Director of Information Technology

Summary: The Director of Information Technology is responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of all information technology services in support of learning and administration at Sandy Spring Friends School. The position leads budgeting for technology in partnership with senior administrators and contributes to security, crisis response, and business-continuity planning. The position also oversees core technology infrastructure, including the network, servers, student information system, phone system, licensing, and cybersecurity. The Technology Director supervises information technology (IT) staff and is an integral member of this team to accomplish both the daily work and long-term goals of the School. The position collaborates closely with the Inquiry Guides Director to enable and enhance teaching and learning with technology.

Knowledge and Skill Set Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree (Master's preferred) in Technology, Educational-Technology, Network Administration, or a related, relevant area; experience with institution-wide (preferably a school setting) information technology systems management; experience with effectively supervising the work of others and creating a collaborative, harmonious work environment; and the ability to make a technical subject accessible to those without technical training is essential.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership:

• Collaboratively establish and articulate a vision for the use of technology in the school, guided by the school’s mission, strategic plan, and senior leadership team.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in all of the School’s functional areas to constantly increase the effective use of information systems. Plan, implement, assess, and evaluate information technology goals and projects.
• Maximize the technology department’s ability to provide high-quality, reliable, cost-effective IT systems to the School.

Management: 

• Project and plan the School’s technology budgetary needs (both capital and operating) on an annual basis in concert with other senior administrators. Project 5 year capital expenditures for technology systems maintenance and replacements.
• Manage the operation of mission-critical technology platforms including Veracross SIS, Google Workspace, Mosyle MDM, Canvas LMS, PaperCut printing,, Genetec security system, etc. so that the performance of these hosted and on-premises IT systems align with end-users’ expectations.
• In conjunction with the School's network administrator, manage technology infrastructure including Juniper switches, Barracuda Firewall, Windows Active Directory, Aruba WiFi, Mitel phone system, etc. to ensure a robust and reliable network that is cost-effective and forward-thinking. 
• Manage the purchasing of all IT equipment and the organization of peripheral equipment.
• Provide oversight for the School’s audiovisual equipment and needs.
• Ensure timely and effective response to all incoming tech support requests. 
• Maintain asset tracking of all computers and other high-value assets to facilitate planning, budgeting, and loss control.
• Establish and update technology standard operating procedures and documentation.
• Manage contracts and licensing with technology vendors and service providers, in conjunction with the CFO and Director of Operations.

Technology Support: 

• Participate as a member of the technology support team, including end-user Tier 1 support for faculty, staff, and students, and Tier 2 and 3 support of the technology team.
• Provide AV support for events, live-streaming, and recording/editing of major School events.
• Support the Inquiry Guides’ efforts to integrate technology into the School’s educational program.
• Respond effectively to parent questions and concerns related to the School’s technology infrastructure.

Innovation

• Use and model approaches such as design thinking, agile methodology, and other innovation frameworks, and support other leaders in their use.
• Develop the capacity of the faculty as designers of inquiry-based, project-oriented, STEAM-driven learning experiences.
• Develop and enhance innovation and entrepreneurial experiences for students and staff, in partnership with school leaders and the wider community.
• Research emerging technologies within independent schools, and share/develop potentially positive practices in concert with academic department heads. 

Cybersecurity: 

• Lead the School’s cybersecurity efforts in protecting digital assets and implementing effective cybersecurity training for faculty and staff.
• Stay informed of regulatory requirements and best practices for information security in an independent school environment, and assure the School’s compliance, including annual reviews of third-party vendors.
• Provide ongoing evaluation, auditing, and remediation of all IT policies, procedures, enforcement, and documentation to ensure they are up-to-date and continue to meet the needs of the School. 
• Develop and assess cybersecurity disaster recovery plans to maximize business continuity in the event of technology-related problems.

Desired Experience:

• Experience with institution-wide information systems management and curriculum technology implementation in a school setting.
• Experience with effectively supervising the work of others.
• Experience working directly with teachers, students, administration, and operations staff regarding both technology support and curriculum implementation.
• Experience negotiating contracts and services with external suppliers.
• Able to write effective communications internally (faculty & staff) and externally (students and families).
• Able to juggle multiple demands including frequent questions, emails, and phone calls from internal and external community members.
• Ability to make a technical subject accessible to those without technical training.
• This position represents SSFS and is a visible role within the internal and external communities. Consequently, professional decorum and customer relation skills are required for this position.

Functional Competencies:

• Leadership/Integrity - Effectively communicates the School’s shared purpose; builds trust among colleagues; is accountable; lives up to commitments
• Team Player/Commitment - Understands the big picture and manages areas of responsibility in a manner consistent with the School’s mission and culture.
• Interpersonal Skills - Relates to employees, students, parents and clients in a cooperative manner.
• Productivity/Organizing/Planning - Meets deadlines, demonstrates effective use of time and handles multiple assignments successfully.
• Professional Growth - Understands and acknowledges the need for growth and is receptive to constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements: Daily desk work including significant amounts of computer time, as well as mobility around a large campus with uneven pavement, to work with staff and attend meetings. This includes frequent walking as well as managing stairs as a part of daily routines and response to technology support requests. Lifting, carrying, installing, and positioning computer equipment such as printers, desktop computers, projectors, and peripheral devices, which may be heavy or awkward.