ABOUT KIPP

Together with families and communities, KIPP creates joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. KIPP is a national network of tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. There are 255 college-preparatory KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 100,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating four-year colleges at three times the national average for low-income students.

ABOUT KIPP ALBANY COMMUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (KIPP ALBANY)

KIPP Albany Community Public Charter Schools (KIPP Albany) is a network of high-performing public schools that has been committed to creating joyful, academically excellent schools in Albany since 2005.  KIPP Albany is affiliated with KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) Public Schools, a national network of over 10,000 educators serving 160,000 students and alumni. For the 2021-2022 school year, KIPP Albany schools will serve over 1,600 students in grades K-8 and will employ more than 225 staff.  We are committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all of our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students, together.

Further regional growth is on the horizon with the Troy Prep K-12 schools planning to join the KIPP Albany network (new name TBD) at the start of the 2022-23 school year. Serving over 2,500 students in grades K-12 at seven schools across the Capital Region will allow increased curriculum offerings for students, professional development for staff, and enhanced family and community partnerships. 

Position Overview

KIPP Albany is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Director of Information Technology (IT) who will be responsible for developing and managing the technology strategy, infrastructure, and function for a growing education non-profit organization. The Director of IT will be responsible for developing the vision for technology infrastructure and support that serves the needs of an organization that is entering an exciting phase of growth. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of IT role is an exciting opportunity for a results-oriented professional to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a system of high-achieving charter schools through technology.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Director of IT include but are not limited to: The Director of IT is responsible for all day-to-day information and technology initiatives. This individual will also be responsible for identifying and implementing best practices and being a thought leader and subject matter expert on technology, an innovation driver, and an in-house counselor on all technology issues.

IT planning and system design

• Develop, execute and manage annual and long-term IT plans
• Manage the implementation and maintenance of all technology architecture and systems including servers, LAN and WAN routers and switches, VLANs, backup, laptops, desktops, software, site-to-site, and remote access VPNs, VoIP phones, information security, web content filtering, and data warehousing
• Establish, administer and communicate policies, procedures, and goals for IT at KIPP Albany

Technical and application support

• First point of contact and troubleshooting response for any technical issues including connectivity, computer hardware, and software, printers, applications, replacement/upgrades, data migration/archival, email administration for KIPP Albany schools
• Provide expertise and guidance to technology staff and schools

Data systems and technology project management

• Analyze needs of schools/region and establish priorities for feasibility studies, systems design, and implementation of new and/or modified systems
• Develop schedules and milestones to track the progress of technology implementation
• Assess and recommend technology and consultant solutions

System administration

• Ensure network operations including server patching and maintenance, bandwidth maximization, connectivity, uptime, and speed
• Provide Exchange email administration and Active Directory account management support
• Oversee backup system and processes for data and files
• Provide support for other technical systems including website, student information system, etc.

Procurement and external vendor management

• Administer IT purchasing and asset management
• Negotiate agreements and manage relationships and contracts with IT vendors, consultants, and suppliers

Budget and grants management

• Develop and manage annual IT budgets
• Oversee ERATE and other grant processes and implementation

• College graduate with at least 5-6 years of work experience; managing tech support and managing data networks highly preferred
• Strong project management skills, ability to juggle multiple priorities and a meticulous attention to detail
• Understanding of, and a passion for, technology and leading edge technology solutions
• Knowledge of standard networking equipment and design standards (voice and data)
• Familiarity with the following is preferred: E-Rate, Windows, Active Directory and Exchange, VPN, VoIP, TCP/IP, LAN and WAN, FTP, network and server monitoring tools
• Familiarity with Powerschool and other student information systems
• Team-player capable of working both collaboratively and independently
• Thrives in entrepreneurial start-up environment and working conditions; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to present and explain technology solutions to staff in non-technical jargon
• Demonstrated passion for and a commitment to the KIPP Albany mission for high quality public education, and the character traits we value: zest, grit, self-control,hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor.

Salary is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes benefits. 

KIPP Albany Community Public Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.