Director of IT (Information Technology)

Responsibilities

• Lead IT Operations & Infrastructure
• Oversee the school’s infrastructure and systems (server environment, Active Directory, databases, networks/Wi-Fi, device management, and classroom hardware).
• Manage cloud platforms and storage (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, AWS), including access controls and lifecycle policies.
• Ensure effective patching, software deployment, and reliable support across end-user devices.
• Maintain technology inventory, lifecycle planning, and vendor relationships/contracts aligned to SLAs, security requirements, and insurance standards.
• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including on-prem and cloud backup strategies and readiness testing.

Cybersecurity, Privacy & Compliance

• Lead the development and ongoing implementation of security policies and operational practices across the school.
• Oversee key security functions (firewall operations, monitoring/alerts, incident response and escalation, digital certificates, MFA) in coordination with the IT team.
• Investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents, determine root cause, and mitigate risk.
• Conduct regular cybersecurity testing and incident response simulations to strengthen readiness and support insurance/compliance requirements.
• Ensure strong student and staff data protections aligned with FERPA, COPPA, and other applicable standards.

Partnership with Educational Technology & Responsible AI

• Collaborate closely with Educational Technology colleagues and academic leaders to support instructional technology goals and a consistent classroom experience.
• Contribute to school-wide AI governance, security, and policy development—supporting safe, ethical, and effective use.
• Evaluate, pilot, and scale new tools and platforms with clear attention to instructional value, usability, privacy, and security.
• Provide input on selecting and implementing third-party educational software and instructional technologies.

Campus Safety & Emergency Systems

• Oversee and understand safety and emergency communications systems (e.g., Verkada, Informacast, speakers/displays, phone routing for accurate emergency location).
• SIS integrations supporting safety workflows (e.g., Magnus Health).
• Continuity solutions such as the school’s private cellular network for emergencies and outages.
• Coordinate routine testing, documentation, and readiness drills with Operations/Security partners.

SIS Support & Secure Reporting

• Support secure, accurate use of the Student Information System (SIS), including role/permission practices, reporting workflows, and cross-department coordination.
• Ensure strong data practices and timely support for major school events requiring scheduling and reporting.

People Leadership, Service Delivery & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of five IT professionals, supporting growth, accountability, and strong customer service.
• Evaluate team structure, roles, and workflows—and redevelop the team to best meet school needs.
• Maintain clear documentation, procedures, and knowledge resources for the community.
• Partner with HR on onboarding/offboarding (accounts, access, devices, trainings, documentation, and security processes).
• Partner with Operations on IT support for events and campus initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience in infrastructure/networking, cloud services, identity/access management, endpoint/device management, and systems reliability.
• Demonstrated cybersecurity leadership, including policy development, monitoring/response, and incident management.
• Experience with disaster recovery planning, backups, and operational continuity.
• Experience overseeing core school systems and data/SIS reporting workflows in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Proven vendor management, budgeting, and contract/renewal oversight.
• Strong project/change management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Collaborative leadership style; excellent communication skills; high customer-service orientation in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with instructional technology in K–12 settings and comfort partnering on responsible AI evaluation and governance (privacy, security, usability, instructional value).
• Experience developing teams through hiring, coaching, and performance management; ability to assess and evolve team structure as needed.