Director of Innovation and Technology

District: River Trails School District 26 Reports To: Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Objective To develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive technology plan for District 26, infusing technology into the curriculum and providing for a stable, safe, and reliable network infrastructure. Qualifications Certification/Qualification as set by the State Board of Education and the School Code. Additional role-specific certifications preferred (Tech Specialist Endorsement, CETL, CISSP, Google Workspace Admin, etc.) Knowledge of instructional practices, technology, and computer network systems. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Vision Work closely with the administrative team and stakeholders to develop a shared vision and long-term plan for meaningful and effective uses of technology. Advise on innovative, technologically rich practices by demonstrating an understanding of assessment, curriculum, and instruction, and their interdependent relationship. Oversee and update an incident response plan for cohesive operations, including detailed, written disaster recovery, business continuity, data breach, and communication plans. Promote ethical conduct and facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all stakeholders. Manage the enforcement of policies related to copyright laws, acceptable use standards, and applicable privacy laws including COPPA, SOPPA, and FERPA. Lead and coordinate the Technology Department staff, ensuring that daily technical operations, support services, and long-term projects directly align with the district's vision for innovative teaching and learning while carrying a customer service mindset. Understanding the Educational Environment Budget, plan, and coordinate ongoing professional development to empower staff and develop student technological proficiency. Create, support and lead cross-functional teams involving stakeholders for decision-making, technology support, and professional development. Assist administrators in assessing building instructional needs to promote the application of technology to address the diverse needs of students and maximize learning and growth. Participate in staff recruitment and make effective hiring decisions. Provide feedback to individuals and teams on a regular basis using quantitative and qualitative data to identify strengths and required growth. Build positive relationships and effectively communicate a vision for how technology will support the district's strategic goals to all stakeholders. Managing Technology and Operations Direct, coordinate, and ensure the implementation of all tasks related to technical systems, network infrastructure, and computing device management to ensure proactive and reliable operations. Oversee management of software licensing, data backup, content filtering, firewall protection, and virus protection. Direct and coordinate the use of email, district websites, web tools, and other communication systems to enhance effective communication with key stakeholders. Manage the technology budgets annually and long-range, serving as a business leader who applies principles of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Value of Investment (VOI) to technology initiatives. Direct, manage, and negotiate with vendors and business partners regarding selection and purchasing guidelines. Pursue technology-related funding resources, including the Federal E-Rate Technology Reimbursement Program, grants, and low-interest funding opportunities to meet district goals. Establish and maintain systems and tools for gathering, warehousing, mining, and reporting data to produce an information culture centered on data-driven decision-making. Provide assistance to the Director of Buildings and Grounds related to the networking and operation of Building HVAC and Security Systems. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent Teaching & Learning. Terms of Employment: Salary and 12-month work year Starting Salary: $120,000. Salary based on experience. Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions established by the policies of the Board of Education.