Dean of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Scope of Position
The Dean of IT/CIO provides primary leadership, coordination, and oversight for the Academy's information systems and its academic IT program. The position is responsible for planning, administration, training, operation, and resource support. It guides faculty and students in the integration of technology and curriculum. The Dean of IT/CIO is expected to maintain current technical knowledge of hardware and software systems and evaluates their potential to contribute to the Academy's current program and future growth.
Introduction
The American Hebrew Academy is the only international Jewish college preparatory boarding high school in the world. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, on a 100 acre wooded campus, the Academy offers our academically motivated students, who come from 28 states and 35 countries, the opportunity to receive a rigorous college preparatory education while exploring and strengthening their Jewish identity. Approximately ninety percent of our students live on campus, while the other ten percent are day students.
With a maximum class size of twelve, Academy students are taught by an esteemed faculty most of whom have advanced degrees in their field (67% hold Masters Degrees/31% hold Doctorates or Rabbinic Ordination). Technology is central to every student's experience at the Academy. Each classroom is equipped with Smart Boards and each student receives a business-quality tablet computer (Microsoft Surface Pro-3). The Academy’s customized classroom design is unique and facilitates the Socratic teaching pedagogy and technology integration.
The Academy is committed to providing an outstanding Jewish education to all our students, regardless of past Jewish experience, knowledge, or background. The Academy is a rigorous academic environment. Jewish Studies and Hebrew language instruction comprise 20% of our students’ academic schedule. Students take foundational courses in traditional texts, Jewish history, and Jewish thought, taught by our consortium of scholars and rabbis representing all major Jewish denominations. Advanced topics are introduced as students progress and choose among courses and perspectives they find most engaging.
Our residential campus includes 16 dormitories, each with a 2,400 square foot Houseparent apartment and a one bedroom efficiency apartment for a House Fellow. Each resident dormitory houses 18-22 students including a senior honor student prefect. An Associate Houseparent also assists in the management of each student house.
The Technology Environment
The Academy's charge is to deliver an outstanding Jewish and Liberal Arts education to intellectually adventurous students, assisted by cutting-edge technology.
The campus has switched gigabit networking (wired and wireless), IP telephony and technology enriched classrooms (SMART Boards, digital video, and collaborative laptop/tablet technology). Working cooperatively with central file, print, and application servers (local and cloud based) are the many desktop PC's, laptop/tablet computers, and mobile devices used by the Academy's faculty, students, and staff.
Position within the Organization
The position reports directly to the Academy Headmaster.
Major Responsibilities
Direct the Academy IT system design, procedures, and installation. Maintain classroom systems, network systems, and telephone and video equipment and direct the IT support staff.
Work with the Headmaster, to establish priorities and develop long-range goals and objectives for the technology program and its integration with the curriculum and business operations.
Work with the Headmaster, the Executive Staff and other Department Heads to develop and implement training and instructional programs for staff and students on applications of instructional technology. The Dean may be called upon to teach short courses and technology electives to faculty and students.
Project annual budget needs. Oversee departmental budget. Coordinate purchasing with the Business Office. Maintain inventory of all hardware, software, and licenses.
Provide assistance with real-time operating system problem determination and resolution capability as required. Develop specifications or requirements for adequate support/response.
Create effective ways to receive feedback from system users and all members of the Academy community.
Create and use established practices and procedures to accomplish tasks.
Oversee maintenance of all Academy hardware, including inventory of laptop computers to each and every student and teaching faculty member.
Interact with Academy staff and students to provide consistent and satisfactory service.
Maintain active role in the educational technology community. Attend conferences and workshops as necessary to advance Academy's technology program and to be on cutting edge.
Develop and review security and testing procedures for all new equipment and software.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Expert architectural knowledge of operating systems, specifically Windows, Windows Server, and Cisco networking systems.
Understanding of multimedia technology, multimedia authoring tools and use of Internet and Intranet to deliver information and assist with instruction.
Knowledge of Web environments
Knowledge of high school administrative systems for student records, admissions, development, and business functioning
Skills in computer software programming for business report writing
Skills in basic technology trouble shooting
Ability to solve complex problems
Ability to work well with a variety of people from different cultures
Ability to learn new technologies
Education: Bachelor degree in a technical area with emphasis on information systems, computer science, networks, and education. An advanced degree in a relevant area would be considered an advantage.
Experience: Ten years of progressive experience in the areas of information systems, software programming, consulting, problem solving, networking, World Wide Web, and training users. Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills.
Equivalency: Directly related experience or a combination of related experience and education may be considered.
Salary and Benefits
The Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with the candidates’ qualifications, credentials, and level of experience.
The Academy provides a health insurance plan, life insurance plan, dental insurance plan and TIAA-CREF retirement plan, vacation, and holidays. Additional optional insurance plans for extended coverages are also available at additional costs.
Academy History
The American Hebrew Academy was founded in 1996 by Maurice “Chico” Sabbah, z”l and his wife Zmira who dreamed of developing a first of its kind Jewish community in which Jewish teenagers from around the world and from all Jewish denominations and backgrounds could come together and live in a serene environment to enrich their knowledge of Jewish culture, history and religious practice, both traditional and modern while preparing for admission to college and university and future positions of leadership in the community.
In 1999 the first foundational steps were made with the purchase of 100 wooded acres and lake frontage in Greensboro, North Carolina. By early spring 1999, Frank Lloyd Wright’s associate architect, Aaron Green was commissioned to create the master plan for the campus and building designs for every building the Academy would eventually need for the immediate future and for years to come.
On September 10, 2001, the Academy opened its gates to 77 pioneering (“Chalutzim”) students. Today, the Academy is a thriving Jewish educational institution whose graduates have all gone on to continue their education at the finest colleges and universities in the United States, Israel and around the world.
Statement of Employment Policy
Discrimination based on an individual’s sex (including gender or pregnancy), race, color, national origin, veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other legally protected status is strictly prohibited at the American Hebrew Academy.
The Academy provides equal employment opportunities for individuals regardless of religion in most positions. However, the Academy is committed to the growth and teaching of Jewish values, traditions and practices of the Jewish faith to the students enrolled. Thus, while the Academy employs many who are not Jewish, even persons who are not Jewish will be expected to demonstrate and promote Jewish values, traditions and beliefs where necessary to meet the requirements of their positions. There are certain positions at the Academy that require the individual employed to be Jewish in accordance with Jewish law. The Academy reserves the right to determine which positions will be held exclusively by Jewish employees to best meet the mission of the school.
The above position statement is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Direct resumes and inquiries to:
Dr. Gary Grandon, Headmaster
American Hebrew Academy
4334 Hobbs Road
Greensboro, NC 27410