Sr Education Technology Spclst

JOB SUMMARY

Provides technology expertise and innovative direction to HISD central office departments, to design and implement education technology systems that support 21st century education, including but not limited to new K12 technology issues related to data processes and reporting, privacy and safety, technology standards, accessibility and systems integration. Conducts application and systems research, tests and reviews to ensure the implementation of effective integrated solutions. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists Director with project processes and scheduling.
• Leads Ed Tech Specialists in the process of conducting research and leads the implementation of K12 technology integration and accessibility standards, taking charge of working teams for specific short term projects, such as RFPs or committee work.
• Maintains communication with regional and national leaders in K-12 education and performs literature reviews to identify current effective education technology systems design, including the review and identification of software or application solutions, based on instructional systems design and 21st century principles in collaboration with the HSD Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
• Leads front-end analyses and reviews K-12 innovative practices to provide “master design” technology systems solutions via vendor research and selection processes, RFP, including selection and integration of platforms, applications and resources, in collaboration with other IT and Central Office departments.
• Supports the development of Education Technology Specialists to ensure research and solutions to implement and integrate new and emerging technologies, guarantees ongoing professional updates, and develops new knowledge and skills. 
• Leads as a part of a team that defines and updates safety, privacy and security practices, Learning Objects Interoperability and other K12 Technology standards, in collaboration with national conferences and non-profit organizations, major regional K-12 educational institutions, the State of Texas, Education research journals, magazines/forums. 
• Leads Ed Tech collaboration processes with other IT departments by testing and piloting applications or platforms, to ensure that new tools and methods are properly tested and high quality user experience.
• Collaborates with the Data Governance department with the dissemination of data processes reporting.
   

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree; Master’s preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

7 to 10 years 
5 years of experience in the Education field
Experience in Instruction Systems Design    
Experience in leadership roles amongst IT and education leaders, as expert consultant of education technology solutions    
Experience working with IT teams, K12 curriculum designers, teacher coaches, instructional designers, conference organizing teams, and other professional groups    
Experience designing, managing, and delivering content in an LMS/Digital Teaching Platform  
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Familiarity with one or more LMS, CMS, Digital Platforms
Knowledge of K12 technology standards
Microsoft Office, HTML, Google Apps, Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)
Adobe Suite (Captivate, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Captivate and Camtasia or other video/screen recording applications    
Educational Web tools (wikis, blogs, vimeo, Prezi, Turnitin, VoiceThrea, NearPod, or others)
Knowledge of applicable learning theories and concepts, such as personalization, adaptive learning, individualization, and differentiation
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Leadership. Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of two or more employees, but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing is restricted to monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues. Most of work time is spent performing many of the same duties they are leading.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Specifies requirements for a plan and/or budget.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment. Effect usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence – interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.