Des Moines Public Schools is looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders in Teaching & Technology for our Director of Digital Literacy and Instructional Technology position.  

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range.  Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.  This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Des Moines Public Schools offers single and family health benefits at no cost to our employees and up to $6,000 towards relocation costs.

TITLE: Director of Digital Literacy and Instructional Technology

DEPARTMENT: Technology Services

REPORTS TO: Chief Information Officer

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Chief Information Officer

EVALUATES: Instructional Technology Coordinators, Print Shop       Manager                          

Office of Talent and Personnel

POSITION INVENTORY: D73

POSITION TYPE: ADMIN

BARGAINING AGREEMENT: NA

   BASIC FUNCTION:

Serve as the district Director of Digital Literacy and Instructional Technology in all matters related to classroom/instructional technology integration for students and teachers as well as emerging digital literacy program development and support. In close collaboration with the Teaching and Learning team, develop and implement the vision and strategy for instructional technology support. Provide leadership for all facets of instructional technology and digital literacy planning aligned with district and board goals including the strategic plan. Oversee the print shop and central store operations and have tight integration with Teaching and Learning initiatives. Responsible for monitoring and reporting key performance indicators. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment and current knowledge and future vision of leveraging information to align with the district’s model. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the operations department.

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide leadership and vision for the district’s instructional technology function and build the district’s technology capacity to directly support student achievement, teacher efficacy, and board goals.
2. Develop the district digital literacy strategy and vision. Work collaboratively with department supervisors and school-based administrators to coordinate the implementation of all projects pertaining to the digital literacy strategy.
3. Create and monitor measures of success related to the district digital literacy program.
4. Write district IT policies related to instructional technology and digital literacy in accordance with state and local laws.
5. Collaborate with district leaders to create a shared vision for how instructional technology will support their strategic goals.
6. Manage staffing of assigned functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, coaching, scheduling, development, evaluation, and employee performance concerns.
7. Align the district’s emerging instructional technology resources with both short and long-term goals.
8. Collaborate on the development of support infrastructure for digital literacy and technology instruction.
9. Manage the instructional technology components of the IT budget. Effectively manage and maximize all instructional technology funding sources and related budgets; actively seek alternative technology funding sources, including grant funding.
10. Direct, coordinate, and measure the implementation of all tasks related to the integration of technology into every facet of district instructional activities.
11. Demonstrate a strategic understanding and working knowledge of all district systems (e.g., instruction, assessment, finance, facilities, transportation, security, food service, and others), and provide leadership on how technology can support the relationship among curriculum, instruction, and technology in providing a strong teaching and learning environment.
12. Provide direction and coordinate ongoing, purposeful technology-related professional development for all staff.
13. Oversee and direct the Print Shop and Central Store operations to ensure highly efficient and cost-effective operations that meet and exceed district needs and tightly align with educational requirements.
14. Build and maintain relationships with other district leaders, specifically those involved in teaching and learning activities, to develop a clear understanding of the district’s needs by regularly performing needs assessments.
15. In collaboration with teaching and learning, support the development of other district roles such as media specialists, teacher librarians, or others that will support building level digital literacy efforts.
16. Establish systems and tools for gathering, warehousing, mining, integrating, and reporting instructional data in usable and meaningful ways to support data-driven decision-making.
17. Investigate, explore, and recommend strategies in relation to emerging technologies that may impact instruction and student support in areas such as real-time language translation, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and more.
18. Effectively manage and maximize instructional technology staff resources, both internal and outsourced, by using quantitative and qualitative data to analyze and identify individual and team technology strengths and required areas of growth.
19. Lead the workplace strategy to ensure employees have the resources and a healthy work environment to be more engaged, productive, and effective.
20. Communicate appropriate ethical and professional behavior for technology use in the district, and model and ensure awareness about pertinent laws and legal issues related to the implementation and use of technology to all stakeholders.
21. Coordinate the monitoring, reporting, and evaluation efforts related to the district’s strategic and the district technology committee and associated sub-committees.
22. Engage in professional development to remain current and improve leadership skills.
23. Monitor the effective use of energy resources as the district fields new instructional technology capabilities.
24. Promote the positive work of the technology departments.

  ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular
2. Maintain
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other
4. Assist with other duties as may be

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Master’s Degree in one of the following: Educational Technology, Management Information Systems (MIS), Computer Science, Educational Leadership, Organizational Development, or related field.
2. Five or more years of experience in K-12 Education, preferably with application of technology in teaching and learning.

Desired Education and Experience:

1. Doctoral Degree in Education Technology or related field.
2. Certifications in related areas.
3. Experience as a classroom teacher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to manage multiple priorities and direct activities of staff.
2. Extensive knowledge in educational technology and future trends in IT to lead with vision for students.
3. Knowledge in current technology research relative to teaching and learning, and business performance.
4. Ability to use computer technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, information analysis, SIS (Infinite Campus), ERP (IFAS) and other district purchased software.
5. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
6. Ability to work with diverse groups, putting student achievement as the highest priority.
7. Ability to promote the district positively through involvement in community, civic, and other organizations, at the local, state, and national levels.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Salary : $108,742 - $138,694