Associate Director of Technology

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

As a leader on the Ascend Technology Team, the Assistant Director of Technology (ADT) will play a critical role in supporting and administering the organization’s applications and infrastructure. The ADT is responsible for providing input in making executive technology decisions on behalf of the organization to align the organization with our vision for its technological needs. Travel between our Brooklyn schools and occasional weekend and/or evening work is required.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

Operational Management:

• Direct program assessments to ensure that technology standards for teachers and students meet academic goals
• Investigate network intrusions, cybersecurity risks, and breaches to identify root causes and mitigate future risks
• Support the design, development, and implementation of secure, resilient infrastructure protecting organizational data
• Assess organizational and departmental requirements to determine technology needs and ensure alignment with business objectives

Technology Strategy:

• Ensure all technology practices comply with regulatory, security, and operational standards
• Evaluate short- and long-term technology needs to meet organizational goals
• Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends to guide strategic planning

Project & Vendor Management:

• Communicate technology updates clearly and promptly to school and network staff
• Lead IT projects that improve system efficiency, compliance, and best-practice implementation
• Maintain a customer-focused approach to delivering technology solutions

Team Leadership:

• Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop strategies that advance operational excellence
• Use data, cross-functional goals, and problem-solving to align team efforts with organizational priorities
• Supervise and develop Senior Systems Administrators to strengthen technical preparedness, response, and campus-level support
• Mentor team members and participate in professional development aligned with organizational needs

Staff and Reporting Relationships

• The Assistant Director of Technology reports to the Director of Technology

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 7 years of work experience in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
• 3 years of managerial experience
• Industry certifications (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Cisco, PMI, HP) are a plus
• Knowledge of networking and cloud networking (Cisco, Meraki, software-defined networking, network virtualization, load balancing, DNS, VPN) and their application to PaaS and IaaS technologies
• Experience administering and supporting Windows/MacOS, enterprise, and school-based applications
• Experience with Microsoft’s technology stack (Active Directory, Windows Server, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, Azure, etc.)
• Strong understanding of application, server, and network security
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and optimize the performance of all technology systems, including staff devices, network infrastructure, applications, and hardware
• Ability to analyze organizational and departmental requirements to determine technology needs and ensure alignment with business goals
• Experience in evaluating, purchasing, and managing cost-effective hardware, software, and services, including negotiating vendor contracts and maintaining strategic vendor relationships
• Experience in monitoring and optimizing the performance of all technology systems, including staff devices, network infrastructure, applications, and hardware

Skills and Traits

A successful Associate Director of Technology will demonstrate:

• Extensive industry knowledge and a forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to anticipate emerging technologies and organizational needs.
• Strong leadership, team management, and organizational skills, including effective delegation and the ability to guide teams to achieve key performance indicators.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and build trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, collaborative, service-oriented environment, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and resilience.
• Comfort balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning, contributing both to immediate needs and long-term initiatives.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking abilities, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, results-oriented work.
• High degree of independence and initiative, knowing when to take ownership and when to seek guidance or escalate issues.
• Excellent time and task management skills, with the ability to perform effectively in a KPI-driven environment.

Compensation

The salary will range between $90,000 - $115,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.