Chief Technology Officer (181013)

HICKORY CITY SCHOOLS JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Hickory City Schools’ technology systems, digital teaching and learning initiatives, and information management. The CTO ensures that all technological operations—including infrastructure, cybersecurity, procurement, budgeting, instructional support, and compliance—align with district goals and state/federal requirements. This role serves as the Superintendent’s chief advisor on technology, guiding both operational excellence and instructional innovation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, district-wide technology plan that supports instructional priorities, operational efficiency, and equity of access.
• Advise the Superintendent, Board of Education, and district and school leadership on emerging technologies, best practices, and future trends.
• Apply for and manage state, federal, and grant funding opportunities, including NCDPI initiatives and E-Rate.
  
  

Infrastructure and Network Management

• Direct the design, security, and reliability of the district’s technology infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and telecommunications.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of switches, arrays, fiber, and wireless access points.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity protocols, data protection, and disaster recovery systems.
  
  

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the technology department budget in collaboration with the CFO.
• Oversee procurement processes, vendor management, and lifecycle device replacement planning.
• Ensure compliance with state purchasing requirements.
• Manage copier contracts, technology orders, invoicing, and renewals.
• Coordinate with principals and department leaders on school-based technology purchases.
  
  

Instructional Technology and Professional Development

• Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning department to support effective technology integration and personalized learning.
• Lead district-wide professional development on instructional tools, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, and GenAI implementation.
• Provide training for administrators and staff on the systems used.
• Support educational tools, subscriptions, and resources.
  
  

Device and Software Management

• Oversee annual student and staff device distribution, collection, retirement, and inventory management.
• Ensure accurate uploads to LINQ, Google Admin, and Destiny.
• Supervise staff PC updates, device replacements, and specialized departmental device needs.
• Manage software systems, including Classlink and Google.
• Ensure all software and digital content purchases meet standards for security, data privacy, and instructional alignment.
  
  

Vendor and Partnership Relations

• Maintain partnerships with MCNC and vendors providing cybersecurity, infrastructure, and software solutions.
• Verify vendor compliance with NCDPI data readiness assessments before accessing student/staff data.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts with vendors for hardware, software, and digital services.
  
  

Leadership and Team Development

• Supervise, evaluate, and support all technology department staff, including infrastructure, instructional, and support personnel.
• Conduct staff evaluations in compliance with district policy.
• Lead monthly departmental meetings, training sessions, and strategic work sessions.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Reports to the Superintendent on the problems, conditions, and needs of the Technology Department
• Serves on various committees
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Instructional Technology, Educational Leadership, or related field (required).
• Valid North Carolina Professional Educator’s License preferred (not required).
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership in technology management, preferably in a K-12 environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale technology initiatives, managing budgets, and supervising staff.
• Experience with instructional technology integration, student information systems, and enterprise-level network/security systems.
• Familiarity with E-Rate, NC Digital Teaching & Learning standards, and public school infrastructure requirements preferred.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with regular school and site visits.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for board meetings, emergencies, or technology projects.
• Must be able to lift up 25 pounds and travel within and outside the district.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of instructional practices, digital learning, and educational technology trends.
• Expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, and device lifecycle management.
• Skilled in budgeting, procurement, vendor negotiations, and contract management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with district leaders, staff, students, parents, and community partners.
• Commitment to equity, digital access, and closing opportunity gaps. 

DISCLAIMER
 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.