JOB TITLE: Chief of Technology and Innovation

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

FUNDING SOURCE: Local

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

PAY GRADE: Administrative / Professional Pay Band 11

DEPARTMENT: Technology Services

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide districtwide leadership vision and strategic direction for all technology services artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives innovation and digital learning environments. This executive role ensures the security reliability and scalability of all Information Technology (IT) systems while also advancing instructional technology equitable access AI-enhanced tools and data privacy.

The Chief of Technology and Innovation serves as the districts technology and AI visionary aligning operational excellence with transformative educational practices and emerging technologies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Technology Infrastructure & Cybersecurity: Direct the districts network cybersecurity telecommunications technical services application helpdesk and infrastructure teams. Implement cybersecurity best practices ensure compliance with TEA requirements and safeguard student staff and business data.
• Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Governance: Develop and oversee the districts AI strategy ensuring responsible adoption of AI-driven tools in instruction operations and decision-making. Create policies for ethical AI use data governance and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Information Systems & Core IT Services: Lead the management and integration of districtwide systems (e.g. SIS HR Finance enterprise systems). Ensure server infrastructure cloud solutions and IT services operate securely reliably and efficiently.
• Innovation AI & Digital Learning: Collaborate with academic leaders to integrate emerging technologiesincluding AIinto teaching and learning. Provide vision for personalized learning blended models AI-powered analytics and equitable access.
• Data Analytics & Insights: Expand the districts capacity to use data-driven insights and AI-powered analytics for instructional improvement operational efficiency and student success.
• Technical Services & Support: Oversee end-user technology deployment inventory AI-enabled helpdesk support systems and customer service excellence.
• Leadership & Culture: Recruit develop and mentor technology staff while fostering a culture of innovation collaboration and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Working knowledge and management experience in:

• Proven leadership in managing enterprise-level IT systems cybersecurity and infrastructure.
• AI applications in K12 education including generative AI adaptive learning systems and AI-enhanced analytics.
• Ethical AI principles responsible use and compliance with FERPA CIPA TEA and emerging AI regulations.
• Cloud-based services and infrastructure (PaaS IaaS SaaS).
• Procurement policies and practices for evaluating emerging technology and AI solutions.
• Strong understanding of instructional technology and the role of AI and digital learning in K12 education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to adapt quickly in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience in Project Management (PM) and Vendor Management (VM).
• Experience developing and maintaining a 35 year technology and innovation roadmap that includes AI integration.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership in medium to large-scale IT environments.
• Experience in a public school district or higher education environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI solutions in education government or enterprise settings strongly preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Organizational Management and Instructional Technology Leadership:

1. Provide vision and strategic leadership for district technology that aligns with instructional goals and supports student achievement.
2. Partner with academic leadership to integrate technology into curriculum professional learning and classroom instruction.
3. Ensure equitable access to technology devices connectivity and assistive technologies for all students.
4. Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the district.
5. Effectively provide guidance for the daily operations of the districts information systems server infrastructure networking cybersecurity technical services and technology infrastructure to support the core business of education.
6. Develop review and approve staff recommendations regarding operational systems and procedures relating to infrastructure operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

1. Lead AI adoption across instructional and operational areas to improve learning outcomes and efficiency.
2. Partner with academic leaders to pilot AI tools for adaptive learning student support language translation and special education.
3. Implement AI-powered systems for predictive analytics (e.g. early warning systems for student success and attendance).
4. Ensure staff and students are trained in responsible use of AI tools and digital citizenship.
5. Monitor AI trends and advise district leadership on emerging opportunities and risks.

Technology Planning:

1. Oversee the planning and full implementation of allinformation systems server infrastructure networking cybersecurity technical services and technology infrastructurein accordance with the districts TechnologyPlan.
2. Direct the upgrade and integration of all existing systems and platforms hardware and software maintenance system backup and software license control.

School/Organizational Climate:

1. Collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project implementations.
2. Promote responsiveness among staff to provide the highest support for school/district goals.
3. Establish an organizational climate to provide the components of high-quality customer service: courtesy caring flexibility and problem resolution.
4. Promote a positive working environment among subordinates and between departments.

School/Organizational Improvement:

1. Identify and advocate the need for equipment upgrades and improvements manpower and other support requirements to ensure that the departments automation server infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities successfully meet the changing needs of the district.
2. Support the Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent in the development and implementation of new technology solutions for all district departments and functions.
3. Plan and coordinate technology service projects and activities and ensure continuity of the development implementation and maintenance of all appropriate systems as required by the District Technology policies procedures and as otherwise directed.
4. Manage the development and implementation of new technology services and solutions for the District.
5. Ensure IT service installations and updates are operational and meet users needs.
6. Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for continuous improvement of uptime for applications and responsiveness to internal customers.

Personnel Management:

1. Supervise and maintain an effective team capable of completing assigned goals.
2. Provide adequate training for staff when new methodologies are to be applied.
3. Evaluate job performance of staff to ensure effectiveness.
4. Model and ensure that your department provides excellent customer service.

Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management:

1. Oversee all projects and activities of the department to ensure that they are implemented on-time and within budget.
2. Maintain operational statistics to forecast future Technology and facilities requirements.
3. Prepare annual budgets for all personnel hardware software data processing and network supplies required for the effective daily operation of information systems server infrastructure networking cybersecurity technical services and technology infrastructure systems.
4. Maintain and support all information systems that manage Human Resources and Finance records.
5. Monitor the resource utilization of all server infrastructure to ensure that resources are proactively allocated and optimized.
6. Oversee (i.e. plan purchase and implement) the successful purchase and installation of technology components (e.g. network servers end-user devices Audio / Visual etc.) using the latest technology bond ensuring that bond funds are being used effectively and appropriately

Security Management:

1. Oversee the implementation updating and monitoring of the Cybersecurity departments operational security procedures to maintain the security of the districts network servers and end-user devices.
2. Oversee the districts back up operations to ensure reliable disaster recovery and business continuity of core business functions.
3. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws (FERPA CIPA TEA cybersecurity standards).
4. Direct and guide the Cyber Security team in developing and implementing operational procedures that protect the district students staff and technology.

Student Management:

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and knowledge of the impact of information systems on the student population.
2. Maintain secure and support all information systems that manage student records.
3. Ensure that students are using technology in accordance with the guidelines in the Technology Acceptable Use Policy.

Information Technology Service Management:

1. Support the Information Technology Services division in following structured Information Technology Service Management / Information Technology Infrastructure Library (e.g. ITSM/ITIL) principles and strategies.
   1. Resource planning
   2. Problem management
   3. Change management
   4. Continuous Improvement

School/Community Relations:

1. Participate in community activities to the extent feasible and appropriate that foster rapport and mutual respect between the district and the community.
2. Communicate with Cabinet members and Technology staff on a regular basis on the status of current technology projects.

Professional Growth and Development:

1. Continually stay abreast of emerging technologies and make recommendations for future needs.
2. Participate in professional organizations that provide synergy and quality benefits to the department.
3. Always demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITIES:

Supervises and evaluates the following professionals:

• Director of Networking and Cybersecurity
• Director of Information and Server Management
• Director of Technical Services

And indirectly supervise one or more of the following:

• Programmers Analysts Application Manager and System Integrations Specialist
• AI/ML (Machine Language) Specialists and Data Scientists (if applicable)
• Server Administrators Network Administrators Cybersecurity Analysts Technicians and Help Desk staff

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel.

Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training wearing personal protective equipment as required reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Experience:

Chief