Technology and Information Services Manager

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic girls’ school outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a creative, strategic, and enterprising Technology and Information Services Manager to oversee and maintain our IT systems.

Reporting directly to the Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, the Technology and Information Services Manager is responsible for planning, designing, implementing and supervising Information and Audio-Visual Technology initiatives within Merion Mercy Academy (MMA); managing day-to-day information services operations; the configuration, maintenance and expansion of the network infrastructure; hardware and software procurement and deployment; technical support for MMA staff; planning for future needs and growth. Merion Mercy Academy seeks candidates who demonstrate skills in cross-cultural leadership practices with a commitment to creating a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages information technology planning, developing, operations, coordination and integration activities for Merion Mercy Academy.

• Manages the centralized and rationalized procurement of hardware and software, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements; deploys and implements; collaborates in the procurement and deployment of PA Act 95 hardware and software.

• Benchmarks, analyzes, reports on, and makes recommendations for the improvement of the IT infrastructure and IT systems.

• Develops business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.

• Manages MMA’s network including VLAN management for voice, data and video, WiFi access points throughout campus, camera VLAN for security, configuration and maintenance of the Barracuda Firewall. Ensures accurate and current documentation of network infrastructure and configuration details are maintained.

• Develops and oversees the equipment replacement plan for network devices, servers, workstations, classroom AV equipment, staff laptops, peripherals, voice systems, security system and other related technology and ensures the environmentally conscious disposition of outdated hardware; maintains an inventory database.

• Recommends and manages vendor contracts for hardware, software and technology support, including assigning and tracking license use for MS365 and Adobe.

• Communicates regularly with vendors to correct problems and to explore the feasibility of enhancements and new/emerging technology.

• Prepares and presents Information Services plans, budgets, service level data, objectives and outcomes.

• Provides technical user support for staff; educates users or arranges for user education provided by others; responds to user needs, escalates trouble calls as necessary; follows to resolution.

• Develops and administers all back-up and disaster recovery procedures and plans.

• Ensures appropriate anti-virus, antispam, and web filtering solutions are implemented and maintained.

• Maintains security and privacy of information systems, communication lines and equipment, conducting a semi-annual internal audit and an annual external audit of network security.

• Maintains email accounts for staff and students. Assigns groups and manages onboarding and depreciation of accounts.

• Recommends and manages contracts related to the purchase and support of the school’s phone services, including cell phones. Maintains VoIP system and user database. Evaluate carrier performance and review billing with the Business office, maintain SIP Trunk group. Coordinates all moves, adds and changes on the system.

• Provides technology support for large events to assure functionality and coordination of technology set-ups, including occasional evenings and weekend assemblies/events.

• Develops and manages the Information Services portion of the Technology budget. Coordinates ERate reimbursement.

• Supervises outsourced services and installations.

• Manages user IDs/passwords for copiers; networking of copiers.

• Assigns and manages lunch program ID’s and Door Key Fobs for Faculty and Staff.

• Programs opening/closing of school building doors as needed according to school schedules and event calendar.

• All other duties as assigned by the Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning.

Requirements

• Ability to commit to the mission and core values of Merion Mercy Academy

• Ability to integrate the mission and values of the school into planning, decision-making and service orientation of the technology department.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems or related field.

• In depth understanding, technical knowledge and technical support experience of current network and PC operating systems, hardware, protocols and standards, including Microsoft environments, Google Workspace, Dell and HP server technologies and multi-layered networks, and Apple environments.

• Knowledge of networking/network administration, including protocols, servers, routers, firewalls and security.

• Experience with audio and video equipment setup.

• A minimum of five years related experience, including technology support.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong written and oral skills.

• Demonstrated project management skills, leadership and organizational skills; effective presentation skills.

• Demonstrated customer service focus.

• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships with a broad range of users and external contacts.

• Capable of displaying strong self-motivation and sound decision-making ability.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Technology or related field

• Management experience in a wide array of technology initiatives

• Prior experience with video conferencing technologies

• Prior experience in a not-for-profit or religious organization

Physical Requirements:

ADA Specifications

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Activity:  Sitting for extended periods of time; bending, standing, stooping, lifting, grasping; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, tools and to handle other computer components; extensive walking including multi-levels of stairs and ambulating; utilization of proper body mechanics; writing; clarity and effectiveness in communicating to ensure and gain understanding of others.

Physical Requirements:  Push; pull; lift or carry up to as much as 50 pounds without assistance.  Ability to transfer by means of pushing and pulling objects or equipment.

Visual/Audible Acuity Requirements:  Must be able to read and distinguish small print; must have depth perception and be able to distinguish basic colors; must be able to distinguish normal sounds with background noise; must be able to speak clearly and make self understood while also understanding others using the English language.