Director of Technology

Brownell Talbot School ​is a safe, caring community dedicated to academic excellence and to preparing students for success in college and in life. Through experiences in academics, activities, and the arts, students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity​. 

Philosophy

We value integrity, self-discipline, and each person's inherent dignity. Our community challenges each student to endlessly strive to reach his or her potential through exploration, understanding, and development of the creative, intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social self. Through an appreciation of the United States and its role in the global community, students will become responsible leaders and stewards of their community, country, and world. 

Our School 

Brownell Talbot, founded in 1863, is a Nebraska state-approved preschool through grade 12 school. We are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and are accredited by AdvancED. Brownell Talbot is an exciting environment for professionals who like to be part of a supportive team of dedicated individuals who thrive on the challenges and rewards of working with an active community. 

Position Description 

Brownell Talbot School’s Director of Technology serves on the administrative team and provides leadership for technology personnel, programs, and systems that are crucial to the school’s operations, instructional practices, and curriculum provided to students. This position reports to the Executive Director of Business & Finance and provides technical expertise and insights, as well as tactical support, for the planning and implementation of the school’s information technology (IT) strategy. This position may be asked to teach daytime, evening or online sections of information technology-related courses. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop, implement and oversee the school’s technology plan to align with the school’s mission in support of its instructional programs.

• Supervise assigned technology and library media staff (e.g., hiring recommendations, interviewing, training, performance evaluations, etc.) and monitor workflow/priorities to maximize the efficiency of the workforce and ensure systems are functioning properly and effectively.

• Function as the subject matter expert on the school’s student information system (​Veracross)​, including providing application support, managing the database, designing queries, building student schedules, supporting online enrollment processes, progressing student records on an annual basis, posting and storing student grades, implementing interfaces with other systems, and managing the student and family portals. 

• Coordinate, supervise, and schedule the design, installation, and maintenance of the school network and wireless infrastructure. Evaluate, recommend, and implement changes to current and future network designs and technology.

• Forecast needs and evaluate the condition and availability of resources needed to implement instructional use of computers and mobile devices. Purchase, manage, and deploy devices and software applications using mobile device management software (​JAMF​).

• Manage the technology budget to ensure hardware and software purchases and subscriptions to services are consistent with the technology plan and within budget constraints. Work in collaboration with library and media staff to determine resource requirements to comply with Nebraska Educational Rule 10.

• Design an authentic learning environment that aligns with content area standards and applies instructional design principles to create an innovative learning experience.

• Serve as the IT department chair on the Department Chairs Committee to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional technology, to develop and maintain computing standards to provide an appropriate degree of standardization for academic computing needs, and to evaluate requested applications, subscriptions, and classroom materials for budgetary considerations and COPPA, CIPA and FERPA compliance.

• Facilitate the review and selection of classroom materials with department chairs and coordinate with our online vendor (​Follett​) to determine the best resource for ordering. Coordinate the integration with Veracross to pull student schedules and prepare lists of required textbook materials for families to purchase.

• Maintain the school-wide inventory of technology assets, including hardware, software, and license agreements and ensure the proper resale/disposal of obsolete equipment.

• Determine training needs and develop training materials for staff and students (and communication to parents) for specific software applications, integration solutions, learning processes, and curriculum updates.

• Develop and maintain relationships with outside technology consultants and vendors. Negotiate with vendors regarding RFPs, contracts, pricing, installation, and service levels.

• Prepare or oversee the preparation of the annual E-Rate application process and receipt of all eligible USAC discounts for qualifying expenses.

• Provide effective user support and troubleshoot solutions when IT problems arise. Facilitate the onboarding of new faculty, staff, and students and proper/timely removal of departing students and staff from the systems.

• Coordinate the maintenance, support, and repair of peripheral equipment (e.g., telephone systems, printing and duplication devices, video scoreboards, alarms and door lock system, surveillance cameras, etc.) and assist with related activities such as the development of content/AV support for the electronic scoreboard.

• Ensure network and equipment is PCI compliant and perform related administrative responsibilities to maintain certification. 

• Prepare and deliver instruction for daytime, evening, and/or online technology-related coursework (when needed).

• Perform periodic penetration testing, firewall monitoring, and network oversight to protect the school from virus and other penetrations or cyber attacks.

• Keep current on federal, state, and local technology mandates, as well as emerging technologies.

• Represent Brownell Talbot School at meetings and conferences (e.g, NETA, NAIS, ISACS, NBOA, etc.)

• Develop and deliver reports as needed to administration, the board of trustees, faculty, staff, parents, and others. 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, education technology, or computer science and/or five or more years’ work-related experience that would qualify one for the position. (master’s degree in instructional technology or related field preferred.)

• Minimum of three years of experience leading and mentoring information technology teams.

• Working knowledge of Windows Operating System desktop and servers.

• Experience with Active Directory setup and integration with outside systems.

• Google Apps for Education (GAFE) administrative experience.

• Mobile Device Management (MDM) experience - JAMF preferred.

• Veracross Student Information System experience strongly preferred.

• Teaching certificate (Nebraska Educators Certificate) preferred.

• Apple certified technician or additional certifications and endorsements related to education technology tools preferred.

• Successful completion and passing of a criminal background check are required. 

Personal Qualities 

• Must be self-motivated, proactive, positive and results-oriented and demonstrate strong analytical and strategic thinking skills and an ability to work well under pressure.

• Acts as a model of integrity - respects and maintain confidentiality.

• Understands and maintains professional boundaries between students, teachers, and staff.

• Possesses an ability to direct a team in the troubleshooting of client device, network, system, application, and identity issues.

• Prioritizes tasks and maintains project timelines and deadlines.

• Works effectively with teams, while at the same time can work independently.

• Diplomatically solves problems and works well with different constituencies.

• Is sensitive to cultural, gender, and economic diversity. 

• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Multitasks and operates as a working manager.

• Has a sense of humor and keeps things in perspective.

• Exercises patience and good listening skills.

Application process: Interested candidates are invited to visit brownell.edu/careers to obtain an application. Please submit the completed application, resume, and cover letter to careers@brownell.edu.