Director of Information Technology

Purpose Statement
Under the general direction of the Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the District’s information technology (IT) services to support high quality instruction and efficient business operations. The position is responsible for districtwide technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, data systems, enterprise applications, classroom and end user technologies, IT customer service, and related contracts and budgets. The Director provides technology leadership, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and collaborates with instructional and operational leaders to align technology services with District goals.

Technology Operations & Infrastructure Management

• Oversees daily operation, maintenance, and improvement of the District’s technology infrastructure, including wired and wireless networks, servers, storage, cloud services, telecommunications, two-way radios, data centers, and end-user devices.
• Ensures high availability, performance, and reliability of technology services supporting instructional and business functions, including monitoring systems and responding to outages and performance issues in a timely manner.
• Develops, implements, and maintains standards for hardware, software, network architecture, and security configurations across the District.
• Plans, directs, and oversees backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies for critical systems and data.
• Coordinates with internal staff and external service providers to troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure and system issues.

Cybersecurity, Data Systems & Enterprise Applications

• Develops and oversees a comprehensive cybersecurity program, including policies, procedures, access controls, incident response, staff awareness, and security tools to protect District systems and data.
• Directs the implementation, integration, and support of enterprise systems such as student information systems (SIS), HR/Payroll/Finance/ERP, assessment and data platforms, learning management systems, IEP and special education systems, and related applications.
• Ensures the integrity, privacy, and security of student, staff, and financial data and oversees data governance practices and standards.
• Oversees required state and federal data reporting, including processes and timelines to ensure accurate, timely submissions.
• Evaluates new and existing systems for effectiveness, interoperability, and alignment with District standards and strategic priorities.

Instructional Technology & Customer Support

• Collaborates with Educational Services, site administrators, and instructional staff to ensure that technology supports curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student engagement.
• Oversees support for classroom technologies (e.g., devices, displays, audio/visual equipment, peripheral devices) and ensures timely, effective technical assistance to teachers and staff.
• Guides the development and implementation of help desk and field support processes, service level expectations, and customer service standards.
• Coordinates with instructional and professional development leaders to align technical support with training needs for educational software and digital tools.

Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates the work of IT department staff, including network, systems, applications, security, help desk, and site support personnel.
• Recruits, selects, trains, mentors, and develops staff to ensure a high level of technical expertise and customer service.
• Assigns work priorities, monitors workload, and adjusts staffing and processes to meet District needs and service expectations.
• Promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented culture within the IT department and across departments.

Budgeting, Procurement & Contract Management

• Develops, administers, and monitors the IT operating and capital budgets, including equipment refresh cycles and multi-year technology plans.
• Identifies resource needs and prepares budget recommendations, including cost estimates for hardware, software, services, and staffing.
• Manages procurement of technology goods and services in accordance with District policies and applicable laws, including development and evaluation of bids, RFPs, RFQs, and contracts.
• Negotiates and oversees vendor contracts, service level agreements, warranties, and licensing, and evaluates vendor performance.

Planning, Compliance & Governance

• Leads the development, implementation, and ongoing revision of the District technology plan, including goals, performance measures, and alignment with the District’s strategic plan and LCAP.
• Ensures compliance with relevant local, state, and federal requirements, including but not limited to data privacy, information security, records retention, and accessibility requirements for digital content.
• Participates in or leads District committees related to technology, data, and innovation and serves as a key advisor to Cabinet and District leadership on technology matters.
• Develops and maintains IT policies, procedures, and standards and communicates them effectively to stakeholders.

Communication, Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicates effectively with District and site administrators, supervisors, teachers, classified staff, bargaining units, students, parents, and community partners regarding technology initiatives, changes, issues, and progress.
• Coordinates IT activities with other departments to support cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Provides reports, presentations, and briefings to District leadership, the Board, committees, and other groups as requested.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objectives of the position and the District’s mission.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in information technology, computer science, information systems, business administration, or a closely related field.
• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, in addition to the experience required below.
• Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in information technology operations, including network and systems administration and/or enterprise applications support in an enterprise level environment.
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience directing the work of technical staff in an enterprise level environment.
• Experience in a K–12 school district or public agency environment is preferred.

Education and Experience

• Valid California driver’s license.

• Industry certifications in relevant areas (e.g., Information Technology Infrastructure Library-ITIL, Project Management Professional-PMP, systems, networking, cybersecurity, or cloud) are desirable.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Skills to:

• Lead and manage a complex, districtwide information technology program and multiple concurrent projects.
• Plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of technical and professional staff.
• Design, implement, and support scalable, secure network, server, cloud, and telecommunications environments.
• Oversee implementation, integration, and support of enterprise applications and data systems.
• Develop and manage budgets, control costs, and optimize use of technology resources.
• Analyze complex technical and organizational issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Use project management methods and tools to deliver technology projects on time and within budget.
• Prepare clear, concise reports, proposals, and documentation and present information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Operate a computer and use enterprise and office software efficiently.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of information technology management, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, and user support in an enterprise level environment.
• Network and systems architecture, including LAN/WAN, wireless networks, Internet connectivity, cloud computing, virtualization, identity and access management, and related technologies.
• Cybersecurity principles, practices, frameworks, and tools relevant to K–12 environments.
• K–12 enterprise systems such as student information systems, HR/Payroll/Finance/ERP, learning management systems, IEP/special education systems, assessment systems, and data dashboards.
• Data privacy, security, and governance practices, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Principles of leadership, supervision, training, and performance management.
• Principles and practices of public agency budgeting, purchasing, and contract administration.
• Change management and customer service practices in a technology environment.

Ability to:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for a districtwide technology program that supports teaching, learning, and operations.
• Develop, communicate, and implement short- and long-term technology plans aligned with District goals.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, bargaining units, outside agencies, and vendors.
• Communicate complex technical information in understandable terms to non-technical audiences.
• Interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures related to information technology, data privacy, and public agency operations.
• Exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Travel to various District locations and school sites and attend meetings and events as required.

Physical Abilities to:

• Function indoors in an office or technology operations environment and occasionally outdoors when visiting sites.
• Sit or stand for extended periods, and move about District sites to access equipment and work areas.
• Use hand eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to  lift, carry, push, or pull objects of medium weight (up to 25 lbs.) on an occasional basis
• Reach, stoop, bend, and kneel to inspect or access equipment and cabling as needed.
• See and read printed materials and computer screens and distinguish among various signals and indicators.
• Hear and understand speech in person, by telephone, and in online meetings.
• Drive a vehicle to conduct work and respond to District sites.