How to hire a director, network operations

How to hire a director, network operations, step by step

Here's a step-by-step director, network operations hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a director, network operations job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new director, network operations
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a director, network operations do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the director, network operations you need to hire. Certain director, network operations roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A director, network operations's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, directors, network operations from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of directors, network operations and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Director, Network Operations	Description	Hourly rate
   Director, Network Operations	Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians... Show more	$49-91
   Information Technology Director	An information technology (IT) Director is a professional responsible for the management, strategy, and execution of an organization's IT infrastructure. He/She supervises a team of workers while working with the organization's management and external vendors and advisors... Show more	$46-94
   Vice President Of Information Technology	A Vice President Of Information Technology supervises an organization's technology initiatives, IT changes, and updates to all projects. They also identify and propose new information technologies and systems to improve business processes and decision-making.	$52-111

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Network Management
   • Network Development
   • SAN
   • Direct Reports
   • IPA
   • Gap Analysis
   • Oversight
   • Network Operations
   • Network Infrastructure
   • Provider Network
   • Customer Service
   • Switches
   • Cisco Asa
   • Project Management

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage conversion from dumb terminals to PC's.
   • Manage meetings and reports for subscription and transitional projects for DoD accounts.
   • Help ensure PCI, HIPAA, and HITECH compliance are achieved and maintain.
   • Manage the network operation group as well as provide Sr. level UNIX administration.
   • Lead transition from VMS to Unix base systems and databases from legacy VMS base platforms.
   • Lead the implementation of a LAN-to-LAN VPN network connecting all company sites through secure Internet gateways.

   More director, network operations duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your director, network operations job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A director, network operations can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, directors, network operations' average salary in north dakota is 38% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level directors, network operations 47% less than senior-level directors, network operations.
   • Certifications. A director, network operations with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a director, network operations's salary.

   Average director, network operations salary

   $140,236yearly

   $67.42 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level director, network operations salary

   $102,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average director, network operations salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$179,083	$86
   2	Washington	$174,449	$84
   3	Nevada	$158,275	$76
   4	Alaska	$153,831	$74
   5	Oregon	$153,734	$74
   6	Arizona	$138,162	$66
   7	New York	$137,154	$66
   8	District of Columbia	$136,833	$66
   9	Massachusetts	$136,444	$66
   10	New Mexico	$134,759	$65
   11	Louisiana	$134,620	$65
   12	Montana	$132,210	$64
   13	Colorado	$131,335	$63
   14	Virginia	$131,147	$63
   15	Florida	$130,719	$63
   16	Pennsylvania	$129,834	$62
   17	North Carolina	$117,996	$57
   18	Minnesota	$115,777	$56
   19	Texas	$114,577	$55
   20	Illinois	$111,448	$54

   Average director, network operations salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$206,229	$99.15	226
   2	Uber Technologies	$182,131	$87.56
   3	McKinsey & Company Inc	$181,852	$87.43
   4	Microsoft	$174,940	$84.11	35
   5	Kaiser Permanente	$174,881	$84.08	24
   6	Palo Alto Networks	$169,842	$81.65	3
   7	Nike	$169,771	$81.62
   8	Macy's	$166,401	$80.00	2
   9	Michaels Stores	$160,927	$77.37	17
   10	Ross Stores	$160,351	$77.09	2
   11	Wayfair	$155,714	$74.86	4
   12	ON24	$155,081	$74.56
   13	Multicare Companies Inc.	$154,805	$74.43	12
   14	Corporation for Public Broadcasting	$154,195	$74.13
   15	Health Alliance	$153,871	$73.98	2
   16	Children's Hospital Los Angeles	$153,513	$73.80	1
   17	Coney Island Prep	$153,173	$73.64
   18	Community Health Systems	$152,655	$73.39	73
   19	University of California	$151,748	$72.96	18
   20	Houston Methodist	$151,628	$72.90	24

4. Writing a director, network operations job description

   A good director, network operations job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a director, network operations job description:

   Director, network operations job description example

   Lead provider innovation, initiatives and network strategies including network provider pricing/fee schedules, cost optimization, trend analysis, Provider Network improvement opportunities, value-based contracting, provider incentive programs and other strategies while continuously improving quality, access and customer satisfaction; exhibiting insight, innovation and leadership.
   
