Director of Technology and Innovation

District Wide

The Woburn Public Schools (WPS) consists of 10 schools in the City of Woburn, MA. The district’s administration recognizes the rapid pace of technological change and the expectation to use technology tools for teaching, learning, assessment, management, and communication. The school system educates a diverse student population of approximately 4,500 students. With the support of the citizens, school committee, faculty, administration, and city government, the Woburn Public Schools has positioned itself to become one of the region’s premier school districts by funding and supporting increased technology infrastructure, hardware, and software.

Job Description

This is a full-time, twelve-month position. The Director of Technology is responsible for the strategic direction of all aspects of WPS instructional and information technology and systems including planning, developing, directing, coordinating, and maintaining instructional and administrative systems. They provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing IT initiatives and supporting WPS goals with emphasis on integrating technology-based teaching and learning in all classrooms. The WPS is a Google for Education and Powerschool district.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Direct the District’s strategic educational technology planning efforts, including developing and maintaining the Technology and Digital Learning Plan.
• Collaborate with District leaders and principals to align, curate, create, and consistently improve digital materials and apps used in the support of learning.
• Set annual goals, operational objectives, priorities, strategic approach, and budget requirements in accordance with the District’s Technology and Digital Learning Plan.
• Ensure accountability for the overall implementation of plans and strategies, and evaluate IT services and progress on strategic plans and goals.
• Create and maintain a support and maintenance plan for all technology devices, software, network components, peripherals, etc.
• Develop and plan for providing adequate and affordable hardware and software replacements/upgrades.
• Ensure that users receive consistent high quality, reliable and friendly customer service from technical staff and digital learning specialists.
• Communicate with the district administration on the technology support required for major program initiatives.
• Develop, implement and assess performance standards and service levels for IT services.
• Work with special education to ensure that students receive appropriate assistive technology.
• Provide technological support and guidance to the curriculum leadership as it relates to digital learning.
• Coordinate professional development related to pedagogical approaches, technology integration, instruction, assessment, and digital learning.
• Consult with district administration and staff in the development of grant proposals.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of new technology solutions and services including the maintenance of outside products and services and integration of present systems with new technology.
• Ensure the stability, reliability, and integrity of in-house and vendor provided wired and wireless networks overseen by the Network Manager.
• Develop and administer a comprehensive security program to protect information, integrity and ensure compliance with federal privacy requirements – the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Provide consultation in the design, development and execution of facility construction and remodeling projects that require the Technology Department’s expertise or impact its areas.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the department’s budgets for technology and large capital expenses.
• Define technology contract specifications, terms, and conditions, including performance and reliability standards, and administer contracts to ensure compliance.
• Establish and track support contracts, licenses, maintenance agreements and upgrades for the District’s technology.
• Oversee the cost-effective acquisition of devices and software, and management of vendors to ensure that IT operations are within established budget constraints.
• Oversee the District’s participation in the E-Rate Program.
• Work with the technology support staff to review each staff member’s workload; identify training needs among staff, and run reports to look for trends, (e.g., hardware aging out, the same type of end-user questions, problems, or requests, etc.).
• Ensure DESE data submissions are timely and accurate.
• Mentor and supervise employees.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports.
• Cultivate cohesiveness, sharing of information, communication, high service levels, teamwork, and cross-training.
• Direct technology consultants and contractors.
• Recruit and retain highly qualified staff members.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
  
  

Qualifications

• Masters degree (minimum)
• DESE licensure as an Instructional Technology Specialist
• DESE licensure as a Supervisor/Director or Principal
• 3-5 years experience in a district instructional technology leadership position
• 3-5 years experience as a teacher
• Extensive knowledge of technology uses in educational/instructional settings, technology hardware and network operations, and student database management systems
• Demonstrated success working within a diverse workforce with multiple constituencies
• The Superintendent of Schools may consider alternate relevant experience
  
  

Salary

The Woburn Public Schools will offer competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

At the Woburn Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting the diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, Woburn Public Schools continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a district member of Mass Partnership for Diversity in Education