’s digital assets and information systems is crucial to our mission and vision to create and operate a statewide, high-speed, fiber-optic network for the public and non-profit sectors that enhances every level of education, improves healthcare and government services, facilitates information sharing, and positions Oregon at the forefront of research and innovation. All Link Oregon professionals have a direct responsibility for the provision of high quality and secure IT systems and services. Individuals in technology roles are expected to be responsive to security related actions and requirements, and to collaborate to find secure ways to support the Link Oregon community and their missions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years professional experience in assigned functional areas

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated successful managerial and leadership experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of networking and communication technology
• Demonstrated understanding of the technical needs and practices of a statewide regional optical network
• History of managing network serving organizations for public and non-profit sectors that enhance education, improve healthcare and government services, and facilitate information sharing, research, and innovation with community-based governance
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to represent Link Oregon effectively in the region and nationally with members, external constituents, statewide stakeholders, and federal officials.
• Extensive knowledge of networking, communications and data center technology, trends, relevant regulations, and best practices for delivering infrastructure services and support operations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, colleagues, members, business partners, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to seek and achieve consensus that leads to productive and effective provision of services. Demonstrated ability to manage human and fiscal resources, including a large and complex budget.
• Demonstrated proficiency in planning and leading change.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Manage confidential and sensitive information. This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and be deemed fit for duty at placement and while serving in the position.
• For leadership positions, a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity is a required qualification. For all other positions, it is a preferred qualification.

This position is a teleworking position however, applicants must be residents of Oregon. 

Position requires some travel around the state including to Salem and Portland. 

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.