Chief Information Officer

Ankeny Community School District•Ankeny, IA

About The Position

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment. JDE: 2.30 Chief Information Officer Purpose Statement The Chief Information Officer serves as the district’s executive leader for the District’s technology strategy, systems governance, and digital innovation. This role provides vision and oversight for instructional and operational technology systems, ensuring secure, reliable, and future-focused infrastructure that supports teaching, learning, and district operations. As a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team, the Chief Information Officer aligns technology strategy, cybersecurity, data governance, and resource planning with the district’s mission and long-term strategic priorities, advancing innovation while safeguarding organizational integrity and student information.

Requirements

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in technology leadership, preferably in an educational environment, with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role, preferred.
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Education Technology, or a related field.
Proven success in managing large-scale technology initiatives, including network infrastructure, software systems, and technology deployments including budgeting, project planning, and training.
Strong background in data security, privacy laws, and regulatory compliance in an educational context.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
Strong public speaking, presentation, and strategic planning skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Leadership: Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of a district-wide, multi-year technology strategy aligned with the district’s mission and strategic priorities. Provide executive oversight of enterprise technology systems, including instructional, operational, and data platforms. Establish governance structures, standards, and performance metrics to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient technology operations. Advise the Superintendent and leadership team on technology trends, risks, and strategic investments
Innovation & Technology Integration: Partner with academic and operational leaders to advance effective and equitable integration of digital tools and systems. Guide the evaluation, selection, and implementation of digital learning platforms and emerging technologies. Promote innovation and continuous improvement in instructional and operational technology use across the district.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Provide executive oversight of cybersecurity strategy, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Ensure robust safeguards to protect student, staff, and organizational data. Oversee disaster recovery, business continuity, and risk mitigation planning related to technology systems. Establish policies and procedures to maintain network integrity, system reliability, and information security.
Strategic Planning: Lead long-term technology financial planning in alignment with district goals. Develop and manage the technology budget to ensure responsible stewardship of district resources. Oversee procurement, vendor partnerships, and contract management to ensure cost-effective and high-quality services. Use performance data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement.
Personnel Leadership: Provide executive leadership and supervision of assigned technology staff in accordance with district policies and applicable laws. Recruit, hire, develop, evaluate, and retain high-performing personnel to ensure effective implementation of district technology initiatives. Build leadership capacity within the department through coaching, succession planning, and professional development. Establish a culture of integrity, service excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Align departmental structures, roles, and talent to support evolving district priorities.
Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration: Serve as the district’s executive technology advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education. Communicate technology strategy, risks, and performance clearly to internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate across departments to ensure technology systems effectively support instruction, student services, operations, and compliance.
Budgeting & Resource Management: Develop and manage the technology budget, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to meet the district's goals and priorities. Oversee the procurement of hardware, software, and technology services, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality purchases.
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
Provide excellent customer service and assistance to all employees, fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.
Uphold integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
Collaborate effectively with all school personnel, maintaining positive and productive communication.
Adhere to safety protocols and policies established by the Ankeny Community School District to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
Support District goals and objectives while adhering to all District policies, contributing to the overall success of the school community.
Demonstrate regular and dependable attendance to ensure smooth District operations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support district events or urgent situations.
Perform additional duties as assigned.