Director of Technology

Redwood Day is a vibrant K-8 school learning together on our four-acre campus in the heart of Oakland. Everything we do is designed to keep every child engaged and growing. Academically, that means a world-class curriculum, the best teachers, and a focus on the individual student. Socially and emotionally, we teach students to work through challenges, respect each other’s differences, and honor their diverse community. We find great strength in multiple perspectives and embrace every opportunity to weave diversity in thought and action into our social, emotional, and academic lives.

Job Description and Desired Qualifications

The Director of Technology, coordinates, directs and oversees all operational activities of the Technology department, as well as provides support to all faculty and staff at Redwood Day with regards to technology use, implementation, and skill development. The Director of Technology works closely with decision makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support technology solutions for all aspects of the School’s functions. The Director reports to the Head of School and Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) and is a member of a highly functioning administrative group, the Head’s Advisory Team. 

The Director of Technology will begin July 1, 2026, or earlier depending on availability.

Essential Job Functions:

Management Duties 

• Develop and implement a forward-looking technology vision aligned with the school’s mission, values, and strategic priorities

• Provide leadership and management of the Technology Department, including data network and backup systems, firewall and security issues, databases, servers, printers, and telephone systems

• Evaluate and purchase administrative software and hardware based on departmental needs and ensure that staff are effectively trained to implement and use the products/equipment  

• Identify, evaluate and recommend new and emerging technologies for administrative uses to create efficiencies or to improve infrastructure

• Evaluate current data workflows, providing recommendations and implementing changes to enhance reporting and accessibility

• Regularly reviews IT security protocols, disaster recovery plans, and risk management strategies to safeguard the school’s digital assets

• Lead effort to analyze alternatives to School’s current SIS/LMS system and spearhead any system change 

• Evaluate and purchase technology equipment; Manage inventory of all School owned technology equipment

• Administer and optimize core data management system, Blackbaud, to support key operations of the school   

• Develop and maintain the department budget, including technology capital expenses

• Provide network security/safety and training for faculty/staff

• Lead the Technology Committee, a cross department group that collaborates to create technology policy  and reviews long-term technology plans

• Assign, delegate, schedule, and review the work of technology staff

• Supervise the Systems Administrator 

• Provide backup support for the HelpDesk when necessary to meet demand

Network Duties 

• Oversee and review the systems and network architecture of the school

• Monitor all student and staff network privileges 

• Ensure the smooth running of the School’s network and internet access 

• Problem-solve any faults with the network and other technology hardware and software 

Other Duties 

• Undertake personal professional development, including visiting other school and technology programs 

• In conjunction with the Director of Marketing and Communication, oversee the technical side of the School’s  web content platform

• Other duties as assigned

Essential Job Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to apply information technology in solving business problems 

• Familiar with relational databases and client-server concepts

• Experience with Blackbaud Education Management Solutions and other leading SMS’ 

• Experience with Google Admin Console and Google Apps for Education

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills with equally strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels in the organization

• Strong working technical knowledge and experience with maintenance, administration and implementation of multiple operating system and server platforms

• Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations as they relate to information and technology issues

• Effective negotiation and vendor management skills

• Ability to coach, develop and mentor staff

• Willingness to be very hands-on in the day to day operations of the technology department

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or experience in Information Technology or Computer Science required, Master’s degree preferred.

• Physical requirements- this position requires occasional lifting of objects up to 30lbs