KIPP Capital Region is a part of a national network of high-performing public Charter Schools committed to creating joyful, academically excellent, and prepared students with the skills, ability, and confidence to pursue their paths to college, career, and beyond. 

Located in both Albany and Troy, NY, KIPP Capital Region serves 2,500+ students in grades K-12 across seven schools.  We believe every individual walks through the doors of schools bearing gifts. Talent. Perspective. Drive. Inspiration. So at KIPP Capital Region, we support every student and educator to see those gifts, then build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. 

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.

Position Overview

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for ensuring  that our schools, teachers, and students have what they need from a technology standpoint and the focus in our schools is able to stay on instruction. This will happen by overseeing and managing the routine and daily functions of the Information Technology (IT) department, including implementation and maintenance of all technology infrastructure, including network/server/workstation maintenance and troubleshooting, information systems planning, budgetary control, problem resolution, new business applications/implementations, connectivity, and information security for the entire organization.

Duties/Responsibilities

Information Technology Planning and Infrastructure Development

• Supports with implementing the IT vision to meet the immediate and long-term goals of the organization’s needs, including IT planning and infrastructure development, technical support, and data and software management.
• Manages all operating systems, routers, laptops, and desktops.
• Recommends a fiscally prudent plan for what IT functions are outsourced vs. taken in-house.
• Oversee/assess all technology purchasing to ensure the best pricing and service. 
• Establish, administer, and communicate policies, procedures, and goals for IT at KIPP Capital Region
• Develop systems to maintain and secure technology equipment. 
• Establish, plan, and administer the overall policies and goals for the Information Technology at 
• KIPP: Capital Region.
• Analyze the needs of schools/teams and establish priorities for feasibility studies, systems design, 
• and implementation of new and/or modifications of the organization’s information processing systems. 
• Develop annual budgets to perform the work in the annual plans. 
• Oversee the E-Rate application and implementation process. 

Supervision and Oversight

• Supervise outsourced technology providers to ensure the timely completion of day-to-day support activities and the completion of information technology projects and long-term goals. 
• Manage system deployments, new school build-outs, technology rollouts, and software installation/distribution.
• Develop a strategic vision for the team, including a staffing plan that supports long-term growth.
• Research and identify solutions for integrating technology that supports instruction and curriculum.
• Recruit, lead, and develop an IT team to support growing organizational needs.
• Develop policies and procedures for day-to-day activities (staff/student how-to’s, security, acceptable use agreements, disaster recovery, etc.). 

Technology Project Management

• Develop schedules and milestones to track the progress of information technology projects identified in the annual and long-term technology plans. 
• Ensure excellent user support for PCs, printers, servers, classroom A/V, computer labs, and other systems. 
• Monitor performance metrics and mechanisms to track needs, trends, the effectiveness of IT policies and programs, and progress toward accomplishing objectives.
• Evaluate qualitative feedback, quantitative data, and observations on a regular basis to inform strategy, decision-making, and accountability for IT operations.
• Administer IT purchasing and asset management.
• Negotiate agreements and manage relationships with IT vendors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Oversee high-quality, accessible training on systems for school staff.
• Provide reports and documentation as needed on information technology projects. 
• Assess and recommend technology and consultant solutions. 
• Ensure smooth integration of new technologies into KIPP Capital Region’s IT environment. 

Technical Support

• Provide technical support to all KIPP: Capital Region staff. Technical support includes troubleshooting computer software and hardware, replacement/upgrades, and documentation of policies and procedures for correctly using computer software and hardware. 
• Create and provide technology orientation and training to KIPP: Capital Region staff. 
• For hosted services, ensure server maintenance, maximizing bandwidth, connectivity, uptime, and speed.
• Ensure support for networking equipment (incl. switches, routers, access points, wireless controllers, etc.).
• Responsible for all network/server/phone infrastructure, including configuration, troubleshooting, managing support contracts, and coordinating with outside vendors as necessary.
• Maintains network security systems for all servers and hardware, web and mail systems, and hardware and software.
• Manage all software licensing purchasing, upgrades, deployment, and tracking.
• Ensure compliance with all KIPP Capital Region technology policies and procedures and federal/state school technology regulations.
• Manage the implementation-related actions, both strategic and day-to-day tactical, to embed DEI into the overall functional talent and people strategy, the operational and school level systems, and partner with the curriculum teams to ensure best practices are incorporated throughout.
• Work closely with various stakeholders to further operationalize equity practices and contribute to strategies that drive desired outcomes.

KIPP Capital Region

• Perform other duties as outlined by the Assistant Chief Operating Officer (ACOO)
• Committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all our efforts, and expect all our stakeholders to participate in this work so that we can create a future without limits for our students together.
• Complies with all charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services
• Adheres to organization policies and procedures; promotes and supports mission, vision, and values, including developing and participating in internal surveys and data collection for continuous improvement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Love and unwavering belief in the high potential of all students
• Commitment to anti-racism and equity
• Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented, mission-driven culture
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback
• Must be a self-starter with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility to accommodate the high level of responsibility, multiple priorities, and rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams in a rapidly changing environment.  
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours.
• Ability to create and work within an inclusive environment that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Please note: travel to different KIPP Capital Region schools is required
• Pass a Criminal Background Check

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University in Computer Science or related field.
• 5+ Years of experience in an Information Technology role, with 3+ years of focused responsibility leading and managing Information Technology initiatives.
• Familiarity with the following preferred: Ed Tech Platforms, E-rate; PowerSchool SIS; SharePoint; help desk systems; Kaseya; Google; Windows XP and 9X; interactive whiteboards; DHCP; Exchange; FTP; VPN; VOIP; TCP/IP, LAN/WANT.
• Understanding of working in an educational setting, preferably required in the charter, private, or public school environment.
• Prior experience working in schools and urban communities is preferred but not required.

WORK PERKS
When you join KIPP Capital Region, you are joining in on our promise to families that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop a passion for learning and the drive necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in the Capital Region. And while the biggest perk to working at KIPP Capital Region is doing work that makes a lifelong difference in the lives of our students, you'll find that's not the only benefit we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements 
• Generous time-off 
• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Aggressive employer 403(b) contribution match
• Childcare benefits
• Unparalleled work/life Integration
• Casual dress code
• Relocation stipend (conditions apply)
• Travel stipend (conditions apply)
• And so much more! For more information on the benefits of joining KIPP Capital Region, please view our Employee Benefits Summary.

Learn More:
KIPP Capital Region offers a competitive salary ranging from $109,300 to $120,800. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role and longevity within the KIPP network. KIPP Capital Region will evaluate and determine the step/level a new hire will be placed within our graded salary scale at point of hire.

All staff and educators at KIPP Capital Region are committed to anti-racism and inclusion, are part of a close-knit diverse community, and are encouraged to show up authentically, inspiring our children to do the same. Learn more about what it’s like to work at KIPP Capital Region: kippcapital.org/join-our-team/ 

This role is located at KIPP Capital Region schools in Albany, NY.