The Communications Manager, under the direction of the IT Director, is responsible for the oversight of the day-day operations of the Communications team, which supports all of the critical communication infrastructure of the Tribe across government, gaming & hospitality, health and enterprises. Along with strategic planning for future communication infrastructure, this position directs and supervises 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.  Oversees the all voice communication strategy and infrastructure including PBXs, VoIP systems, voicemail, all phones, voice responders, call centers, unified communication initiatives, cellular providers and all of the many vendors, service agreements and on-premise hardware that supports this communication.  Responsible for Wi-Fi and wireless communication infrastructure within all facilities as well as external deployed wireless communication and network systems.  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, health care services and organization video conference solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

Leadership and Team Management:

Oversee and lead the IT Communications team, providing coaching, performance management, and ensuring efficient task delegation. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment, promoting continuous learning and development. Establish clear communication channels and expectations for the team, ensuring alignment with departmental goals. Work closely with the IT Director and other managers to prepare all Communications budget requests annually and as necessary throughout the year. Oversee low voltage cabling and connectivity design, planning and installation for all new tribe facilities.

Technical Expertise and Infrastructure Management:

Provide strategic direction and oversight for all low voltage cabling, WAN lines, telecommunications infrastructure, A/V systems, internet access, and Wi-Fi networks. Develop and implement comprehensive communication infrastructure plans, considering scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Manage vendor relationships for telecommunication services and network equipment, negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal service delivery. Proactively monitor and troubleshoot network issues, ensuring uptime and efficient system operation. Implement and enforce security protocols to safeguard the organization's communication infrastructure. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices, recommending and implementing upgrades when necessary.

Communication and Strategic Planning:

Develop clear and concise communication strategies to inform stakeholders about planned network outages, upgrades, and maintenance procedures. Collaborate with IT leadership and other departments to integrate communication infrastructure plans with overall business objectives. Generate reports on network performance and capacity, providing insights for future planning and resource allocation. Identify and implement communication solutions that enhance collaboration and information sharing within the organization.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

 

Develop and maintain documentation for communication systems and infrastructure configurations. Participate in the development and implementation of disaster recovery plans for communication systems. Monitors and identifies capacity and performance issues for Telecommunications, LAN, and WAN network traffic to ensure continued, uninterrupted operation of Telecommunications and Information Technology systems and services. Develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, documentation and training plans for communication systems. All other job-related duties as assigned.

 

CONTACTS:

 

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Board of Directors, customers and outside vendors/service providers.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Position heavy with dual lifting of 100 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of color vision, typing; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, use of hearing, driving, bending; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, manual handling, use of smell, near/midrange/far vision and field of vision. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, wet/humidity, noise and air quality. Potential hazards include constant computer use and occasional exposure to electric shock, high exposed places, chemicals and equipment.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Information Systems Management or five years demonstrated ability in relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

 

Experience: A minimum of three years in a management role in a technical support environment is required in addition to the above-stated education requirements.

 

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver's license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must undergo a Criminal background investigation done under the rules of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have knowledge of current principals, practices, protocols and standards of networking, communications, telecommunications, LAN, WAN, Wireless, Wi-Fi, PBX, VoIP, Voicemail, Interactive Voice Services, Call Accounting Systems, internet access and protocols and low voltage infrastructure cabling systems.. Must have knowledge of principles and practices of information technology project management. Must have working knowledge of local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN) business communications such as internet, e-mail systems, telecommunications and data communications.  Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form; explain technical concepts in non-technical terms to clients and team members. Must be able to read, interpret and apply technical instructions. Must be able to prepare clear and concise written communications. Must be able to research technical manuals and guides to respond to user questions. Must be able to prioritize requests, organize, schedule, and coordinate a variety of activities and projects. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors and the general public. Must have excellent project management skills; provide strong leadership, prioritize project tasks, meet project deadlines and effectively communicate with team members, coworkers, subordinates and the general public. Native American preferred.