Director of Innovation and Information Technology

Company Description

Utica Community Schools is Michigan's second largest school district with nearly 26,000 students attending one of the district's four high schools, six junior high schools, 25 elementary schools or various specialty programs.

Role Description

Provide leadership for the delivery and support of information technology systems and services across the organization. Responsibilities include but are not limited to data security and threat protection, strategic technology and capital investment planning, evaluation of emerging technologies, business process improvement, customer service, business continuity planning, network communications, budget development and daily operations of the technology department. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred 
• Thorough knowledge of IT systems engineering, design, development and support, and its role in the operational effectiveness and efficiency of a large organization 
• Skilled in network and data security practices and proactive threat protection approaches and systems 
• Experience evaluating and implementing systems for business process improvement and efficiency  
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and problem solve with diverse stakeholders 
• Successful administrative and managerial experience with proven effectiveness in a large environment with numerous satellite locations. Experience in an educational environment is desirable, but not required 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Strong organizational skills with outstanding attention to detail  
• Demonstrated ability to work with students, staff, administration, community and Board of Education 
• Ability to work effectively with various employee groups 

Responsibilities

• Perform security risk assessments and actively identify, evaluate and mitigate risks and threats to the district’s systems, networks, assets and data 
• Collaborate with district departments to improve or integrate best security practices into business processes and systems to minimize risk  
• Ensure continuous security and availability of technology systems and monitor system performance   
• Cooperatively evaluate business processes and recommend innovation to improve efficiency and outcomes  
• Serve as a knowledgeable technical resource, providing expertise to consultants and administrative staff 
• Develop, review, refine and implement innovation and information technology related policies and procedures  
• Strategic planning, development, and management of IT systems, management technology, technology equipment, AV systems, cloud platforms and communications technologies including voice, video and data infrastructures 
• Business continuity and emergency recovery planning  
• Capital investment planning, bidding and implementation 
• Evaluation and recommendation of emerging technologies  
• Serve as a consultant to administrative staff and assist with the application of the principles of technology into their leadership roles 
• Develop and oversee the annual budgets, ensuring the creation of a sustainable financial model and responsible allocation of resources  
• Collaborate with instructional technology staff and leverage educational technology to enhance instructional objectives and maximize student outcomes 
• Champion the use of technology to ensure all students have equitable access to resources and opportunities 
• Customer service and support for technology systems 
• Manage, evaluate and coordinate the efforts of technology consultants, vendors and contractors 
• Evaluate the performance and professional growth and development of personnel within the technology department and provide recommendations related to staff hiring, selection, promotion and separation. 
• Technology equipment purchasing, maintenance and replacement 
• Maintain open communications with professional staff of local, state and national businesses, organizations, institutions and agencies involved in information and educational technology 
• Communicate with education and government agencies to evaluate area technology initiatives 
• Manage eRate program 
• Supervise technology department staff ensuring efficient and effective service delivery 
• Actively participate in district-wide projects, such as committees and bond issue campaigns 
• Other duties as assigned