What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Technology and Learning position at SAU 39?
Please apply online at SAU39.org
Position Summary
The Director of Technology and Learning provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for all aspects of the district's technology ecosystem. This role ensures that technology systems, digital tools, and data practices advance the district's mission, enhance teaching and learning, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard organizational data.
The Director serves as a key member of the leadership team, aligning technology initiatives with instructional priorities, business operations, and long-term strategic goals.
Core Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Vision
- Develop and articulate a clear vision for the use of technology to support teaching, learning, and district operations
- Collaborate with district leadership to align technology initiatives with strategic goals
- Lead organizational change management related to digital transformation
- Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies
- Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making
- Communicate the impact and value of technology to stakeholders
2. Strategic Planning
- Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive district technology plan
- Align technology investments with instructional and operational priorities
- Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate effectiveness
Lead planning for:
Infrastructure modernization
System interoperability
Digital learning environments
- Oversee disaster recovery, business continuity, and risk management planning
- Ensure alignment across departments (instruction, finance, transportation, facilities, etc.)
3. Instructional Leadership & Professional Learning
- Partner with curriculum and instructional leaders to integrate technology into teaching and learning
- Support innovative instructional practices and personalized learning
- Design and oversee ongoing, job-embedded professional development for staff
- Promote digital literacy and effective instructional technology use
- Ensure technology supports diverse learner needs and accessibility
4. Technology Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee all IT systems, including:
- Network infrastructure
- Devices and lifecycle management
- Enterprise systems and applications
- System Ownership and Implementation of Vector in partnership with the Assistant Superintendent and the Director of Curriculum
Oversees setup, integrations (SIS, HR systems, SSO)
Manages user provisioning (staff accounts, roles, permissions)
Ensures the platform aligns with district policies and workflows
- Ensure high system reliability, performance, and user support
- Implement continuous improvement practices for IT services
- Lead integration of instructional and operational systems
- Monitor and report on system performance and usage metrics
5. Data Management, Privacy, and Security
- Establish and maintain systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with all applicable data privacy laws and regulations
- Implement cybersecurity frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST, CIS)
- Lead incident response and risk mitigation strategies
- Promote responsible data use and data literacy across the organization
6. Communication Systems
- Oversee and improve digital communication platforms and systems
- Ensure communication tools are effective, secure, and compliant
- Support stakeholder engagement through technology
- Stay current on emerging communication technologies
7. Team Leadership and Capacity Building
- Build, lead, and evaluate a high-performing technology team
- Foster a collaborative, transparent, and service-oriented culture
- Develop staff capacity through coaching and professional growth
- Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability structures
- Promote cross-functional collaboration across departments
8. Business and Financial Management
- Develop and manage the technology budget (annual and long-range)
- Ensure cost-effective purchasing and lifecycle planning (TCO/VOI)
- Oversee procurement processes, including RFPs and vendor selection
- Manage vendor relationships and contracts
- Identify and secure funding sources (grants, E-Rate, etc.)
9. Ethics, Policy, and Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements
- Develop and implement policies related to:
Acceptable use
Data privacy
Cybersecurity
- Promote equitable access to technology resources
- Advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and digital equity
- Model ethical and responsible technology use
Qualifications
Education
Master's degree in Educational Technology, Information Systems, Leadership, or related field (required)
Experience
- 5–10 years of leadership experience in educational technology or IT management
- Experience in K–12 education strongly preferred
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning and system implementation
Knowledge & Skills
- Deep understanding of:
- Instructional technology integration
- IT infrastructure and systems management
- Data systems, analytics, and interoperability
- Cybersecurity and data privacy practices
Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Instructional Alignment
- Systems Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Operational Excellence
- Equity & Access Leadership
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
Supervises: Technology staff, data systems personnel, and related roles
Work Year
Full-time, 12-month position