Director of Technology

Revised June, 25

Perm/contract

12-Month

Department

Technology Department

FLSA Status

Exempt

Reports To

Chief Operations & Technology Officer

Primary Reporting Location

District Office

Level

Districtwide

Compensation

Minimum: $115,000

Date Available

SY26-27

Bargaining Unit & Classification

N/A & Classified

Supervisory Responsibilities

Individual & As Assigned

Benefits

Insurance - medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available

Leaves - paid sick, vacation, and personal days provided

Retirement - pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b) available

About The Role

The Director of Technology provides strategic leadership and oversight for all technology and security initiatives within an organization. This role is responsible for aligning IT infrastructure and security strategies with overall business objectives. They develop and implement IT policies, manage budgets, and oversee the performance of the entire technology department. Crucially, the Director of Technology is responsible for ensuring the organization's data and systems are protected from cyber threats, developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, and staying abreast of evolving threats and vulnerabilities. They also play a key role in vendor management and negotiating contracts for IT services and equipment.

The Director of Technology is instrumental in the work outlined in Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.

Strategy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead in the development of short-term, mid-term, and long-term planning and goals for technology services.
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity plans across the organization
• Assist in the development and implementation of physical security plans across the organization
• Advise senior leadership in any area assigned, focused on technology, learning, project management, and other expertise
• Proactively advise district leadership on emerging technology and digital trends.

Leadership

• Directly supervises the technology department's daily operations.
• Evaluates the technology staff at the coordinator and specialist levels.
• Collaborates with vendors, in an effort to create efficient and effective partnerships.
• Provides technical and project management leadership on large-scale projects.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of accessible District information resources.
• Provides leadership in the development, deployment, integration, and standardization of hardware.
• Participates as a Technology Department team member and fully supports efforts of the technology leadership team for the purpose of building a strong department team that supports the District's mission and goals.
• Performs the primary role of project manager for all technology projects and operations.
• Supports the RFP process for major technology department purchases, where the end result will be presented to the COTO for final approval.
• Assists COTO with curriculum committees and staff to develop ways to enhance technology use and implementation
• Leads the management and the development, design, engineering, integration, and implementation of complex district technology systems.
• Builds strong relationships with district stakeholder groups and their leaders to develop a detailed understanding of their issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• Implements the most appropriate and effective IT organizational design to support and engage with district stakeholders.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive technology plan aligned with the district's educational goals and strategic plan.
• Provides leadership and direction for all IT operations, including network infrastructure, hardware, software, and technical support.
• Participates in the development of the IT budget, prioritizing resources to support educational initiatives and operational efficiency.
• Evaluates and recommends new technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
• Oversees the implementation and maintenance of student information systems, learning management systems, and other educational technology tools.

Team Development

• Recommends candidates, builds capacity and evaluates staff, supporting the District's retention efforts of the highly qualified team of IT professionals.
• Demonstrates and trains staff on the use of technology systems.
• Writes and edits technical documentation about technology standards and procedures.
• Serves as a technical consultant for the District's technology instructional programs, as well as all operational departments.
• Supports and leads staff across various work streams of technology services and instructional technology, data management/governance, analytics, and student/family registration

IT Operations

• Establishes processes for technology systems monitoring to provide optimal uptime.
• Provides support and management of all district technology infrastructures.
• Establishes, manages, and maintains district test facilities for research and development.
• Develops and implements effective policies, processes, and procedures to define, schedule, and log all system's project or maintenance-related activities associated with patching, upgrades, version control, and other long-range planning.
• Assists in the support and maintenance of district systems.
• Supervises the management and maintenance of the district's VoIP phone system.
• Develops scripts to assist with providing solutions and automation (powershell, vbs, batch, and bash on Mac OSX)
• Manages the IT help desk and provides technical support to staff and students.
• Ensures the availability and reliability of network infrastructure and critical applications.
• Oversees the procurement, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software.

Personal Development

• Seeks training to further job skills with district hardware and software;
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and webinars to maintain knowledge of district operations and how they may be improved through advancements in technology.

Educational Technology Integration

• Collaborates with teachers and administrators to integrate technology into the curriculum.
• Provides training and support to staff on the use of educational technology tools.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of technology initiatives and makes recommendations for improvement.

Strategic Security Leadership (Educational Focus)

• Develops and maintains a K-12 specific information security strategy aligned with the district's educational mission and student safety priorities.
• Provides expert advice on cybersecurity best practices for educational technology, including online learning platforms, student information systems, and network infrastructure.
• Conducts risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges of a school environment, focusing on student data privacy and online safety.
• Establishes and maintains security policies, standards, and procedures that address the needs of students, staff, and parents.
• Develops and manages the information security budget, prioritizing resources for student safety and data protection.

Risk Management And Compliance (Student-Centric)

• Identifies and assesses cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities related to student data, online activities, and educational technology.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, and state-specific data privacy laws.
• Conducts security audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls in protecting student data and network infrastructure.
• Manages security incidents and breaches, with a focus on minimizing disruption to educational activities and protecting student privacy.
• Oversees the district's data retention and destruction policies.

Security Program Development And Implementation (Educational Technology)

• Develops and implements a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training program for students, staff, and parents, emphasizing online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
• Oversees the selection and implementation of security technologies and tools appropriate for a K-12 environment, including content filtering, intrusion detection, and data loss prevention.
• Establishes and maintains a security monitoring and incident response program tailored to the needs of a school district.
• Manages third-party security risks associated with educational software and online services.
• Oversees vulnerability management programs of all connected devices.

Communication And Collaboration (Community Engagement)

• Communicates security risks and issues to district leadership, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students in a clear and understandable manner.
• Provides regular security reports and metrics to the school board and superintendent.
• Collaborates with technology staff, school counselors, and law enforcement to address cybersecurity incidents and online safety concerns.
• Acts as a liaison with external security organizations, vendors, and educational technology providers.
• Works with the school's public relations department to communicate with the public about the district's security posture.

Leadership, Compliance & Professionalism

• Ensures Compliance: Ensures fidelity and compliance with all Board of Education policies, collective bargaining agreements, administrative procedures, and state/federal laws.
• Upholds Professional Ethics: Exhibits the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and confidentiality in all school-related matters.
• Models Professional Growth: Assumes responsibility for one's own professional growth by reflecting on practice, seeking feedback, and staying current with educational research and best practices.
• District Communication & Representation: Maintains proactive communication with the Superintendent or designee regarding all pertinent school matters and represents the school at required district and community meetings.
• Models Professionalism: Works a full professional day and has a visible presence during school, as well as school and district sponsored community events. Shares information with central office administrators, ensuring districtwide engagement with school-based events.
• Performs Assigned Duties: Completes all reports, records, and other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Knowledge

Content Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of educational technology integration, including current instructional technologies, digital learning platforms, and curriculum integration strategies.
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure, including network design, server management, VoIP systems, wireless systems, and cloud computing.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, best practices, and compliance standards specific to K12 environments, including FERPA, COPPA, and CIPA.
• Knowledge of physical security technologies and integration with IT systems.
• Knowledge of risk management, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning.
• Knowledge of data privacy laws, data governance, and student information systems.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies for technology initiatives in educational settings.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement processes, and vendor management within public education or governmental contexts.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, VBS, Batch, Bash) for automation and systems administration.
• Knowledge of software and hardware standards, lifecycle management, and asset management best practices.
• Knowledge of customer service frameworks to support IT help desk operations and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles as they relate to technology-enabled learning.
• Knowledge of strategic planning processes aligned to district goals and educational improvement priorities.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies and change management within technology operations.
• Knowledge of applicable Board policies, administrative procedures, and collective bargaining agreements as they relate to technology staff and services.

Skills

• Skilled in strategic planning, developing comprehensive technology and cybersecurity plans aligned with district goals.
• Skilled in managing and supervising technology teams to achieve operational excellence and high service standards.
• Skilled in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex technology infrastructures and educational technology systems.
• Skilled in project management, including planning, resource allocation, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of large-scale projects.
• Skilled in technical troubleshooting, problem analysis, and resolution across diverse technology platforms and systems.
• Skilled in communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, including educators, students, families, and the Board.
• Skilled in building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and shared ownership of technology initiatives.
• Skilled in developing and delivering professional development for staff on educational technologies and cybersecurity awareness.
• Skilled in budget development, financial management, and prioritization of technology resources to support educational programs.
• Skilled in negotiating and managing vendor contracts to ensure service quality and cost effectiveness.
• Skilled in data analysis, metrics reporting, and using data to inform decisions and continuous improvement.
• Skilled in writing and editing clear, accurate technical documentation, standards, and procedures.
• Skilled in facilitating organizational change to adopt new technologies and processes effectively.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and inspire a technology staff to achieve strategic objectives and provide exceptional service.
• Ability to think strategically and systemically to align technology services with district instructional and operational priorities.
• Ability to design and implement effective cybersecurity programs to protect student data and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies, processes, and procedures for efficient technology operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines with accuracy and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and operational problems, develop solutions, and implement improvements.
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism in all technology-related matters.
• Ability to build staff capacity through coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
• Ability to advocate for technology needs at the district leadership level, communicating the impact of IT initiatives on student learning and operational efficiency.
• Ability to stay current with emerging technologies, cybersecurity trends, and educational innovations to inform district technology strategies.
• Ability to lead crisis response efforts related to technology and cybersecurity incidents with calm, clarity, and effective communication.
• Ability to serve as a visible, engaged leader within the district, representing the department at community and district events.
• Ability to model continuous professional growth by reflecting on practice, seeking feedback, and applying best practices in educational technology leadership.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferred
• Proven experience in IT leadership and management, preferably in a K-12 environment.
• Industry Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or ITIL, preferred
• Experience in at least some of the following areas, required
• Project Management
• Organizational Development
• Technical Writing
• Budget management
• Grant Procurement and Management
• Systems Compliance
• Staff Training
• Virtual Environments such as VMWare
• Switching and Routing
• Wireless Networking
• Windows, Mac, Linux Operating Systems
• Data systems such as TSQL, SQL, MySQL
• Scripting Languages such as PowerShell, Python, and Perl

Physical Requirements

This position requires the performance of light workwhich requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere. The position requires indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.

Apply Through Frontline

Applications are currently being accepted for this position via our district website. Please reach out to our human resources department at ***email_hidden***, if you have questions about the application process.

We encourage interested applicants to apply, as we continue to uplift our equity policy. Our goal is to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow an employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions.