IT Specialist

The School

Jackson Walnut Park School is an early childhood and primary school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph.  Located in an historic neighborhood in Newton, JWP features an accredited Montessori early childhood program and a K-6 independent school in the Catholic tradition.  The school offers a rich, discovery-based curriculum, with signature programs that include STEAM education at all grades, a language arts program that incorporates principles from Lucy Calkins’ Reading and Writing Project, and foundations in three languages by sixth grade:  Spanish, Mandarin and Latin.  A vibrant arts program, diverse after school activities and childcare options, and a caring, values-based community that espouses the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph support the development of well-rounded children who, in the words of our mission:  “love learning, love God, and love one another.”

The Position

Jackson Walnut Park School seeks a full-time Information Technology Specialist for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Broad responsibilities include:

• Develop a strategic and long-range technology plan for the school.

• Provide leadership, vision, and day-to-day management of the school’s IT, including data network and backup systems, firewall and security issues, databases, servers, printers, and telephone systems.

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend new and emerging technologies for classroom and administrative uses or to improve the current infrastructure.

• Promote the use of technology to support classroom learning and optimize student achievement.

• In collaboration with the communications department, oversee the technical side of the school’s web content platform.

• Develop and manage the school’s computer/device operating and IT budget.

• Manage vendor relations, procurement, installation, and implementation of information systems.

• Ensure the coordination, security, and efficiency of network infrastructure.

• Develop and maintain the school’s databases and internal and external networks.

• Remain current on new developments in the areas of software, hardware, networks, telecommunications, training, and maintenance.

• Manage inventory of all school-owned or leased equipment including desktops/laptops, iPads, SMART Boards, projectors, copiers, printers, etc.

• Provide maintenance and support for computer lab, classroom technology, office technology, and audio-visual systems throughout the school.

• Assess and respond to IT needs as voiced by faculty, administration, and staff.

• Attend faculty meetings.

• Participate fully in the life of the school, including scheduled extra duties (playground supervision, lunchroom supervision, etc…) and attending after hours events (Admissions events, school performances, etc…) that reflect commitment to the success of the school and the development of the whole child.

• Pursue relevant professional development opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

• Conduct one’s self in a manner consistent with the school’s mission and values, and as a role model for the young people in our charge.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree with a major in IT or a related field, with a preference for an advance degree.  She/he will have at least two years prior experience, with a track record of success working in a school environment, with strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.  Pluses include:

• Independent or Catholic school experience,

• Experience and familiarity with educational technology hardware and software

• Professional technical certifications from Microsoft, Apple, etc.,

• Experience in the development, installation, and maintenance of information systems,

• Current and in-depth knowledge of network architecture; telecommunication; wireless, mobile, and cloud technologies

•  Knowledge of administrative and academic database systems