Director Of Information Technology

Mary Cariola Center • Rochester, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for developing and implementing an IT strategy that supports the organization’s mission and strategic plan. This role involves partnering with school leadership, instructional staff, Community Services, and administration to integrate technology, and leading digital transformation efforts, including classroom technology initiatives and blended/online learning tools. The Director will inform the COO of technology needs to maintain system integrity and coordinate special projects assigned by the COO or CEO. The position oversees all IT systems, ensuring dependable, secure, and scalable infrastructure, managing device lifecycle programs, and overseeing help desk and end-user support services, as well as telecommunications. A key function is serving as the Agency’s Information Security Officer, developing and enforcing cybersecurity policies aligned with OPWDD and K–12 requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA), and ensuring the protection of sensitive data. The role also includes leading incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. The Director will lead and mentor the IT team, foster a service-oriented culture, provide professional development, and directly supervise IT employees and contractors, ensuring high-quality support. Budget and vendor management, including developing and managing the IT budget and pursuing funding opportunities, is also a core responsibility. Finally, the Director will oversee IT projects, ensuring alignment with organizational calendars and promoting structured change management practices.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field required
• 10+ years of technical experience and managerial background preferred
• Good communication and writing skills are essential
• Cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Azure, other HRIS / Accounting systems)
• K–12 systems (Student Information Systems, Learning Management Systems)
• Network infrastructure, wireless environments, and endpoint management
• Cybersecurity best practices and frameworks
• Data systems, reporting tools, and integrations
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an IT strategy that supports the organization’s mission and strategic plan
• Partner with school leadership, instructional staff, Community Services, and administration to integrate technology
• Lead digital transformation efforts, including classroom technology initiatives and blended/online learning tools
• Informs COO of Technology needs ongoing to maintain integrity of systems
• Coordinates Special Projects assigned by the COO or CEO
• Oversee all IT systems including networks, devices, cloud platforms, and classroom technologies
• Ensure dependable, secure, and scalable infrastructure across schools, residences, and administrative offices
• Manage device lifecycle programs (student/staff devices, 1:1 initiatives, etc.)
• Oversee help desk and end-user support services
• Manage and maintain telecommunications including VoIP technology
• Functions as the Agency’s Information Security Officer
• Develop and enforce specific cybersecurity policies aligned with OPWDD and K–12 requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA)
• Ensure protection of student, resident, and employee data and compliance with privacy regulations including Policies and Procedures
• Lead incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning and policies
• Lead and mentor IT technology employees
• Foster a service-oriented, collaborative IT culture
• Provide professional development opportunities for employees on technology use
• Directly supervises the IT Team and outside IT contractors
• Ensures the IT team provides high quality, responsive support utilizing software tools to assist with tracking and prioritization of needs and projects
• Develops knowledge building and self-help, skill-building opportunities for employees
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training IT department employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems
• Sensitive to the cultural diversity of others
• Develop and manage the IT budget with a focus on cost-effectiveness and grant funding
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service providers
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities (grants, E-Rate, etc.)
• Oversee IT projects such as system implementations, upgrades, and integration efforts
• Ensure projects align with organizational calendars and minimize disruption
• Promote structured change management practices

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director