Summary

Mary McDowell Friends School (MMFS) is a K-12 college preparatory program dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, MMFS cultivates a diverse community where all students can reach their full potential. With three distinct campuses (Lower, Middle, Upper) within a one-mile radius of each other in the heart of Brooklyn, MMFS is an outstanding place to work, to learn, and to serve.

The chief technology officer (CTO) leads a mission-driven department of nine full-time professionals, in addition to seasonal and temporary workers. At MMFS, all areas of technology are overseen by the CTO, from tech integration and curriculum, to data and systems, to infrastructure and support. With no dedicated network administrator or outside MSP, the CTO at MMFS has to lead with a hands-on approach on the IT/IS side of the house. At the same time, each campus has a dedicated IT specialist and ed tech specialist to support day-to-day operational needs of that particular division, and the department has an assistant director of educational technology to manage the instructional tech program. The ideal candidate would have a breadth of technical knowledge, experience in a distributed and enterprise environment, unwavering commitment to DEI and anti-racism, and excitement for working at a school serving LD students. Although the role begins July 1, 2025, MMFS is hoping to complete the hiring process by early 2025 to allow for a smooth handoff from the current interim CTO, who is serving in a one-year capacity for the 24-25 year. The CTO reports directly to the head of school and is a member of the school leadership team.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Priority Deadline: November 1, 2024

Remote Client Interviews: Mid-November to Mid-December

On-site Final Round: Weeks of January 13 & 20

Decision Announced: January 31, 2025

Start Date: July 1, 2025, or earlier by mutual agreement

Salary Range: $200,000 - $220,000

Reports to: Head of School

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Technology Operations

Manage the school’s technology infrastructure, including data management systems, network architecture, and IT support services.
Maintain accountability for cybersecurity defenses and data protection strategies, facilitating continuous improvement of security protocols and practices in collaboration with external consultants and service providers.
Develop and oversee IT policies and procedures to ensure the security of the school’s digital assets and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Act as a liaison with technology vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and managing partnerships.

Strategic Leadership

In partnership with the assistant director of educational technology, who reports to the CTO, define and communicate a clear vision for integrating technology into all facets of a school that supports students with learning disabilities.
Serve in a project management and consultative capacity for large-scale technology initiatives, both within the department and across the entire school.
Evaluate and integrate new technologies to continuously improve the school’s technological landscape.
Collaborate with senior leadership and key stakeholders to align technology initiatives, policies, and services to the needs of each campus and various all-school departments.
Develop and lead technology training programs for faculty and staff.

Departmental Administration

Lead and manage the IT department, including a nine-person team that is dedicated and hardworking, and currently does not have a role dedicated to all-school network management or administration.
Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of the technology professionals at MMFS, and provide team members with growth opportunities to enhance and expand their skills, knowledge, and areas of focus.
In partnership with the CFO, oversee the allocation and management of the technology budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
Report directly to the head of school and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with advanced coursework in information systems or a related field desirable.
A deep understanding of diversity practices and a commitment to fostering culturally competent and anti-racist work environments.
A minimum of seven years of experience leading technology departments and supervising technology employees.
Hands-on experience managing and administering major components of an IT/IS program in an enterprise organization, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting.
Experience leading organizational change and implementing staff development initiatives in alignment with a strategic vision.
Experience designing and implementing technology infrastructure for new buildings, in addition to retrofitting existing infrastructure.

Qualities

A desire to be an integral member of a school community that serves students with learning disabilities and is grounded in Quaker values.
A multitasking approach to planning and overseeing concurrent technology-related programs and projects, combined with outstanding motivational skills to ensure completion and success.
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team of technology professionals that works across three physically disconnected sites.
A collaborative, cooperative, empathetic, collegial, innovative, and patient mindset.
A thoughtful but determined approach to departmental objectives and individual staff growth while remaining attuned to the school’s mission, values, and goals.
An understanding of the diverse technology needs and organizational complexities of a multidivisional, multicampus independent school.
An eagerness to examine administrative practice through the lens of race, identity, equity, and privilege.
Commitment to a school culture that allows for social identities to feel welcome.
A willingness to participate in the daily operations of an independent school, which can include evening and weekend work.

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

www.EdTechRecruiting.com/jobs/MMFS/CTO

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Chief Technology Officer