Organizational Overview

KIPP NC will build on a rich tradition of academic excellence and relentless fight for social justice present from the founding of both KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte. KIPP ENC is the second oldest KIPP region in the nation. In its 20 years of operation, KIPP ENC has been a cornerstone for students and families in rural Gaston and Halifax, operating two primary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Over the past five years, it grew to serve even more students by opening up a middle school in Durham, an urban center in the center part of the state. KIPP Charlotte, which grew out of the strong traditions and academics of KIPP ENC, has supported students and families for the past 13 years, operating one primary school and one middle school in the largest city in North Carolina.

KIPP North Carolina will build upon the successes and experiences of KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte to provide inclusive school environments and an educational program that will enable our students to lead full lives and equip graduates to be future leaders and agents of change in North Carolina and beyond. KIPP NC also will continue to engage in direct, anti-racist work, and it will contribute meaningfully to the dismantling of structures of inequality within our organization, schools, and classrooms. KIPP NC will be committed to expanding our efforts to embed anti-racism in all of our activities and engagements within our classrooms and schools, across our organization, and throughout the State of North Carolina. All of this will be in a tireless effort to create classrooms that are homeplaces for our students, places where they feel safe, loved, validated, seen, and heard, places where all their beautiful identities will be affirmed and celebrated, and places where they will learn the academic knowledge and skills needed for college, career, and beyond.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

KIPP North Carolina Public Schools is looking for an Information Technology Specialist that is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity for a college preparatory education. Reporting to the Director of Technology, this position assists regional and school staff and students in maintaining and using technology to meet KIPP NC instructional objectives. The IT Specialist will have responsibility for network upkeep and maintenance, hardware support and repair, and software installation and support. The IT Specialist will pride himself/herself on delivering a high level of customer service, working collaboratively to solve problems, and engaging in professional development opportunities. While the role is primarily focused on the two KIPP NC schools located in Charlotte, NC, the IT Specialist will also occasionally travel to other KIPP NC schools to provide support at those locations. 

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Essential duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

Staff and student technology support

• Work collaboratively with regional and school administrators to creatively problem solve around technology issues that arise

• Provide reliable and excellent customer service to all staff, students, and families

• Troubleshoot software and hardware issues over the telephone and in person for students and staff

• Configure new computers, Chromebooks, iPads, and other devices at all KIPP NC school sites, occasionally transporting equipment as needed

• Research solutions to technology problems; serve as resource to staff in answering questions and assisting in effective utilization of technology

• Provide staff training on a variety of technology issues

• Install and troubleshoot other classroom technology (projectors, document cameras, Smartboards, etc.)

• Track all end-user help desk needs in ticketing system; Maintain accurate time spent, notes and other documentation in ticketing system

Equipment management and compliance

• Assist with purchase and acquisition of new technology and equipment

• Maintain accurate inventory of all technology and equipment

• Maintain records on the configuration, installation, warranty, licenses, and allocation of computer software, hardware, and/or network systems

Network support and maintenance

• Install, maintain, and repair network equipment and software

• Maintain network security to protect against viruses, hackers and other damages

• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of electronic records

• Create systems to support appropriate internet usage by students

Compliance

• Follow and maintain knowledge of all KIPP NC policies and procedures

• Comply with applicable state, local and federal laws, rules and regulations

• Provide regional support to the annual E-Rate filing process

Other (as needed)

• Assist in the preparation of technology grant applications

• Assist with various projects such as school year start up preparation and staff PD events

• Professionally represent KIPP NC in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students; resolve conflict in a professional manner

• Assist in maintaining KIPP NC website

• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education and Knowledge:

• Bachelor degree or two-year certificate from college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education experience

• Prior experience working in help desk, network set-up and troubleshooting strongly preferred                                                                                                 

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Track record of excellence in customer service with various stakeholders

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines; strong organizational and planning skills

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities

• Must have demonstrated competency in wide spectrum of functions and must have the ability to provide support for:

• Windows

• Google platforms

• Network connectivity

• User accounts and authentication

• Software (ex. MS Office, Adobe Acrobat)

• Printing

• Hardware (PC, laptop, ENO/Smartboards, projectors, doc cams, iPads, Apple IOS)

• Email and Web

• Various application platforms in use by teachers and students (Zearn, Seesaw, Zoom, Nearpod, iReady, Grapevine, Eureka, mCLASS, Amplify, Great Minds)

• Ability to express KIPP’s mission and purpose to a variety of stakeholders and audiences

Location

• Must be located in or around the Charlotte metro area and willing to be on school sites a majority of the time.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

• The typical work environment is a standard office and classroom setting combined with a server room. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate and occasionally high

Compensation

Salary range is $45k - 55k and is based on years of experience, educational attainment, and certifications.

About KIPP

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 242 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.

Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy

KIPP North Carolina does not and shall not discriminate on the race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, source of income, or status as a veteran in any of its activities or operations.