Director of IT

Job Title: Director of IT

Reports to: Director of Operations

Salaried or Hourly: Salaried

Supervisory: Support Staff

Normal Work Hours: 40 hours per week

Annual Days: 261

Salary: Starting at $80,000 (commensurate with experience).

General Purpose: The Director of IToversees all functions of The Vanguard School’s Information Technology Department. Responsibilities include strategic and operational management of IT systems, cybersecurity, purchasing, asset management, vendor management, and supervision of IT personnel. This hands-on position supports the school’s day-to-day operations and long-term goals by providing students and staff with innovative, effective, efficient, resilient, and secure technology solutions. This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

o Allocate time: 30-40% operational IT support, 60-70% managing processes, budgets, personnel, and planning.

o Collaborate with school leadership to develop a long-term IT roadmap.

o Work with other departments to identify areas for improvement and develop innovative solutions.

o Supervise, support, and mentor IT personnel consisting of 3 full-time team members.

Financial and Resource Management

o Budgeting, expense reporting, and occasional grant writing.

o Manage purchasing and vendor relationships.

o Oversee asset management, including inventory tracking and refresh cycles.

IT Governance and Compliance

o Develop, implement, and update IT policies and procedures.

o Ensure compliance with regulations such as FERPA in coordination with the Operations Director.

o Manage user accounts and access to critical systems.

Cybersecurity Program Management

o Identify and implement industry-standard best practices.

o Conduct risk assessments and oversee internal and third-party audits.

o Provide end-user cybersecurity training.

Data and Application Management

o Maintain personal and shared data storage systems (OneDrive, SharePoint, file shares).

o Manage online sharing tools and processes.

o Oversee backups and business continuity documentation.

o Evaluate and manage applications that support the needs of the school, including some custom apps.

o Manage application integrations, including SSO, user provisioning, and APIs.

System and Network Administration

o Administer Microsoft 365 (Entra, Exchange, SharePoint, Defender, Purview, Intune).

o Manage local servers (Windows/Linux, Hyper-V, NPS, DHCP, DNS, CA).

o Oversee network infrastructure (firewalls, switches, SD-WAN, VLANs).

o Maintain the on-prem Mitel PBX VOIP system used for calling, paging, and bells.

o Support and manage a security camera system and a fleet of two-way radios.

Technology Training and Support

o Provide ongoing technology training and support for staff and students.

o Acts as the final point of escalation for complex issues when other IT team members are unable to resolve a problem.

o Oversee maintenance of an internal knowledgebase of IT self-help articles for staff.

o Support online standardized assessments (CMAS, NWEA, CLT, DIBELs, WIDA, etc.).

Other Responsibilities

o Support state reporting as necessary.

o Manage audio/visual equipment and provide live event support.

o Support Facilities Manager with internet-connected equipment (building access control, alarms, etc.)

o Coordinate with the Communications Officer to:

§ Improve organization and accuracy of information on our website.

§ Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal accessibility regulations.

§ Enhance website functionality and manageability.

o Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Technical Expertise: Broad understanding of IT concepts, operating systems, on-prem/cloud infrastructure, databases, troubleshooting, cybersecurity best practices, and emerging trends. Advanced understanding of Microsoft 365.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to mentor others, de-escalate conflict, and collaborate effectively.

• Organization: Highly organized, ability to develop and maintain structured processes and documentation.

• Management Skills: Project and time management proficiency.

• Analytical Abilities: Translate complex data into actionable insights.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field.

• At least 4 years of experience working with technology.

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.

• Relevant experience/certifications may be considered in place of the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an education environment.

• Familiarity with data privacy laws (FERPA, CIPA, etc.).

• Experience with EdTech integration apps like Clever.

• Knowledge of Student Information Systems such as Infinite Campus.

• Familiarity with public sector funding programs (E-Rate, CFL, etc.).

• Intermediate SQL programming skills.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• PERA Retirement

DISCLAIMERS

• You are required to disclose relevant issues related to criminal history, employment history, and licensure history in order to apply.
• All employees must submit to and pass a CBI / FBI fingerprint background check as a condition of employment.
• The Vanguard School is subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or ancestry in its programs and activities.
• Applicants who upload a copy of their transcripts or certifications to their application may choose to redact any dates included on the transcripts or certifications, including date of birth and dates of attendance/graduation/completion. An un-redacted copy will be requested if an employment offer is extended. In addition, submitted resumés may also exclude dates of attendance or graduation for high school and/or post-secondary education.