Administrative Director of Information Technology

Employment Status: Full-Time
Direct Report: Superintendent
Exemption Status: Exempt 
Job Category: District Administration
Travel: Up to 30% both within and outside the District

Compensation: $79,519.61 to $102,001.59
Annual Work Days: 245 days, Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., with the expectation to go beyond work hours to accommodate organizational needs
Document Date: April 2024

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Strategic Technology Leadership: Lead the strategic planning and execution for technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with the educational mission and operational goals while driving forward-thinking technology adoption.
• Policy Development: Develop comprehensive IT policies and governance procedures that dictate the use of technology, ensuring alignment with district goals and regulatory compliance.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee budget development and financial planning for the Technology Division, including cost-benefit analyses, investment in new technologies, and optimization of current resources for long-term sustainability.
• Advisory Role: Act as a key advisor for technology-related decisions to the Superintendent and Board, providing expert insights into technology trends, potential risks, and opportunities for innovation

Systems Management & Operational Excellence:

• IT Governance: Provide robust management of IT operations, ensuring system integrity, data accuracy, and the streamlined performance of all technology systems.
• Infrastructure Optimization: Evaluate and optimize the existing IT infrastructure to support scalable growth, incorporating state-of-the-art technology that addresses the evolving needs of the school system.
• Performance Analysis: Regularly assess the performance of IT services and infrastructure to identify areas for improvement, inform budget decisions, and plan for future technology upgrades.
• ERP Administration: Manage the selection, implementation, and optimization of enterprise resource planning systems, ensuring they meet the functional needs of the district’s operations.

Security, Compliance & Risk Management:

• Cybersecurity Leadership: Direct the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies, managing security measures to protect against threats, and safeguarding the privacy and integrity of district data.
• Compliance Assurance: Stay abreast of and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies regarding technology use within the school district.
• Business Continuity Planning: Develop and maintain comprehensive business continuity plans, ensuring that the district is prepared to respond to and recover from any IT emergency or disruption swiftly.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaborative Practices:

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and community members, ensuring their technology needs and feedback are integrated into IT solutions.
• Collaborative Implementation: Promote effective collaboration between the IT department and other departments, ensuring technology initiatives support the educational and operational strategies of the district.
• Training & Support: Design and implement training programs that enhance staff’s ability to use technology effectively, focusing on increasing digital literacy and competency across the district.

 

Innovation & Development:

• Innovation and Technology Integration: Lead the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation in educational technology.
• Professional Development: Encourage and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for IT staff, aimed at staying ahead of the curve with the latest technological skills and certifications.
• Digital Citizenship Promotion: Develop and maintain educational programs that promote safe, ethical, and responsible use of technology among students and staff.

 

Accessibility & Inclusivity:

• Accessibility and Equity: Ensure that all technology resources and services are accessible and equitably distributed, supporting diverse learning needs and removing barriers for students and staff with disabilities.
• Change Management: Apply best practices in change management to smoothly transition to new systems and technologies, reducing resistance and ensuring district-wide adoption.

 

Sustainability & Resource Management:

• Sustainable Practices: Lead initiatives to identify and implement environmentally sustainable and cost-saving technology solutions, reducing the district’s carbon footprint and promoting responsible use of resources.
• Vendor Relations: Develop strategic partnerships with technology vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and managing SLAs to ensure high-quality service and value for the district.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s Degree (Preferred): A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, or Information Technology is preferred, indicating advanced proficiency in managing and strategizing IT within complex organizations.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Required): A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is required to provide the essential knowledge base for IT operations.
• Extensive Experience: Candidates must have no less than 10 years of cumulative, progressive experience in managing information systems and technological innovation. This experience is expected to demonstrate a breadth of understanding and capability across various IT domains, including but not limited to strategic planning, system design and implementation, cybersecurity, data management, and network administration. The candidate should have a history of working effectively in public education and the corporate sector, illustrating versatility and the ability to adapt IT strategies to diverse environments. Leadership experience is critical, with a proven track record of leading IT projects that enhance operational efficiency, educational technology integration, and user service delivery. An ideal candidate will also exhibit strong proficiency in change management, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, and team development. The successful candidate will show a commitment to continuous professional growth and to staying abreast of emerging technology trends. Experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation within an organization is highly desirable.

 

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of the specific technology needs within a K-12 educational environment, including familiarity with educational software, digital classroom technologies, and online learning platforms. Knowledge of curriculum standards and how technology can support and enhance the learning experience is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in crafting long-term IT strategies that align with organizational goals. Proficiency in managing complex IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring they deliver value and drive efficiency.
• Proven leadership in developing, implementing, and maintaining IT policies and procedures that promote best practices, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity, understanding threats, and establishing robust security frameworks.
• Exceptional ability to analyze complex data, interpret IT metrics, and translate findings into actionable plans. Strong problem-solving skills with an aptitude for identifying and addressing challenges proactively.
• Outstanding communication abilities, with the skill to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly. Capable of fostering collaboration and building consensus among diverse groups.
• Proficiency in using and managing ERP systems, which support the diverse operational aspects of a school district. In-depth knowledge of business technology applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to leverage these tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.

 

Computer Skills

• Proficient in managing and configuring Windows Server environments, web-based email systems, and VoIP phone technologies.
• Expertise in the use of interactive whiteboards and managing Internet content filters.
• Familiarity with the E-Rate program to facilitate funding for technology in education.
• Experience with digital messaging systems and Windows Active Directory suite.
• Working knowledge of educational finance and operational software, as well as the hardware required for efficient school administration.
• Solid understanding of wide-area network (WAN) concepts and infrastructure.
• Proficiency with instructional technology, including both hardware and software used in educational settings.
• Knowledge of the procurement, maintenance, and training processes for a range of informational technologies.
• Ability to manage and transform district data accurately for compliance with state reporting requirements.

 

Additional Requirements:

• Adaptable to changing priorities and operational needs.

 

Work Environment:

The work environment for this role is detailed as follows:
Employees will find themselves in a work setting that is generally quiet, mirroring a standard administrative office within the educational sector, which is ideal for concentrated tasks. While routine operations involve moderate stress levels, particularly when navigating strict reporting deadlines and managing intricate financial tasks, there is an expectation for the Director of Information Technology to maintain poise and efficiency under pressure.

 

Regular work hours align with the typical business day; however, the position may demand work beyond standard hours to fulfill pressing deadlines. The Director of Information Technology is expected to exhibit flexibility, particularly during critical periods such as the end of the fiscal year, technology rollouts, or when special projects require attention beyond the normal scope of duties. In addition to these responsibilities, attendance at school board meetings is a necessary part of the role. The Director will sometimes provide updates on IT initiatives and progress reports and will be available to answer any technology-related inquiries. Participation in these meetings is pivotal, as it ensures that the school board remains informed about the status and strategic direction of technology within the district.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The North Little Rock School District is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity and access for all applicants, including those with disabilities. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you require specific accommodations during the application process or upon employment, please discuss your needs with the hiring agency. Accommodations are considered on an individual basis, guided by the goal of facilitating full participation in the application and interview process and successful performance of job responsibilities