Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
posted 5 months ago
The Communications Manager, under the direction of the IT Director, is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Communications team, which supports all of the critical communication infrastructure of the Tribe across government, gaming & hospitality, health, and enterprises. This position plays a crucial role in strategic planning for future communication infrastructure and directs the Communication team in designing, building, and supporting connectivity, including all fiber and low voltage cabling infrastructure, WAN links connecting all tribal entities, cellular networks, Wi-Fi infrastructure, internet access, and broadband development initiatives. The Communications Manager oversees the voice communication strategy and infrastructure, which includes PBXs, VoIP systems, voicemail, all phones, voice responders, call centers, unified communication initiatives, cellular providers, and all vendors, service agreements, and on-premise hardware that supports this communication. Additionally, the role is responsible for Wi-Fi and wireless communication infrastructure within all facilities as well as external deployed wireless communication and network systems. The manager also oversees, recommends, and maintains all A/V infrastructure (outside of entertainment facilities) that supports content management systems, video displays, and audio and video conferencing infrastructure and connectivity for board meetings, conference rooms, healthcare services, and organizational video conference solutions. In terms of leadership and team management, the Communications Manager will oversee and lead the IT Communications team, providing coaching, performance management, and ensuring efficient task delegation. The role fosters a collaborative and results-oriented team environment, promoting continuous learning and development. Establishing clear communication channels and expectations for the team is essential to ensure alignment with departmental goals. The manager will work closely with the IT Director and other managers to prepare all Communications budget requests annually and as necessary throughout the year, overseeing low voltage cabling and connectivity design, planning, and installation for all new tribe facilities. From a technical expertise and infrastructure management perspective, the Communications Manager provides strategic direction and oversight for all low voltage cabling, WAN lines, telecommunications infrastructure, A/V systems, internet access, and Wi-Fi networks. The role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communication infrastructure plans, considering scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Managing vendor relationships for telecommunication services and network equipment is crucial, including negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal service delivery. The manager will proactively monitor and troubleshoot network issues, ensuring uptime and efficient system operation while implementing and enforcing security protocols to safeguard the organization's communication infrastructure. Staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices is necessary to recommend and implement upgrades when necessary. In terms of communication and strategic planning, the Communications Manager will develop clear and concise communication strategies to inform stakeholders about planned network outages, upgrades, and maintenance procedures. Collaborating with IT leadership and other departments to integrate communication infrastructure plans with overall business objectives is essential. The role also involves generating reports on network performance and capacity, providing insights for future planning and resource allocation, and identifying and implementing communication solutions that enhance collaboration and information sharing within the organization.