What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Technology position at Smithfield Public Schools?
DESCRIPTION
The Director of Technology will oversee all elements of information services and lead the comprehensive and effective use of technology for the district as it relates to the 21st Century Classroom and Core Curriculum; providing strategic vision, leadership, management, planning and technical expertise necessary to guide the Smithfield School District in establishing and maintaining an outstanding technology program and computing environment to guide emerging technologies in support of student learning objectives. The Director of Technology will oversee the technology department budget; manage technology department staff and contract services.
QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in technology, education and/or municipalities
Multi-site experience in architecting, managing, planning, acquiring, implementing and coordinating technology/information systems as well as technology integration into instruction.
Leadership experience
Experience in cybersecurity is highly desireable
Experience planning, managing and overseeing a budget.
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills and the ability to maintain and prioritize multiple active projects.
Minimum of a Bachelor degree in related field.
Possess understanding of the principles, practices, hardware and software related to the establishment and maintenance of LANs and WANs; Working knowledge Active Directory, TCP/IP and other network protocols, Cisco IOS, web filtering appliance, Altiris, Office Suites, and Google Apps for Education.
Knowledge of principles and practices of personal computers, telecommunications, and information technology.
Specific knowledge of network systems, databases, educational technology, and web-design and the ways in which these systems can enhance the learning and work flow of end users.
Specific knowledge of and personal experience with the use of instructional technology in educational settings; project planning, scheduling and control.
Knowledge of information technology, student information systems and data management techniques.
Knowledge of educational laws and ethical use of digital platforms and programs.
Experience with federal grants, state assessments, E-rate, E-RIDE, Data Warehouse, and state reporting requirements.
Knowledge of technology curriculum for students, user privacy, safety and cyberbullying prevention and awareness; acceptable use, filtering, and social media
Ability to develop sound strategies to accomplish objectives, incorporate new technology into future plans and facilitate and lead change;
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely {orally and in writing) with school, district personnel and other stakeholders.
Ability to explain technical concepts and procedures to non-technical users and its importance to 21st century learning; knowledge of techniques involved in fostering the implementation of professional development.
Ability to foster, establish and maintain collegial, positive and productive relationships and communication with students, staff, parents and vendors; work as a productive member of a team; and facilitate work groups.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability of the above as evidenced by course work, educational experience, involvement in professional activities, previous work experience, professional references and the interview process.
This position is part of the District's Executive Cabinet team and supervises a team of data and computer science technicians.
REPORTS TO
Superintendent
REPRESENTATION STATUS
Individual Employment Contract with the District
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide leadership and direction in district-wide technology planning, computer acquisition, applications development, and computer operations to increase access to information, facilitate productivity and ensure efficiency.
Oversee the annual technology budget and establish controls to stay within the budget; collaborate with business office personnel to prepare and oversee technology related bid requests, proposals and vendor contacts.
Systematically plan, develop and implement new, efficient and effective operating systems that maximize District resources.
Work with Superintendent and designated personnel to develop, update and implement the District/school technology plan.
Identify short and long-term district-wide information and technology needs; develop strategies for systems development, technology acquisition and integration.
Consult with Superintendent to develop network and communication solutions and data services that integrate computer systems for information processing and data sharing; ensure databases are synchronized, up-to-date and used to inform decisions and increase institutional efficiency.
Plan, implement, and monitor district-wide e-mail system, online registration process, student information system, district website; work with teachers to develop individual websites and other systems.
Identify, consolidate and integrate new technologies with legacy systems; oversee research and evaluation of hardware and software compatibility, service ability, design and performance; recommend vendor contracts covering acquisitions.
Plan, implement, monitor and maintain district server hardware and software, backups, assessment and documentation.
Manage and troubleshoot district servers to assure security of data and continuous flow of service to users.
Troubleshoot and diagnose production problems; provide leadership to correct identified problems.
Direct the continuous improvement of the information and technical equipment and systems to maintain pace with current technology methods and district needs.
Develop and implement information systems including database management and business and financial applications to improve operations and delivery of instruction.
Monitor data security, including backups and recoveries to ensure the integrity and reliability of computerized information systems.
Prepare for and follow up on technology-related audits.
Assist in the development of district policies, procedures and guidelines related to technology.
Provide technical assistance and staff development to district and school staff to facilitate the implementation of technologically supported instruction.
Research and understand current world events relating to educational technology; keep informed on current trends in the area of instructional technology and student achievement.
Assist in the implementation of educational programs.
Oversee the development, monitoring and regular revision of the District Technology Strategic Plan in collaboration with key district stakeholders; develop and implement departmental goals, priorities and procedures.
Coordinate and deliver student and staff trainings promoting the use of instructional technology.
Guide departmental goal-setting, project management and prioritization of technology initiatives. As well as drive the human resources responsibilities within the IT Department.
Manage employees and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the district's policies and applicable laws; provide overall direction and leadership, encourage professional and personal growth opportunities, participate in interviewing and training employees; evaluate performance, plan, assign, delegate and direct work to ensure highest response to user needs and develop and conduct continuous training to keep staff current with technology and district needs.
Perform other duties as assigned related to the function of the school's technology program.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and stand for extended periods of time; work at a desk, computer or workstation for extended periods of time, bend at the waist, kneel or crouch, crawl, twist or stoop. Moving around a classroom or school site environment freely and independently enough to work with staff members. The employee must display dexterity of hands and fingers for operating office equipment, carrying, pushing or lifting classroom equipment and supplies. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move at least 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include seeing to observe students in classroom activities as well as hearing and speaking to communicate with others and be understood at conversational levels and on the telephone. In addition, the employee is required to travel between the various schools/offices in the district. If the employee chooses to use his/her own vehicle, a valid driver's license and automobile insurance in accordance with state minimums must be maintained.
Work environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the environment the employee is exposed are those typical of a two-story office setting and/or classroom. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate.
Salary is negotiable
