Director of Technology - Alexander Dawson School

Job Title: Director of Technology

Reports To: CFO

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Technology

Schedule: Full-time, 12 months

...Essential Functions: The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

Strategic Planning & Budgeting

Address the diverse needs of The Alexander Dawson School and its constituents; assess needs and ensure an outstanding approach toward technology for academic and administrative functions; communicate proactively to solicit and identify new opportunities to develop value-added academic and business products and services

Report clearly and regularly to stakeholders on progress toward objectives

Develop justifications and cost/benefit analyses for technology spending and initiatives. Manage substantial departmental budget and annual and long-term budget initiatives

Prepare and present information services plans, budgets, service-level data, objectives, and outcomes

Collaborate with the Head of School, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Academic Officer to meet strategic technology goals

Information Systems

Benchmark, analyze, report, and make recommendations to improve the School’s infrastructure and IT systems This includes managing the School’s network, servers, software applications, and user support systems

Coordinate activities with technology vendors and negotiate contracts with the assistance of appropriate leadership

Coordinate activities with and amongst vendors to ensure project and school success

Provide direction and guidance to IT Staff and contractors who install, configure, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot associated systems and applications

Collaborate with the Director of Safety & Security to develop, support, and implement comprehensive cyber security and cyber safety programs

Ensure appropriate anti-virus, anti-spam, and web filtering solutions are implemented and maintained

Maintain security and privacy of information systems, communication lines, and equipment; conduct a semi-annual internal audit and annual external audit of network security

Academic Technology

Support faculty in utilizing resources and facilitating opportunities for increased understanding of hardware, software, and educational technology strategies

Contribute to the infusion of educational technology into classrooms, the library, and offices by providing highly motivated, full-time, professional leadership in all areas of technology planning and technology resource management

Collaborate with the Director of Academic Innovation and Design to develop and implement a strategic vision for innovation, educational technology, instructional design, and cross-curricular PBL initiatives throughout the School 

Co-lead the EdTech Task Force with identified faculty leads; serve on or oversee technology-related committees at the administrative, faculty and staff, and student levels

Provide leadership, guidance, and support for the EdTech Ambassadors and others who support innovation and instructional technology initiatives 

Inspire the technology team and the broader faculty community to model and support best practices in innovation, technology integration, and instructional design 

Design, deliver, and manage major professional development and growth experiences for faculty in areas of technology integration and instructional design 

Work with teams to integrate AI solutions into the learning process

Help develop a culture of creative innovation to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of an excellent modern learning school

Professional Development and Leadership

Remain current on technology advancements, emerging standards and regulations, and industry trends relevant to the School’s ongoing success. Stay abreast of major information technology initiatives across independent schools, incorporating them whenever they may further the School’s Mission

Lead the School’s information technology staff by fostering a service-oriented, collaborative, and efficient environment

Sustain relationships with vendors, third-party IT consultants, and managed service providers

Meet with direct reports to determine department and professional goals

Complete yearly performance evaluations for direct reports 

Address ethical implications and compliance related to AI technologies

Remain current on AI advancements and trends to evaluate new tools and vendors, and assist the School with following the appropriate standards and regulations

Establish and maintain local, regional, and national partnerships and networks to support personal growth and program advancement