Technology Services 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 Technology Services Director is responsible for directing and providing leadership for the Technology Services Department, and the management of Network and Technology systems operations (Netops) which includes technology infrastructure support for the NWESD systems and programs as well as oversight of Network Support Services. Duties include technical representation of K-12 in the NWESD region regarding technology policy and collaborative technology-based initiatives as a member of the statewide Interagency Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC). Duties also include analysis and development of new cooperative services through management of internal and external client expectations and anticipation of client needs; continuous review of existing services in light of changing information and educational technology solutions and design appropriate new services in response to rapid changes in these areas.

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.

• Provide leadership and vision for the Technology Services Department.
• Provide planning assistance and facilitation as requested for local district and building level staff, technology coordinators, network support personnel and district technology teams to ensure effective implementation of networks, and instructional technology consistent with the State’s K-12 networking guidelines and K-20 requirements. Seeks ideas from districts for cooperative ideas that provide resources and/or cost-effective services they need.
• Directly supervise staff which includes scheduling, planning, and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Oversee programs which provide skilled, cost-effective technical assistance for technology systems infrastructures such as computer networks, interactive video systems, and voice systems to K-12 school districts within the NWESD service area.
• Assist curriculum directors, principals, superintendents, and classroom teachers with strategies for making use of computer and networking technology to improve student achievement; and ensures that technology-based learning resources are explored and made available to learning resource specialists.
• Oversee support activities for the K-20 network Regional Institutional Technical Unit (RITU) serving NWESD districts as the point of contact for problem/issues related to the K-20 network.
• Prepare and administer expenditure of multiple departmental budgets and performs new cooperative feasibility studies to maintain essential self-supporting funding.
• May serve as Technology Director for member districts on a contractual basis.
• Anticipate new educational and informational technology and facilitates processes to explore feasibility for K-12 application and solutions.
• Foresee departmental staffing needs in a timely manner. Provides backup for personnel on day-to-day tasks as necessary.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of Washington State’s K-12 public school system and the state’s K-20 network.
• Knowledge of educational technology applications in the K-12 environment.
• Knowledge of information systems, infrastructures, and current technology trends.
• Knowledge of technical computer operating systems, data and voice networks as well as TCP/IP protocol.
• Knowledge and skill in fiscal management, planning, and forecasting.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and supervisory techniques.
• Skill in personnel management, development, scheduling, and evaluations.
• Ability to stay current in technical knowledge of information systems as well as the ability to identify, nurture, and direct technical skills of departmental staff.
• Ability to facilitate stakeholder groups.
• Ability to forecast and/or recognize potential cooperative/service ideas and to develop, test, and bring them to fruition in a highly competitive and changing market.
• Ability to work effectively within budget in an often difficult-to-predict funding arena.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple business functions.
• Ability to successfully demonstrate, model, and reinforce human relation and customer service skills within the Technology Services Department.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and agency staff, school district technical and administrative personnel, OSPI staff and administrators, engineers (K-20 and IS co-op issues), vendors, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field is required. A minimum of five years of experience in the field of computers and information system infrastructure is required, three years of which must be as a project leader with supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, routine travel is required to visit local school districts as well as for workshops, committee representation, or conferences.  Sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer terminal is common.  Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 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.