Director of Innovation & Technology

Job Summary: The Director is a creative and dynamic leader charged with developing and implementing a strategic vision in all areas of technology for the district. The Director will facilitate the integration of innovative digital tools and best practices into curriculum and administrative systems. The Director engages with administrators educators support personnel parents and students to ensure the districts technology meets the districts goals functions effectively is accessible up-to-date and secure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and execute an ethical long-term IT academic and infrastructure system through chairing the Technology Committee which aligns with the organizations overall education goals.
  • Participate in learning communities that stimulate nurture and support educational use of technology.
  • Communicate current cutting-edge information on emerging technologies and industry trends to support decision-making on academic and administrative technology matters while identifying opportunities for improvement through organizations such as:
    • VITA-LEARN-NW
    • SVTC
    • ITEA
  • Advocate on the state level for policies programs and funding opportunities that support instructional technology at the School District.
  • Champion changes in curriculum design and delivery in conjunction with the Curriculum Coordinator and support professional development of staff on the integration of technology into the curriculum
  • Assist the district in locating and writing technology grants
  • Present as requested at board and community meetings
  • Professionally represent the schools and the District in interactions with parents community staff and students and resolve conflict in a professional manner.
  • Comply with applicable District state local and federal laws rules and regulations
  • Respond willingly to emergency situations outside of the standard work schedule
  • Pitch in where needed even if its outside of formal domain
• Team Management:
  • Recruit hire manage supervise and evaluate a high-performing IT team fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members
  • Delegate tasks effectively and empower team members to take ownership of projects
  • Responsible for assisting assessment staff district student information system staff and other data collectors to provide data driven decision making tools and customize reports based on district needs.
• Infrastructure Management:
  • Design implement and maintain a robust and secure IT infrastructure including networks servers and data storage systems with optimal performance and reliability
  • Ensure the successful operation and integration of the districts website
  • Ensure the successful operation and integration of the Districts Student Information System
  • Implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize downtime and data loss
  • Possess the understanding of industry-standards and related practices and procedures of regulations and guidelines as they relate to the procurement and use of software (specifically copyright laws and the use of licensed equipment and materials)
  • Develop and monitor instructional technology and IT operations budget(s) in cooperation with appropriate stakeholders to ensure optimal utilization.
• Security:
  • Develop and enforce a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that outlines protocols for preventing detecting and responding to cyber threats while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee incident response planning and execution ensuring swift and effective resolution of security breaches or vulnerabilities.
  • Develop implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and systems from evolving threats aligned with regulatory bodies and industry best practices.
  • Conduct regular security audits vulnerability assessments and risk analyses to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
  • Maintain a secure network infrastructure on par with industry-recommended standards and best practices.
  • Stay informed about the latest security best practices technologies industry standards and state resources ensuring the organizations security posture remains current and effective.
  • Collaborate with third-party security auditors to achieve and maintain top-tier security ratings ensuring the organization meets or exceeds external benchmarks.
• Project Management:
  • Oversee IT projects from inception to completion ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects that meet necessary requirements.
  • Effectively manage project risks and dependencies.
• Vendor Management:
  • Negotiate contracts with IT vendors and service providers.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure optimal service delivery.
• User Support:
  • Provide excellent technical support to end-users resolving issues promptly and efficiently.
  • Develop and maintain user documentation and training materials.
  • Foster a positive user experience through effective communication and problem-solving.

• Procurement & Budgeting:
  • Recommends technology hardware and software for purchase by the district from state contracts and other low-cost resources
  • Manages technology leases
  • Maintains equipment inventory system
  • Oversight of the E-Rate program
  • Explore contracting with cloud-based and out-sourced services and negotiate advantageous contracts when appropriate
  • Effectively allocate and manage resources to support strategic priorities and initiatives
  • Provide leadership in the procurement and acquisition of new technology while following the districts procurement policies and procedures
  • Consults with appropriate stakeholders to coordinate evaluate recommend and purchase new technology

    Supervision Received: Reports to receives work assignments and is evaluated by the Chief Financial Officer.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise and evaluate technology department staff.

    Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily in addition to the following:

    • Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree in an IT related field required Masters Degree preferred - 2 years minimum 4 years preferred. A minimum of 3 years of experience in the K-12 technology environment. Experience with technology design and integration K-12. Successful record of technology professional development K-12. Relevant experience preferred or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
    • Certifications and Licenses. Appropriate certifications including but not limited to
    • Cisco Certified Network Associate
    • Microsoft Certified Professional - Systems Engineer
    • Apple Certified Technical Coordinator
    • Security Management Training
    • Language Skills: Ability to read analyze and interpret the complex scientific educational technical journals financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write correspondences using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to effectively present information to staff and parents.
    • Mathematical Skills: Exceptional quantitative analytical skills. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions percentages ratios and proportions to practical situations.
    • Computer Skills and Experience: Comprehensive knowledge of both Apple and Windows platforms. Complete knowledge of local and wide area networking access control systems and telephone systems. Operating knowledge of and experience with word processing spreadsheets presentations and database software as well as Google Suite products to include Gmail and calendar and internet use. Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment such as multi-line telephones copier scanner printer postage meter and fax machine
    • Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements: Ability to define problems collect and analyze data establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Must possess critical thinking and problem solving skills.
    • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate courteously efficiently and effectively with a variety of individuals including students faculty administrators parents and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with peers supervisors parents and outside agencies. Ability to understand both written and oral instructions.
    • Competencies. The individual in this position must possess the following:
      1. Attention to Detail Strong attention to detail and work ethic with ability to stay on task.
      2. Dependability being reliable responsible and fulfilling obligations.
      3. Self-Control maintaining composure keeping emotions in check controlling anger and avoiding aggressive behavior even in very difficult situations.
      4. Stress Tolerance accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations including being able to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.
      5. Cooperation being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured cooperative attitude.
      6. Concern for Others being sensitive to others needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
      7. Integrity being honest and ethical.
      8. Adaptability/Flexibility being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
      9. Independence guiding oneself with little or no supervision and depending on oneself to get things done and make independent judgments.
      10. Social Orientation preferring to work with others rather than alone and being personally connected with others on the job.

Required Experience:

Director