What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Systems Manager and Upper School Registrar position at Durham Academy?
The Data Systems Manager is responsible for the administration of Veracross, Durham Academy’s primary digital records system, ensuring the integrity, security, and accessibility of student, staff, and operational data. The Data Systems Manager will also serve as Registrar for the Upper School (grades 9-12) and will collaborate with various schoolwide departments to support data-driven decision-making and enhance the overall efficiency of the school's operations.
This permanent position is full-time (12 months) and begins on July 1, 2026. It requires the ability to support school-wide systems and processes with care and discretion, prioritize and meet deadlines, and maintain meticulous data accuracy. The Data Systems Manager reports to the Director of Technology and Upper School Director.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Data Management: Maintain and update school database systems, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.
System Administration: Collaborate with OIT staff on administration of the school's data systems, including databases plus related software applications and cloud services.
Data Analysis: Provide data analysis and reporting to support academic and administrative decision-making.
Technical Support: Offer technical support and training to faculty and staff on data systems, use of the digital gradebook, and related technologies.
Security: Implement and monitor data security protocols to protect sensitive information.
Collaboration: Work closely with academic and administrative departments to understand their data needs and provide solutions.
Scheduling: Create and maintain the Upper School master schedule and academic calendar in coordination with the divisional leadership team; process course registrations; create student schedules; work with families to resolve requested schedule changes in a timely manner; coordinate with the Upper School Academic Committee and College Counseling Office on course loads and schedule adjustments.
Registrar Duties: Generate transcripts, report cards and comments, grade verification reports and compliance reports; track graduation requirements and resolve data discrepancies; work with the Office of Enrollment Management to properly place incoming Upper School students; regularly update faculty, parent, and student portals with organized information pertinent to academic processes.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Technology and the Upper School Director.
Qualifications and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a field related to Computer Science or Information Management.
Prior experience working with data systems (especially Veracross or Blackbaud), or as a school registrar, is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, have excellent attention to detail and analytical skills, a prompt and responsible service ethic, and will possess the ability to collaborate and forge positive working relationships with all members of the school community.
The role involves regular movement across three campuses, requiring the ability to travel between multiple buildings and locations.
Your completed application should include a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
DA Employees
Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of a school community.
Can work independently with minimal supervision and routinely prioritize multiple tasks.
Have the ability to work in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness and attention to detail.
Are personable, collaborative and able to develop rapport quickly with a variety of individuals.
Use technology thoughtfully and creatively.
Innovate and experiment to find novel and efficient ways to complete tasks and solve problems.
Our School
Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Our DA is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Durham Academy is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement
Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA’s commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.
(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)
Our Employment Policy
Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.