Chief Officer for Technology and Innovation (2027-2028)

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Officer for Technology and Innovation is accountable for defining and delivering Information Technology strategy and capabilities across the District; providing leadership and coordination in the use of technology, including instructional, operations, data, support services, print services, digital innovation, and cyber security, under delegated authority from the Superintendent. The Chief Officer ensures that students and staff have equitable access to technology resources that provide for an efficient, creative, and innovative working and learning environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in Education, Computer Science, or a Technology-related field preferred
Master’s Degree in Education Administration or Computer Science
Minimum of 7 years’ successful experience with technology programming, management, and leadership in an educational environment.
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate supervisory administrative endorsement preferred (ie: General Administrative, Principal, etc.)
Approval to evaluate licensed instructional staff per Illinois School Code preferred
CETL Certification preferred at hire, required within three years
Advanced coursework or certification in Project Management preferred
Administrative experience at either the school or District level preferred
Experience in managing and supporting a Wide Area Network (WAN) and a Local Area Network (LAN)
Highly Knowledgeable in the use of various technologies, including software applications and internet resources
Knowledge of State and National technology initiatives and compliance measures
Proven record of successful Information Technology Project Management
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
Ability to evaluate, interpret, and problem solve end-user needs and to develop/recommend appropriate solutions
Strong analytical skills
Foster a collaborative, solutions orientated positive working and learning environment
Experience directing and evaluating a large staff across multiple sites
Maintains appropriate confidentiality and leads in accordance with District policies and procedures
Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, Board, state and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files and records.
Ability to meet strict deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s in Education, Computer Science, or a Technology-related field
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate supervisory administrative endorsement
Approval to evaluate licensed instructional staff per Illinois School Code
CETL Certification
Advanced coursework or certification in Project Management
Administrative experience at either the school or District level

Responsibilities

Consults with leadership regarding technological resource needs to ensure that the mission and vision of the district are successfully supported.
Ensures that all District technology systems are functional and responsive and plans, implements, and monitors a customer-centered support program.
Ensures that technological resources are compliant with state and federal guidelines and that staff receives professional development and training on resources.
Develops and communicates data privacy guidelines, practices, and compliance measures.
Manages the establishment and maintenance of systems and tools for gathering, mining, integrating, and reporting data in usable and meaningful ways to produce an information culture in which data management is critical to strategic planning.
Leads, supervises, and facilitates department teams and groups to identify goals and objectives, and determine action items and timelines within a continuous improvement model to ensure that they are achieved on time and within budget.
Works closely with all stakeholders to develop a shared vision and communication plan of the long-term goals of Technology and how it can be utilized to meet the district’s strategic plan related to infrastructure, instructional practices, and policies in the area of technology.
Ensures equitable access to technology resources to promote the effective use of technology in an effective learning environment.
Participates in grant writing, completing needs assessments, preparing evaluative documents, and contributing to District publications.
Creates and manages the annual technology budget and provides input into the long term financial plans for technology in the district, including use of external funding sources.
Guides purchasing decisions, determines the return on investment for all technology implementations, and fosters good relationships with vendors, potential funders, and other key groups.
Ensures that the District’s needs and support of technological resources, infrastructure, hardware, software, and applications are met in an efficient and timely fashion.
Coordinates the previewing/demonstration, vetting, approving, and acquisition of technology equipment, hardware, software, and other digital resources for the District.
Provides a visionary and leadership role in developing and implementing cyber information system security culture where the confidentiality of students, staff, and district data and systems are protected.
Promotes and ensures best practice methodologies and industry standards relating to security, device and system implementation and cost analysis.
Manages the creation, implementation, and enforcement of policies and educational programs relating to the social, legal, and ethical issues of technology use.
Provides guidance and professional development opportunities that support educational best practices.
Assesses, plans, coordinates, implements and maintains all systems, services and devices related to the district's technical, data and communication networks.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory processes and guidelines.
Develops internal IT policies and procedures to improve compliance, efficiency, collaboration, and services.
Ensures an accurate inventory of all technology hardware and software in the district.
Manages the functions of District printing services.
Provides leadership and supervision for all areas of the technology department, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and initiating corrective and/or disciplinary actions.
Performs other job-related duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent.