Associate Director of Technology

About the Role

The Associate Director of Technology (ADT) plays a critical role in supporting and administering Ascend's applications and infrastructure. The ADT provides input in executive technology decisions to align the organization with its technological needs. Responsibilities include operational management, technology strategy, project and vendor management, and team leadership.

• Operational Management:
  • Direct program assessments to ensure technology standards meet academic goals
  • Investigate network intrusions, cybersecurity risks, and breaches to identify root causes and mitigate future risks
  • Support the design, development, and implementation of secure, resilient infrastructure protecting organizational data
  • Audit organizational and departmental requirements to determine technology needs and ensure alignment with business objectives
• Technology Strategy:
  • Evaluate short- and long-term technology needs to meet organizational goals
  • Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends to guide strategic planning
• Project & Vendor Management:
  • Communicate technology updates clearly and promptly to school and network staff
  • Lead IT projects that improve system efficiency, compliance, and best-practice implementation
  • Maintain a customer-focused approach to delivering technology solutions
• Team Leadership:
  • Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop strategies that advance operational excellence
  • Use data, cross-functional goals, and problem-solving to align team efforts with organizational priorities
  • Supervise and develop Senior Systems Administrators to strengthen technical preparedness, response, and campus-level support
  • Mentor team members and participate in professional development aligned with organizational needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 7+ years of work experience in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
• 3+ years of managerial experience
• Industry certifications (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Cisco, PMI, HP) are a plus
• Knowledge of networking and cloud networking (Cisco, Meraki, software-defined networking, network virtualization, load balancing, DNS, VPN) and their application to PaaS and IaaS technologies
• Experience administering and supporting Windows/MacOS, enterprise, and school-based applications
• Experience with Microsoft’s technology stack (Active Directory, Windows Server, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, Azure, etc.)
• Strong understanding of application, server, and network security
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and optimize the performance of all technology systems, including staff devices, network infrastructure, applications, and hardware
• Experience in evaluating, purchasing, and managing cost-effective hardware, software, and services, including negotiating vendor contracts and maintaining strategic vendor relationships
• Experience in monitoring and optimizing the performance of all technology systems, including staff devices, network infrastructure, applications, and hardware

Skills and Traits

• Extensive industry knowledge and a forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to anticipate emerging technologies and organizational needs
• Strong leadership, team management, and organizational skills, including effective delegation and the ability to guide teams to achieve key performance indicators
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and build trust with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, collaborative, service-oriented environment, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and resilience
• Comfort balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning, contributing both to immediate needs and long-term initiatives
• Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking abilities, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, results-oriented work
• High degree of independence and initiative, knowing when to take ownership and when to seek guidance or escalate issues
• Excellent time and task management skills, with the ability to perform effectively in a KPI-driven environment

Compensation

The salary will start at $90,000 annually, commensurate with the level of experience.

Location & Work Arrangement

• Based in our Brooklyn, NY office
• Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week
• Occasional professional conference travel

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits