Director of Technology

$85,000 - $100,000/Yr

Illinois Association Of School - Ottawa, IL

Full-time

Ottawa, IL

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Director of Technology plays a vital role in shaping the educational experience at Ottawa Elementary School District 141, which serves our youngest learners from preschool through 8th grade. This position is focused on thoughtfully planning and implementing technology systems and services that genuinely support the needs of students and staff. With a commitment to ensuring that all technology resources are effective, safe, and reliable, the Director aims to create a nurturing environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. This role is not just about managing hardware and software; it's about leading with empathy and understanding, providing essential technical support, and guiding digital learning initiatives that enhance the overall educational journey for everyone involved.

Responsibilities

• Lead the district's technology vision and strategy to align with educational goals, including developing and implementing long-term technology infrastructure and integration plans.
• Collaborate with district leadership, educators, and stakeholders to identify technology needs, opportunities for innovation, and resources that support student learning and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain the district's technology budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and providing cost-effective solutions for educational technology needs.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the district's technology infrastructure, including servers, networks, devices, and data management systems.
• Ensure the district's network security, data privacy, and disaster recovery protocols comply with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., FERPA, CIPA).
• Manage cloud services, hardware upgrades, and software updates to keep systems running efficiently and securely.
• Oversee the implementation of digital learning tools and platforms, ensuring educational technologies support teaching and learning across K-8 grade levels.
• Provide guidance and professional development to staff on integrating technology into the curriculum, supporting in-person and remote learning environments.
• Develop and manage the district's technology support services, including helpdesk systems, training programs, and resources for students, teachers, and staff.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, suppliers, and consultants, ensuring that contracts, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) align with district needs and goals.
• Lead the implementation of major IT projects, including software deployments, system upgrades, networking equipment, and new technology adoptions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend new tools that enhance teaching, learning, and administrative functions.
• Act as a liaison between IT and other departments (e.g., curriculum, administration, finance, teachers) to ensure technology supports district-wide goals and operations.
• Communicate technology updates, challenges, and opportunities regularly to the school board, leadership teams, and school community.
• Lead technology committees or working groups to involve faculty, staff, and students in decisions about technology usage and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations regarding student data privacy, security, and technology usage.
• Develop and enforce district-wide policies and procedures for acceptable use, data security, and technology equipment management.
• Coordinate ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers, staff, and administrators to build their technology skills and knowledge.
• Promote using technology for personalized learning, differentiation, and enhanced student engagement.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor the district's technology team, including technicians, support staff, and educational technology specialists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the IT department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Education Technology, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of IT management experience, focusing on education technology or K-12 school systems.
• Proven leadership experience in managing technology infrastructure, staff, and budgets.
• Experience with the unique needs of a K-8 school district or educational setting is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of network infrastructure, hardware and software systems, cybersecurity practices, and cloud-based applications.
• Familiarity with educational technologies such as learning management systems (LMS), student information systems (SIS), and digital assessment tools.
• Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco, JAMF, ITIL, Clever) are desirable but optional.

Benefits

• Salary range is anticipated to be 85k - 100k depending upon experience and qualifications.