Director of Technology

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; major in computer science or related field preferred.
• Minimum three years experience in working with technology, including operating systems, telephones, voicemail, hardware, and software applications.
• Experience in development of budgets including grant writing and administration.
• Knowledge of educational program planning and implementation of technology.
• Demonstrated skills in applying computer technology and business software efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge of local and wide area network infrastructure design, management, operations, security, and administration; 10/100/Gigabit Ethernet; network management hardware and software; multi-protocol network administration; Windows XP.
• Knowledge of educational software, WEB 2.0 tools, Internet2, virtual schools, PA State Curriculum and NETS Standards for teachers and students.
• Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34 and 151).
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the board or superintendent may determine appropriate and acceptable.

Summary

Plans, administers, and supervises system-wide the implementation, operations, maintenance, and support of all information technology in the district, including all systems for instructional activities, school district management. The director will collaborate with instructional and administrative staff to develop and model integration of technology into the curriculum; will provide guidance and technology leadership for the Instructional Technology Staff as well as for the district in general; will provide access to technology resources and promote business and community partnerships to support the academic career readiness of the students of the Allentown School District; coordinate efforts and activities with the Information Technology Staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as primary contact for all new information hardware, software, and services and oversees the implementation of those services.
• Develops monitoring techniques to measure levels of technology and technology support satisfaction of school district personnel and initiates programs to increase satisfaction.
• Develops and provides client support required to ensure that the technology systems are used effectively, including developing and providing training programs, providing “help desk” support, and promoting user forums and discussion points.
• Assesses user needs, translates them into technical objectives and works with the staff to define and implement practices and procedures on the selection, use and support of information technology.
• Manages the acquisition of information technology for the school district, including equipment standards, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management as well as maintains the reliability and availability of school district information technology hardware and software.
• Maintains for clients the availability and usability of electronic data and develops appropriate backup procedures for the effective handling of “down time” in the utilization of information technology.
• Implements comprehensive maintenance plans for desktop, server, and network technology as well as safeguards hardware, software, and data from unintentional and malicious damage, loss, and use.
• Creates and implement information technology security practices and procedures, including those for both the physical and electronic access to the school district’s information technology assets and data.
• Makes recommendations concerning policy matters relative to information technology as well as facilitate technology information exchanges among school district personnel, vendors, and business partners.
• Provides, directs, and organizes essential contract resources to meet those needs that cannot be met through existing staff capabilities and services and supervises and evaluates the performance of contracted personnel.
• Develops the budget for technology as well as oversees purchase plans related to technology.
• Provides research data to assist in the evaluation of information technology hardware and software as well as reviews, evaluates synthesizes, and presents current research findings concerning applications of information technology.
• Provides leadership in the school district’s information technology organization and coordinates implementation of the school district’s technology plan.
• Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Superintendent of Schools and/or the Deputy Superintendent.
• Communicate with all stakeholders the instructional technology plans, programs and initiatives that will improve student achievement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises three managers and multiple technicians.

Is responsible for the coordination and evaluation of these individuals.

Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending for hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints, and resolving problems.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the district’s policies and applicable laws.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Interpersonal Skills

Effectively communicate with curriculum coordinators, building principals, vendors, stakeholders and administrators;

Maintains confidentiality; Inspires others;

Manages time wisely;

Meets commitments;

Guides and supports Instructional Technology Coaches;

Provides valuable feedback to Instructional Technology Coaches and building principals;

Exhibits fairness to all colleagues;

Leads by example;

Show respect to colleagues;

Listens to others without interrupting;

Shows reasonable control of personal emotions;

Exhibits objectivity and openness to the views of others;

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;

Listens and solicits clarification;

Responds appropriately to questions;

Demonstrates group presentation skills;

Writes clearly and effectively;

Balances team and individual responsibilities;

Gives and welcomes feedback;

Leadership Skills

Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Displays passion and optimism; Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results; Provides recognition for results; Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Provides regular performance feedback to Instructional Technology Coaches; Develops the skills of the Instructional Technology Coaches and encourages growth; Continually works to improve supervisory skills; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Fosters a focus on quality in others; Observes safety and security procedures when appropriate; Determines appropriate action beyond safety and security guidelines; Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes facts relating to the problem skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.

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Organizational Skills

Works within approved budget; Conserves district/school resources; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks and reports correctly and on time; Develops strategies to achieve district/school goals; Understands district/school's strengths & weaknesses; Aligns work with strategic goals.

Personal Competencies

Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions; Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works ethically and with integrity; Sets and achieves challenging personal goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals; Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Treats others with respect regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies supervisor feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Follows instructions, responds to supervisory direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Physical Demands

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

While performing the duties of this job, the administrator is regularly required to talk or hear. The administrator is frequently required to walk, climb stairs, bend, and lift. The administrator is required to use hands to fingers or handle documents, telephone, etc. The administrator is occasionally required to stand; sit and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.