   Maintain accountability for specific medical cost initiatives with an emphasis on executing productive provider contracts.
   
   Serve as liaison between the organization, hospital physician, IPA and ancillary leaders to develop, communicate, and execute strategic direction.
   
   Build relationships with internal senior stakeholders to align objectives, develop strategy, and maximize outcomes; work cross-functionally to integrate Provider Network plans, activities and policies throughout the enterprise to meet corporate objectives.
   
   Direct and supervise Network staff in operations and relationship management associated with Enterprise goals
   
   Develop and implement Provider Network innovation and optimization standards and guidelines to increase market share, revenue growth, and quality outcomes.
   Responsibilities:
   
   Contract Management:
   Lead strategic provider relationships which includes negotiating, implementing and maintaining some of the most competitive and complex contracts with large health systems, hospital partners, physicians, IPA, ancillary providers and other provider entities. Oversee staff that has day to day responsibility for managing the relationships that supports the EmblemHealth Provider Network, serving as escalation point for internal staff and external contacts regarding resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems that affect major contract functions, performance or relationships. Meet regularly with providers at Joint Oversight Committee meetings to address all financial, operational, quality and contractual issues. Participate in workgroups in which the Provider Network department is a stakeholder.
   Financial Reporting:
   Maintain Provider Support reserves for all contracts managed. Attend routine Finance/Actuary meetings and report Provider Network updates. Develop executive financial dashboards and reports reflecting underpayment and overpayment activities and payment trends. Lead the provider settlement process.
   Department Policy/Workflow Development, Training, and Implementation:
   Work within the guidelines outlined in the Provider Network Contracting End to End process (planning, negotiation, and implementation phases) to develop contracting strategies, evaluate the current performance of contracts, assist in forming the model to evaluate and proposals or counter proposals received or sent to hospitals, facilities and any type of providers; evaluate impact of reimbursement rates and/or methodologies. Implement strategies to achieve financial targets. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and workflows for Provider Network department and all types of providers. Identify training needs within the Department and external providers; coordinating training and developing materials to support same. Staff development and training as needed to maintain efficient operations and growth.
   Strategic Projects:
   Responsible for implementation of HCCI or other Provider Network projects as assigned by leadership. Manage strategic positioning for provider contracting, identifying and acting upon opportunities for greater value-orientation and/or other business/network development opportunities. Stay attuned to industry and market trends and research on best practices and initiatives in developing new and innovative payment and network models that support quality-driven health care.
   Network Compliance:
   Ensure Provider Network contract compliance with all Plan and regulatory requirements. Ensure timely responses to regulatory agencies (i.e. NYSDOH, DFS) in response to all Provider Network regulatory and compliance inquiries.
   
   Qualifications:
   Bachelor's degree in Health or Business Administration or a related field required Master's degree preferred (MBA, MPH, MA) 10+ years' experience in the health care industry with increasing responsibility including staff management (R) 10+ years prior experience (contracting, provider and/or vendor management) (R) Staff management experience preferred (P) Familiarity with provider community and health care marketplace trends and superior knowledge of NYS hospital reimbursement and managed care laws and regulations. (R) Network management, provider/facility service and contracting experience (R) Strong quantitative skills including the ability to identify trends, analyze and interpret financial and utilization data (R) Outstanding oral and written communication skills (R) History of demonstrating initiative and out-of-the-box thinking along with the flexibility to implement change quickly (R)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find directors, network operations for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any directors, network operations they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level directors, network operations with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your director, network operations job on Zippia to find and recruit director, network operations candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting directors, network operations requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new director, network operations

   Once you have selected a candidate for the director, network operations position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new director, network operations. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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