Position Title: Technology Director
Immediate Supervisor: Superintendent of Schools
Summary: To facilitate the creation of a technologically-rich environment for the
Linn-Mar Community which ensures all students, faculty, and staff are technologically literate.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)
· Develop a strategic plan to include both a short-term and long-term technology initiatives that support the District Vision/Mission and goals in collaboration with Superintendent’s Cabinet.
· Plan, develop and evaluate department goals and objectives to ensure that the District Vision/Mission and goals are realized; continuously evaluate program effectiveness and alignment to District strategic goals.
· Evaluate educational technology programs and provide recommendations for the integration of educational technology into the curriculum.
· Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve District goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives and coordinating the evaluation, deployment and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
· Provide leadership, in collaboration with the Instructional Services Department, to teaching staff in best use of technology to support student learning.
· Provide analysis of information to determine, recommend, and plan layout for types of computers and peripheral equipment, or modifications to existing equipment and leading to expanded capability for new or upgraded networks, while maintaining efficient operations and effective use of space. Manage and maintain district technology inventory.
· Monitor the allocation of technology funds to ensure appropriate resources and technology are available and are effectively utilized in support of the District technology plan requirements and/or recommending future proposals relating to technological advances.
· Direct, manage and evaluate technology staff.
· Identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing and in-house development.
· Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the District.
· Monitor and collaborate with Cabinet on the implementation of security and disaster recovery planning. Establish firewalls, virus protection and other measures to assure efficient use of technology and to secure systems and individual computers from inappropriate access or use.
· Initiate and serve as a liaison with business partners and school support groups (e.g. Grant Wood, educational technology grants, Power School, AppliTrack, Tyler Technologies, committees, boards, other districts, city entities, etc.) to solicit and obtain funding, hardware, software, expertise and community support to enhance the acquisition and use of technology.
· Provide the interface support between technology and end users in order to insure proper implementation of new technologies into the district and provide support for services once the new technology is operational.
· Manage assigned projects and program components including television, intercom and wireless services (e.g. migration to new systems, scheduling installations, product research, etc.) to deliver services in compliance with established guidelines and/or objectives.
· Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements with end users and monitoring of IT systems performance.
· Develop and prepare technical specifications for relevant software and/or hardware systems to acquire necessary computer hardware to assist in the effective functioning of technology.
· Manages District-wide licensing and copyright issues for the purpose of ensuring compliance with requirements.
· Consult with Superintendent, and collaborate with directors, administrators, teachers, board members, parents and community members to determine information requirements of the District that establish parameters and priorities of new projects; and frame system capacity and equipment acquisitions.
· Direct and coordinate the management of the District’s internal and external web sites; collaborate with content providers in departments and sites; manage access and security.
· Oversee the design of computer networks (e.g. internet, web mail, FTP servers, etc.) to ensure effective and efficient operating systems.
· Prepare reports on a variety of topics related to administrative responsibilities (e.g. financial information, overviews of programs/services, policies and procedures, etc.) to provide general information, training, implementing actions, enhancing public relations, etc.
· Research information required to manage assignments including reviewing relevant policies, current practices, staffing requirements, financial resources, etc. (e.g. trends in educational technology , media, etc.) for the purpose of developing new programs/services, ensuring compliance with relevant requirements, securing general information for planning, taking appropriate actions, and/or responding to requests as they relate to technology.
· Serve as liaison to software/hardware providers as they relate to technology resources to convey and/or receive information and coordinate district activities.
· Perform personnel administrative functions (e.g. hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, providing professional development opportunities, etc.) to maintain adequate staffing, enhance productivity of personnel and ensure department outcomes are achieved.
· Troubleshoot malfunctions of network hardware and/or software applications within the District’s local and wide area networks, television, wireless, intercom, telephones and security systems (e.g. servers, hubs, routers, network protocols, etc.) to resolve operational issues and restoration of services.
· Train District staff as appropriate (primarily within the technology area) to ensure their ability to use new and/or existing operating systems and application software.
· Manage vendor relationships, including maintenance, hardware and software upgrades, and ongoing development work with the system and users.
· Keep current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate administration on their competitive and financial impact.
· Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. staff, administrators, school site personnel, outside vendors and service providers, etc.) to provide effective and efficient technical assistance and support.
· Work collaboratively with Business Services and Human Resources to implement and support applications and training for software systems, HR functions, and business and finance operations.
· Create a fair, supportive and inclusive working environment for all students and employees regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetic information.
· Establish partnerships with local business/industry which mutually supports quality student and staff performance with technology.
· Promote Linn-Mar Community School District on local, state and national levels through conferences, workshops, seminars, and technology associations.
· Collaborate with Cabinet, a staff development program for both certified and classified staff, based upon their identified needs.
· Regular and reliable attendance.
Professional Standards:
1. Professional development (Takes responsibility for own development and learning. Encourages and develops practices for continuous improvements in technology processes and systems. Continually learns from personal experience; actively seeks opportunities for learning and self-development; requests feedback and welcomes advice when it is offered.)
2. Leadership / Vision (Principled; Provides Leadership and displays integrity. Establishes and achieves goals while keeping in mind the best interests of those involved (staff, students, public). Influences others to strive toward program goals and objectives; provides environment for self-motivation and teamwork. Demonstrates strict personal honesty.)
3. Motivation / Self-Management (Strives to achieve. Perseveres. Demonstrates adaptability. Commits self and others to accomplish challenging objectives. Recovers quickly when progress is stalled by obstacles or adversity.)
