Director of Technology

JOB SUMMARY:  Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Instructional Services, the Director of Technology serves as a visionary leader responsible for shaping and driving the technology strategy of the district. This position oversees the development, implementation, management and evaluation of a robust and comprehensive information technology (IT) system. In addition, the Director focuses on digital tools, platforms, and resources that will drive innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring equitable access and seamless integration into daily instruction and operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Educational Technology, Computer Science or related field
• Minimum of 5 years technology leadership, preferably in an education setting
• Experience leveraging emerging trends and best practices to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences across all grade levels.
• Proven experience managing technology staff and leading large-scale technology initiatives
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Develops and implements a comprehensive technology plan aligned with the district’s strategic goals.
• Leads the district in adopting innovative technology solutions that enhance both administrative operations and educational outcomes.
• Stays current with trends in educational technology, including artificial intelligence, and ensures the district remains at the forefront of technology innovation.
• Responsible for maintaining technology operations to include system administration, network management, telecommunications management, system and data security and backup, and emergency recovery plans.

EdTech Integration

• Works closely with educators, administrators, and instructional coaches to ensure technology integration aligns with curricular goals.
• Provides leadership in the selection, adoption, and implementation of instructional technologies that enhance teaching and learning.
• Facilitates professional development for staff to maximize the effective use of technology in the classroom.

Agility and Innovation

• Adapts quickly to changing technology landscapes, ensuring the district’s technology infrastructure and practices are modern and scalable.
• Drives continuous improvement and innovation in the district’s technology use, anticipating future needs and challenges.
• Balances long-term technology planning with the needs for immediate, agile responses to emerging opportunities and issues.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serves as a liaison between the technology department and district leadership, ensuring technology decisions align with broader district goals.
• Communicates effectively with all stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, and the community about technology initiatives and their impact.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with vendors, consultants, and other external entities to leverage resources and expertise.

Management and Supervision

• Hires, supervises and mentors technology department staff, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking team environment.
• Conducts timely and constructive performance evaluations.
• Ensures efficient and effective technology support across all schools and departments in the district, prioritizing responsiveness and proactive management.
• Collaborates with district instructional coaches for the development and implementation of benchmarks for student success.
• Manages data privacy agreements, licenses and contracts for the district.
• Responsible for digital subscriptions and all technology inventory.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engages in job-related professional growth opportunities.
• Assists with policy review.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strategic visionary with the ability to align technology with the district’s mission and goals
• Thorough understanding of educational technology trends and best practices
• Agile and flexible thinker capable of adapting to and anticipating changes in the technology landscape
• Considerable knowledge of the following:
• Computer hardware and common software applications
• Capabilities, limitations and service requirements of computers, servers, and auxiliary equipment
• Networking hardware, infrastructure requirements, and components of local and wide area networks, as well as software applications, capabilities and limitations, service requirements and associated costs
• Communication installations, capabilities and limitations, service requirements and associated costs
• Cabling infrastructure and electronic components required for networking
• Capabilities, limitations and service requirements of computers and auxiliary equipment
• Understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, platforms and integration
• Excellent supervisory and mentoring skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to embrace the change process, explore new ideas, and seek innovative solutions
• Ability to contribute to creating a positive work environment
• Demonstrates integrity and maintains a high level of confidentiality
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor work environment, periodically exposed to outdoor weather conditions
• Able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs., push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Able to climb stairs, ladders and work overhead occasionally
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking
• Occasional climbing, squatting, crouching, kneeling, bending and reaching above shoulder
• Use of hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms
• Occasional exposure to electrical hazards
• Able to travel within district

DISTRICT STATEMENT

Johnston Community School District is an equal-opportunity affirmative-action employer. It is the policy of the District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, marital status in its employment and personnel practices. Johnston Community School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the Executive Director of Human Resources, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, 515-278-0470.

Salary : $125,677 - $139,649