NWRDC Director

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Director for Northwest Regional Data Center plays a pivotal leadership role in driving the strategic direction, innovation, and operational excellence of the technical support functions related to software products for student and financial information systems. This position is responsible for shaping the long-term vision for NWRDC, identifying opportunities for growth, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across school districts, and other organizations key to successful support of member districts.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

Strategic Planning & Growth:

• Develop and execute NWRDC’s long-term strategic plan, with a focus on growth, operational efficiency, and the integration of new technologies and innovations.
• Lead efforts to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities for expansion and continuous improvement, ensuring NWRDC’s offerings remain competitive and aligned with the evolving needs of member districts.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and implement corrective actions to address performance gaps.
• Develop comprehensive business strategies and performance metrics that clearly communicate the value proposition of the data center’s services to external stakeholders, including superintendents and district leadership.
• Drive innovation by exploring and implementing new technologies, processes, and best practices that enhance software support, improve client satisfaction, and streamline operations.

Resource Allocation & Operational Efficiency:

• Oversee the allocation of resources across various teams, ensuring that the center’s financial and human resources are used effectively to meet strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop and manage budgets, making data-driven decisions to allocate resources efficiently and support financial sustainability.
• Ensure operational efficiency by continuously reviewing processes and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Serves as liaison with WSIPC for all facility and contract-related activities.

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including school district leaders, software providers, state agencies, and other partners to ensure alignment of goals and objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external stakeholders to ensure that the cooperative’s services meet the evolving needs of school districts.

Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Provide visionary leadership for the cooperative, mentoring and developing a high-performing leadership team that is aligned with organizational values and objectives.
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and high accountability within the cooperative.
• Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and develop top talent, ensuring that the cooperative has the necessary skills and capabilities to meet current and future demands.
• Represent the cooperative at executive-level meetings and provide strategic recommendations to the NWRDC Executive Committee and WSIPC Statewide Leadership Team regarding resource needs, operational priorities, and key initiatives.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies and apply this knowledge to position the data center as a leader in the field of educational technology support.
• Pursues ongoing professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities pursuant with the job responsibilities.

Supervisory

• Lead a team of managers and staff, ensuring alignment with the data center’s evolving strategic priorities and the professional development of all team members.
• Provide oversight and direction on critical projects, ensuring the timely and successful delivery of software support services while fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive innovation in a technical environment, particularly within the educational sector.
• Strong understanding of how to balance day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals.
• Expertise in developing and executing strategies for business growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Strong skills in resource allocation, financial management, and budgeting to drive operational effectiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Ability to manage budgets and make data-driven decisions that optimize resource utilization.
• Organizational development, task management, planning, and facilitation skills.
• Skill in use of computer software including Microsoft office and other applications specific to an educational environment.
• Ability to think critically and strategically, balancing long-term goals with immediate operational needs.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of partners, including district leaders, NWESD agency leaders, WSIPC leadership, other ESD data center leaders, and internal teams.
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams, creating a high-performance culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead an organization through periods of change.
• Ability to demonstrate strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively participate as a team member in collaborative joint projects.
• Ability to maintain a strong relationship with key leaders in NWRDC member districts.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Management Information Services, Computer Systems Management, Business Administration or other related field and supervisory experience in an organization with a mid-level management structure. Experience with implementing complex projects, managing teams and projects in multiple technological and business environments. School district management experience and experience in a high-tech industry/IT field preferred. Alternate combinations of relevant education and experience may be substituted for these requirements. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office environment, however, approximately 15 percent of this time may be spent working at the various school district locations. Routine travel is required to visit local school districts, conferences, and statewide meetings. Sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer terminal is common. Lifts and carries a maximum of twenty pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment. Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.