Director of Technology

Westchester Day School (WDS) in Mamaroneck, NY is seeking a seasoned Senior Technology Administrator with a broad and deep technical skill set along with proven experience in successfully leading a professional IT Department in a N-8 educational setting. The applicant must enjoy working with passionate people in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced educational environment.

This is a hands-on position with extensive responsibilities that range from strategic and long range planning to implementation of system-wide technology solutions, besides providing one-on-one, as well as group training and support. Experience working in the education field is critical for understanding how technology can support great educational outcomes, and that a culture of collaboration and creativity can support success.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• Analyzes needs, forecasts requirements and plans future direction of the school’s technology infrastructure through short-term and long-term technology plans.
• Collaborates with the Westchester Day School Administration, Technology staff, and external partners to present and implement cohesive technology solutions that promote deeper learning.
• Prepares and recommends the departmental budget to the Executive Director and ensures all IT operations are within fiscal guidelines.
• Develops Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) analyses for proposed technology projects.
• Takes responsibility for CIPA, FERPA, and all state and federal laws and policies as they apply to technology in independent schools.

Information Systems

• Provides skilled management of, and assumes responsibility for, all school-wide IT systems and services, including email, phone and voicemail, Internet, website, Student Information Systems, Relational Databases, Office Productivity software as well as all hardware computing assets.
• Serves as a primary resource for the technology team to resolve ongoing technical issues. Ensures stability and maintains availability of school systems.
• Manages all operations of mission-critical systems and technology platforms that include Active Directory, Web Filtering, self-hosted Windows servers running 3rd party and custom databases and applications, as well as cloud-based business applications in current use.
• Manages security Firewalls, Enterprise-class stackable access-layer Switches and Routers, Wired and Wireless Ethernet Network Infrastructure.
• Provisions and manages a reliable Remote Access infrastructure (MS Remote Desktop) to enable authorized staff to remotely access secure databases.
• Supervises technology and media staff for effective provisioning of all technology and media support services, consistent with users’ needs and school’s priorities.
• Oversees the helpdesk support functions so users have acceptable level of support.
• Sets policy for the purchase and maintenance of computers, peripherals, and audiovisual equipment. Tracks their inventory and ensure it’s kept updated.
• Explores, evaluates, and implements innovative, cost-saving Web 2.0, SAAS, and Cloud Computing solutions.
• Manages school’s POTS/VOIP system with current vendors and explores new options.
• Supervises and evaluates technical staff and external consultants (as needed).
• Conducts regular training for staff and direct reports; develops training handbooks.

Instructional Support

• Works closely with the WDS Administration to ensure technology hardware, software and digital resources support WDS’s mission.
• Systematically shares the latest applications of technology as an instructional tool.
• Works with the senior education team in creating, implementing, sustaining and expanding the Technology Plan.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with all members of the community. Makes time for regular visits, classroom tours, meetings, and trainings.
• Evaluates technology-integrated, professional development programs to improve quality of instruction.
• Develops digital resources for classroom teachers and administrators.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree in a field appropriate for this position (MIS, Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Management, Educational Technology or other equivalent disciplines) preferred.
• Professional Technical Certifications from Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, etc. preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in the development, installation and maintenance of information systems. Five years or more in a leadership role with supervisory experience required.
• Deep knowledge of and troubleshooting experience with computer systems, particularly Microsoft Windows Desktop, Server and Chrome OS. Multi-platform experience managing MS Windows, Apple OS X, Apple iOS and Chrome OS would be very helpful.
• Extensive knowledge of networking and ability to configure enterprise-grade switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls required.
• A working knowledge of Student Database systems like Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, WhippleHill, onBoard products and G Suite for Education, etc. a strong plus.
• Ability to lead, plan and manage the IT team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work well with all levels within an organization, especially within the culture of an educational institution. Knowledge of Hebrew language a plus.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills, and drive to meet organizational and department objectives; ability to manage projects on interrelated timelines.
• Knowledge of classroom technology including SmartBoards and Interactive projectors, clickers, document cameras, sounds systems, cameras, etc. a strong plus.
• Proven ability to negotiate with vendors and consultants.