Director of Information Technology
Los Angeles, CA /
Regional Support – Regional Leadership /
Full-Time Immediate
/ Hybrid
Who We Are
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 24 tuition-free, open-enrollment charter public schools, within 20 Local Education Agencies (LEA), educating more than 9,800 students and supporting 5,800 alumni to and through college and beyond.
What We Believe
KIPP SoCal believes that the purpose of education is for liberation. This means that we see, develop, and inspire the limitless potential in each and all of our KIPPsters.
What We Do
At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it's not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti-blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
About the Role
As the leader of KIPP SoCal’s Innovation and Technology Team and reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Information Technology (IT) provides leadership in developing, implementing, and promoting KIPP SoCal’s vision for technology to ensure there is an equitable learning environment to support the learners of tomorrow. In addition to serving as a vital thought partner to the COO, the Director of IT ensures that all aspects of instructional and operational technology needs of all our network of schools are met and that an excellent delivery of technology solutions and services are provided to all students and team members
People Management and Talent Development
- Manages the daily operation and support of the Innovation and Technology team (Innovation, Network and Systems and Support Teams)
- Manages the leaders of Innovation and Technology
- Hold high standards for all members of the Innovation and Technology Team while empowering them to proactively and creatively problem-solve, and model versatility and collaboration for the organization
- Provide exceptional coaching, development and modeling to the Innovation and Technology Team to ensure the team is building and maintaining strong partnerships with key stakeholders
Organizational Leadership
- Directs the overall development, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of education technology platforms with a lens of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion and instructional effectiveness
- Establish partnerships with School Leaders, School-Based Operational Leaders and Regional Operational leaders to support effective use of technology at all school sites
- Partners with the Teaching and Learning and Data Teams to help maximize student learning and achievement
- Develops short- and long-range plans for the organization’s technology systems and develops annual goals and objectives
- Provides the leadership and direction needed to improve administrative operations through more effective use of technology
- Administers the organization’s technology security system; develops disaster recovery and business resumption plans and procedure
- Defines needs and makes recommendations related to maintaining the organization’s network infrastructure and technology systems
- Coordinates the implementation and evaluation of technology systems
- Provides the direction and enforces for organization’s data and cybersecurity protection, and oversee technology governance, policies and protocols
- Recommends and enforces technology policies, procedures and protocols
- Offers leadership on privacy laws and digital literacy for the entire organization
- Translate strategy into a clear and shared vision and action plans for technology systems
- Thoughtfully considers the impact of decisions, and facilitates resolutions that protect the organization’s interests and prioritizes student needs
Technology Infrastructure and Development
- Oversee all network/server/telephony infrastructure, including configuration, troubleshooting, managing support contracts, and coordinating with outside vendors as necessary
- Collaborates with the Real Estate and Facilities team to ensure that all technology needs are met in ground-up build campuses and existing buildings
- Establishes working and productive partnerships with technology contacts at all school districts to ensure that all technology needs are met at co-located facilities
Budget and Finance
- Oversees the E-Rate application process and ensure KIPP SoCal is compliant in the use of all E-Rate funds
- Oversees the technology procurement process and ensures that all purchases have gone through a fair bidding process
- Oversees and monitors technology budget
- Approves purchases of computers, telecommunications, audiovisual, multimedia and other technological equipment, enforcing adherence to KIPP SoCal’s standards while remaining fiscally compliant
- In partnership with the Finance, plan out annual technology purchases and identify major technology projects for schools
- Collaborate with school leadership to plan out their technology purchase needs
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors
- Ensures that all technology purchases are consistent with KIPP SoCal needs, policies, and practice
Qualifications
- 5-7 years of of progressively increasing technology leadership experience for a multi-site organization, preferably within school setting
- Successful teaching and/or administrative experience utilizing technology in the classroom/school preferred
- Specialized knowledge of computer applications, operating systems, hardware, telecommunications, and complex network systems
- Experience managing an enterprise technology system
- Proven track record of proficient project management of large-scale projects
- Demonstrated proficiency in leading through change, executing on major initiatives, and leading cross-departmental work
- Experience breaking down multi-step procedures into attainable pieces and communicating them to stakeholdersExperience with managing E-Rate preferred
- Possesses a deep commitment to both racial and educational equity; supports the building of an organization that reflects the community KIPP serves; holds self and others on team accountable for centering equity
- Firm commitment to building a team culture of high expectations, support, inclusion, and continuous learning; comfort soliciting and incorporating feedback and ideas from team members at all levels
- Solid written communication skills to explain complicated procedures and policies in writing
- Willingness to travel between school sites across Southern California (current footprint: greater Los Angeles County and San Diego)
Benefits & Compensation
- KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $111,300 to $166,900. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $139,100 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
- 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
- Employer-paid life insurance
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
- Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
- Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
- Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)
** PLEASE NOTE: KIPP SoCal Public Schools requires that all team members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of our students, family, and staff. Team members may apply to seek a medical exemption. Regardless of your current vaccination status, our team can advise you on how to fulfill this important requirement so that you can start the position in a timely way. We’re here to help. **
KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
KIPP SoCal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. You can find our contact information on our website, http://www.kippsocal.org/. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.
