Director of Academic Technology & Systems Integration

Position Overview

The Director of Academic Technology & Systems Integration plays a critical role in informing and executing the synergistic direction, vision, and implementation of instructional technologies, programming, and policies within Gilman School’s PK–12 environment. Serving as a vital bridge between educational goals and technological solutions, this individual ensures seamless academic system operations, manages user access and data synchronization, and drives the adoption of innovative ed-tech tools.

This role oversees the daily management of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), supports academic data workflows between platforms, leads technology coaching initiatives, and designs cross-curricular projects—including STEM and makerspace programming. The individual collaborates closely with school divisions, departments, and families to foster a digitally literate and innovative learning community.

The candidate must possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, working closely with the Director of Information Technology to ensure smooth operations and support the broader technology team. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership, Vision, & Policy Development

• Strategic Direction: Create and execute the overarching vision and direction for the role of educational technology at Gilman School.
• Policy Formulation: Inform and refine school policies regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, device use, and other emerging areas through collaboration with colleagues.
• Research & Innovation: Conduct continuous professional learning, attend webinars, and research the latest trends in instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
• Departmental Collaboration: Support the Director of Information Technology with large projects, including budgeting, researching appropriate technologies, admissions enrollment tasks, and start-of-year device preparation.

2. Learning Management System (LMS) & Systems Integration

• Canvas LMS Management: Manage the school’s Canvas LMS to ensure smooth operation, accessibility, proper course structures, user accounts, and permissions.
• Data Workflows: Assist in managing academic data within the Veracross student information system and coordinate data integration between Veracross and various other platforms to ensure seamless synchronization.
• System Subscriptions: Maintain academic database subscriptions, access permissions, and user enrollment across all active educational systems.
• Database Implementation: Partner with various departments to ensure the smooth implementation, integration, and adoption of new database tools and solutions.

3. Professional Development, Faculty Support, & Coaching

• Onboarding & Ongoing Support: Guide new faculty and staff through technological tools and setup at the onset of their contracts. Provide continuous support to existing staff to promote efficiency, bolster curriculum, and improve stakeholder communication.
• Ed-Tech Training: Create and inform professional development around instructional technology, the Google platform, and AI. This includes training on the effective design, alignment, and technical use of LMS technologies.
• Personalized Coaching: Conduct 1:1 meetings with faculty to offer personalized technology guidance, walkthroughs, and follow-up sessions to reinforce integration concepts.
• Program Management: Manage and lead the technology coach program across each school division.

4. Instructional Programming, STEM, & Student Literacy

• Curriculum Integration: Collaborate with faculty to effectively integrate ed-tech tools and digital strategies into the curriculum.
• Student Instruction: Collaboratively create and implement student instruction around AI, digital citizenship, coding, digital fabrication, and technology literacy.
• Makerspace & STEM Teaching: Design and implement cross-curricular projects, clubs, and programming around makerspace technologies in the HIVE. Actively teach and co-teach PK-12 projects involving robotics, digital fabrication, engineering, and other STEM topics.
• Robotics Coaching: Coach Upper School and Middle School competition robotics teams by supporting CAD, programming, and robot design, as well as attending competitions.

5. Technical Support & Community Engagement

• Helpdesk & Support Workflows: Provide tier-support and helpdesk troubleshooting for LMS-related inquiries and instructional technology platforms. Serve as a liaison between the helpdesk and employees to ensure timely issue resolution and take relevant IT tickets as needed.
• Device Deployment: Assist with student device deployments and provide ongoing technical training for students.
• Resource Creation: Develop training videos and instructional guides for frequently used and newly adopted technologies.
• Community Programming: Provide parent and community programming focused on navigating digital challenges, utilizing technological opportunities, and understanding AI topics.