The planning and design of an organization’s telecommunication system, which includes voice services, data networks, and communication systems, is the responsibility of a telecommunications director. The director typically considers both the current and projected volume of an organization’s communications. She then evaluates the current telecommunications system’s efficiency and sufficiency, and makes recommendations for improvement.
A telecommunications director’s responsibilities usually include gathering information on new equipment and system developments, as well as acquisition and installation costs, adaptability to the existing system, and expected system improvements. A telecommunications director can make informed recommendations if equipment replacement or acquisition is required by researching these factors. The telecommunications director is also in charge of overseeing the installation and maintenance of equipment, as well as any operational procedures that may arise as a result of system changes.
A director is usually in charge of defining and developing a methodology that ensures the organization’s software and hardware products are compatible. It is also her responsibility to coordinate with telecommunications vendors and service providers. In most cases, the telecommunications director is also in charge of allocating resources to each office or department. She supervises the creation of equipment specifications and floor plans for equipment installation.
The telecommunications director is in charge of implementing company policies and developing telecommunications operational procedures. She supervises her subordinates’ work and reports to upper management. In order to determine the technological needs of individual departments and workers, the director facilitates communication between technical staff and other personnel.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field is usually required. Understanding of merging technologies related to telecommunications is required, as is familiarity with the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. In most cases, extensive working technical knowledge in the telecommunications field is required, though the number of years required varies by organization.
Experience in management is frequently required, as is the ability to collaborate effectively with people with varying levels of technical expertise. In order to effectively express complex technical concepts, good oral and written communication skills are also required. The candidate may also need to be able to plan a budget.
Weekly workweeks of forty hours are common, though overtime work is occasionally required, especially in emergency situations. The telecommunications director is usually required to be available on short notice during such events. In most cases, the working environment is a pleasant office.