Director of Technology

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Technology provides leadership and management in assigned school district operations, which include the planning, procurement, implementation, operation, support, and maintenance of informational and instructional technology systems that support and enhance education and business operations as well as improve cost effectiveness and efficiency. The Director of Technology combine knowledge and experience in education, technology and leadership to develop a high-performing technology department that supports and promotes the district’s educational objectives and initiatives. The Director of Technology will collaborate with district stakeholder groups to develop a dynamic technology plan and systems to ensure students, teachers, and leaders have access to instructional technology resources. The Director of Technology plans, coordinates, manages and directs the operations and activities of the student information system (Synergy) and the Data Warehouse (Hoonuit). The Director of Technology is responsible for overseeing the administration of state/federal accountability assessments and ensuring that proper state/federal protocol is adhered to during testing windows.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of primary duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position specific duties.

 PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exercises proactive leadership in promoting the vision and mission of the District.

• Leads, directs and/or oversees strategic and tactical technology operations and services including, but not limited to: data and voice networks, servers, data storage, data and network operations, systems security, business continuity and disaster recovery, systems administration, software licensing, hardware and software acquisition, deployment and administration, desktops, laptops, and vendor/contracts management.

• Proactively monitors the progress of major district technology projects, paying particular attention to any developing problems and participating in major problem resolution; communicates any significant deviations from existing schedules.

• Oversees communication of technology policies, procedures, and standards for the District that support efficient operations and effective business operations which include security and acceptable use considerations.

• Implements security measures which protect the privacy of district, staff, and student data as and ensures measures are in place which limit student and staff access to prohibited internet content

• Collaborates with district and school leaders to coordinate efforts across departments and schools to help ensure optimal success in technology initiatives.

• Coordinates efforts with Assistant Superintendent to ensure that instructional technology is accessible to students and staff to improve student achievement, instruction, and increase efficiency of overall operations.

• Regularly monitors and evaluates the use of information and instructional technology resources and makes resource management recommendations.

• Oversees the district’s E-Rate application process and coordinates the installation and implementation of district E-Rate projects.

• Ensures the smooth operation of the student information management system.

• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.

• Engages and informs all stakeholders through two-way, open, and ongoing communication.

• Maintains a high level of competence in the field of information and instructional technology, remaining current in issues related to areas of responsibility.

• Maintains a high level of integrity and a strong work ethic.

• Provides, logistical and expert support for student assessment.

• Ensures compliance with state and federal accountability testing.

• Oversee daily operations of the District's Student Information System and the Data Warehouse,

• Coordinate the major Student Information System tasks, including, but not limited to state reporting, new year rollover, online course requests, mass scheduling, ADE Connect, etc.

• Oversee the administration of the District’s databases.

• Review and recommend policies related to student information and data.

• Assist school and department leaders to produce student data needed for projects, state/federal reporting, grants, and school improvement, etc.

• Develops long-range visionary strategic plans for technical administrative and instructional systems, and network infrastructure; develops tactical plans and directs the implementation of the approved plans

• Monitors and ensures the proper functioning, reliability, and security of the Marana Unified School District’s (MUSD) computer network and related equipment.

• Manage capital and operating budgets to support the ongoing operation and anticipated growth and upgrades.

• Develop a professional learning plan to coordinate training and professional learning on the use of technology.

• Set and measure strenuous, but attainable goals for the department. Perform consistent and timely completion of performance appraisals.

• Serves as a resource for District staff for the purpose of keeping them informed on computer hardware and software that is available and the relationship of emerging technologies to curriculum and administrative tasks.

• Ensures the technological requirements of District departments, schools, and/or other end users are being met in a timely and efficient manner.

• In addition, the Director of Technology oversees the administration of the district’s accountability assessments. The Director of Technology is knowledgeable about the state accountability assessment and stays abreast of changes related to format, scheduling, compute-based testing (cbt), etc.

• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge of:

• All aspects of technology, including Mac, PC and Google ecosystem; servers; mobile technologies – including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and netbooks; coding; student systems; voice/data systems; and security systems

• National, state and local educational goals and objectives

• Regulations and standards governing education services

• Processes for preparing and administering budgets, program records, reports, and documentation

• Supervisory principles, practices, and methods

• Current trends and developments in the fields of instruction, technology and leadership practices

Required Skill in:

• Demonstrating enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administrators, parents and the community

• Organizing time and tasks; ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

• Establishing working relationships and functioning as a significant contributor on a cohesive team

• Hiring, developing, and retaining high quality IT professionals

• Demonstrating commitment to excellence for students, staff and self

• Communicating effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary

• Directing and coordinating the delivery of district programs and services

• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulations governing program operations

• Preparing and maintaining program records, reports, and documentation

• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority

• Representing the District and serving as a liaison with the local community

Education and Experience:

• Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Information Systems, Education or other related field

  • Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive, relevant instruction/information technology experience in IT infrastructure, strategic planning and development, project management, and policy development and related management

  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience as administrator/direct management of a diverse information technology department/group

  • Experience leading, developing, implementing, and operating technology solutions in a complex systems and operational environment

• Preferred:

  • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Information Systems or comparable field

  • Experience as a teacher and administrator, including successful experience as a building principal and/or central office administrator

• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

 Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Professional certifications desirable

• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License