4. Problem Solving / Independent Judgment (Effectively analyzes and solves problems. Makes high quality decisions in a timely manner. Self-reliant capacities to perceive, discern, or make reasonable decisions. Willing and able to exercise sound judgment. Breaks down complex problems into component parts and develops solutions in a logical/scientific systematic way. Develops, analyzes, selects, implements and evaluates optimum courses of action. Takes responsible actions and is accountable.)
5. Teamwork / Collaboration (Works well on a team. Demonstrates commitment to shared team goals. Builds relationships. Collaborates and cooperates in order to achieve group objectives. Listens, responds, and expresses disagreement constructively. Encourages all team members to contribute their ideas and skills. Shares own expertise with others. Fosters alliances with others as valuable resources; seeks and understands other people’s viewpoints.)
6. Professional / Conflict Resolution (Positive approach. Recognizes, mediates and resolves conflicting people, priorities and resources. Displays professional and positive manner with students, families, staff, volunteers, co-workers and administration. Ensures that conflicts are resolved in a professional manner and recognizes when to request additional resources to help resolve the situation.)
7. Communication (Communicates effectively both verbally and in written forms. Communicates up, down and across the organization and maintains constructive working relationships. Listens to others. Speaks clearly and concisely; expresses thoughts and ideas easily in groups and in one to one conversations. Conveys information (written/verbal) and ideas accurately and clearly. Provides input/feedback in a timely, direct and candid manner. Shows interest in what others have to say; listens well in a group to enhance understanding and quality of participation.)
8. Quality (Projects a genuine concern for quality. Work is accurate, thorough and well organized. Uses time wisely. Encourages and develops practices for continuous improvement in technology processes and systems; demonstrates and fosters creativity and technical excellence. )
9. Initiative / Dependability (Identifies what needs to be done. Takes action prior to being asked or before the situation requires it. Does more than what is normally required in adverse situations. Resourceful and follows direction.)
10. Establishing Focus (Ability to develop and communicate goals in support of District vision/ mission. Acts to align technology goals with the strategic direction of the district. Ensures students and staff understand and identify with the District vision/mission. Regularly communicates how technology staff performance relates to the District vision/mission.)
11. Empowering Others (Ability to convey confidence in staff’s ability to be successful and develop a sense of ownership in performance and projects. Encourages team to set their own goals consistent with the District vision/mission and objectives.)
12. Managing Change (Demonstrates support for organizational changes. Implements or supports change management activities. Exhibits flexibility in changing environments and situations. Takes the lead in setting new technology directions, policies and procedures. Helps students and staff develop a clear understanding of what they will need to do differently to facilitate change. Assists groups or teams through problem-solving and creative-thinking processes to lead to the development and implementation of new approaches, systems, structures and methods.)
13. Performance Management (Ensures staff are productive and have clear goals and expectations. Works with staff to set specific and measurable performance standards. Regularly reviews and provides performance feedback regarding staff progress and performance through both formal and informal methods. Recognizes and rewards staff for their achievements. Identifies and promptly addresses morale issues.)
14. Developing others (Recognizes and develops skills of staff. Teaches, coaches and counsels individuals towards personal goals and development. Appropriately assigns responsibilities based on employee capabilities.)
15. Safety (Leads by example that safety is important. Provides applicable safety training and techniques and discusses job hazards with staff. Adheres to safety policies and procedures. Takes an active role in accident investigations. Appropriately motivates and disciplines staff regarding safety practices.)
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises the technology department, works with principals and other district administrators to implement the district’s technology plan, and coordinates the plan.
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Technology-related discipline or a minimum of 5 years experience as a technology manager, specialist or director of a network system with hardware, networking, and operational software that is comparable to or exceeds Linn-Mar’s system.
Evidence of continued professional growth.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Supervisory experience required.
Successful teaming and collaborative experiences required.
Successful work experience in technology supervision.
Cross cultural experience preferred.
Licensure or Certification:
Masters Degree and/or Advanced Certificates preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Knowledge of technology planning and applications.
Knowledge of instructional practices for technology in education.
Excellent communication, leadership and collaboration skills that develop positive relationships with administration, staff, parents, and students.
Possesses solid project management skills
Advanced decision making and problem solving skills
Ability to facilitate the learning of others to use technology or technological programs.
Knowledge of budgeting and accounting processes.
Supervisory skills and abilities.
Ability to work within and promote a fair, supportive and inclusive work and learning environment.
Communication skills including proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
Organizational and time management skills.
Ability to collaborate to create a new vision and / or to solve complex problems.
Ability to be a self-disciplined and self-directed worker, learner and supervisor.
Ability to work with parents, school, and community organizations.
Ability to develop and maintain a positive and equitable learning environment for staff and students.
Knowledge of hardware and network systems trouble shooting.
Knowledge of computer systems design.
Ability to manage and expand the district’s current technology plan, including knowledge of PC’s, Mac’s, and the Internet.
Ability to collaborate with others and work to implement the district’s technology plan.
Ability to work from a systemic point of view.
Physical Demands: (The physical demands 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.)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk to carry out routine duties. Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or push items of 50 lbs. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Manual dexterity as required for using telephone, calculator, and computer keyboard. Must be able to meet multiple demands from several people, and interact with the public and other staff.
Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Noise level is quiet to loud. Work may be indoors and/or outdoors. Work may be in non-air conditioned rooms. Tobacco and alcohol-free environment. Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, and the public.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.