Data Systems Specialist

Riverdale Country School is a PreK-12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. We seek an experienced data systems specialist to join our technology team in a full-time, 12-month position, starting immediately.

You will work in a professional, learning, sharing and collaborative Technology Department that values humor and humility while getting the job done; a good fit within our culture is important. We expect you to say “I’m not sure, I’ll find out who we should talk to” or “Let’s make sure I understand this..." as needed while working in our community. As you learn our culture and standards, you will be comfortable suggesting new uses for our data, training users in how to access and appreciate data and working closely with users who may be in high-pressure situations that require level-headed assistance. We hope you are a self-starter that sees problems, proposes solutions and is eager to learn new things and work with a wide variety of people.

We use the highly integrated Veracross system throughout school operations and seek someone to maintain and expand our usage. Examples of uses that require your experience and support include:

• Admissions, enrollment management, financial aid

• Transcripts, report cards, progress reports

• Scheduling and course selection

• Health and medical data

• Fundraising and financial records management

• Student life (attendance, trips, events, transportation, etc.)

• Current and historical records

• Reporting for all of the above

You are expected to make heavy use of complex, formula-filled spreadsheets. Other related systems in use include Ravenna, ADP, TADS, Naviance, SchoolDude, Schoology, Ruvna, and School Messenger.

Reporting to the Director of Technology, your core responsibilities will include:

• Administration of a variety of data systems, mostly hosted off-site

• Complex reporting, such as the Report of Gifts and board-level briefs

• Connecting our various data systems into a cohesive whole

• Supervision of administrative data operations

• Documenting school data procedures and workflows

• Technical/administrative support for our internal and public web presences

• Ongoing training for administrative and faculty users of systems you lead

• Front-line support

Ideally, you will have 5 to 10 years of experience working with complex relational data systems similar to those mentioned above, preferably in a scholastic environment. Also highly valued are:

• A deep understanding of complex spreadsheets, including formula usage

• A coding/computer science skill set

• Excellent people skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• A detail-oriented, organized approach to work

• Grace in thorny situations

Our main web platforms are currently based on Finalsite, WordPress, and Veracross, and you will participate in the evaluation, design, updates, and administration of those systems. Please note that this role is not focused on maintaining or administering the databases themselves as they are hosted and maintained offsite.

The School seeks diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. In admissions and employment policies and practices, in financial aid and loan programs, and in all its educational programs, Riverdale does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, and any other protected categories under applicable law.

Apply to Jonathan King, Director of Technology, Riverdale Country School (techemployment+DSS@riverdale.edu) by submitting your resume, cover letter, and any supporting documentation. Compensation is commensurate with experience and very competitive with NYC area independent schools.