Director of Information Technology (IT)

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Information Technology (IT) provides strategic and tactical leadership for all technology initiatives and systems within the Southside Christian School community. This role ensures that our technological infrastructure, educational technology, and administrative systems are reliable, secure, and fully aligned with the school’s mission and vision. The Director leads the IT department, manages technology budgets, and works collaboratively with administrators, faculty, and students to foster a responsible, innovative, and mission-appropriate use of technology in both academic and operational contexts. The Director of IT reports to the Executive Director of Operations. This is a full-time (52-week) position.

 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Team leadership and development: Recruit, mentor, and supervise IT staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement while providing outstanding service to the end users.
  • Coordinate and oversee professional development opportunities for entire IT staff.
• Operations: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the IT department, including infrastructure, applications, wireless networks, audio/video needs, and end-user support. Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all technology systems.
  • Responsible to manage and ensuring all technology-related matters for administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
  • Oversee management, maintenance, and security of IT-related hardware, software, systems, servers, wired and wireless infrastructure, telecommunications, door schedules, bell schedules, alarms, and security devices, etc.
  • Develop and manage the IT department's budget, including capital and operational expenses. Justify IT spending with comprehensive cost/benefit analysis.
  • Compile and present routine technology progress reports for management review.
• Strategy and planning: Develop, implement, and maintain a long-term strategic technology plan that supports the school's educational and operational goals.
  • Collaborate with director peers and the Administrative Council to develop and communicate a shared vision for instructional and operational technology.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and evaluate their potential to improve operational efficiencies.
  • Manage the selection, acquisition, and lifecycle replacement of all hardware and software, ensuring cost effectiveness and alignment of strategic goals.
  • Apply for and manage state and federal grant funding opportunities.
• Project leadership: Direct the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all IT projects. Manage timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure projects are delivered successfully and on schedule.
• Cybersecurity and compliance:
  • Establish robust IT policies and procedures for security, disaster recovery, and data backup. Regularly test disaster recovery and backup plans. Proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and data protection standards.
  • Implement and maintain website security measures such as filters, firewalls, data encryptions, etc. to protect against data encryption, malicious website traffic, malware, ransomware, unauthorized website access, etc.
  • Facilitate annual external audits.
• Vendor management: Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors and service providers.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS/REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ; be involved with an evangelical, protestant church of like faith and practice; and agree with the philosophies, Mission, Vision, Values, Biblical Beliefs, Statement of Faith of Southside Christian School and Statement of Christian Life Commitment of Southside Christian School.
• Must be willing to enroll eligible children at Southside Christian School.
• Must be able to articulate a deep understanding of a biblically informed philosophy of Christian education. 
• Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field is desired.
• 5-8 years of experience in an IT leadership role.
• In lieu of bachelor's degree, 8-12 years of experience in an IT leadership role may be considered.
• Technical expertise: Extensive knowledge base in relevant IT domains: network infrastructure, system administration, and cloud computing
• Well versed in modern instructional technology and classroom applications.
• Experience with database management, security frameworks, and ITIL or PMP principles.
• Ability to align technology vision and goals with overall organizational objectives.
• Highly motivated, self-starter, and visionary leader with excellent project management skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with all members of the school community.
• A positive, professional, and excellent customer service mentality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain calm and tactful in stressful situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to forty pounds at times.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk working on a computer.
• Occasionally climb ladders or access tight spaces when needed.