About the Role
The primary purpose of the Director of Technology for Learning is a visionary leader who guides Calgary Academy technology-related teaching and learning practices as well as addressing the technology infrastructure and corporate business needs of Headwater Learning Group. As a member of the School Leadership Team, (SLT) the Director will work in tandem with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and SLT to meet all business and strategic goals.
The Director of Technology for Learning directly leads the Information Technology team and partners closely with various functions to support ideal outcomes. The Director creates a modern technology-rich environment, which empowers both students and staff. The Director leads and executes the vision of the Information Technology Department as a service team within the organization that enables others to make a positive impact for all members of our community.
The Director of Technology for Learning reports to the Executive Director of School Operations and adheres to the duties and responsibilities identified in the job description, employee policies and procedures, and Support Staff Terms of Employment.
The Director of Technology for Learning will exemplify the REACH principles that guide behaviour across the Calgary Academy Society and Headwater Learning Foundation and Headwater Learning Foundation Solutions. The REACH principles are Respect, Enthusiasm, Altruism, Commitment, and Honesty. All employees endeavor to serve and support the achievement of Headwater Learning Group’s Strategic Plans.
At Calgary Academy Assistant Principals are guided by the Leadership Quality Standard and embrace wholeheartedly the meaningfulness and challenges of the profession and are resilient in the strive to achieve success every day, for every student. This position requires a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate or Interim Alberta Teaching Certificate and a positive outcome on a current Criminal Record Check, inclusive of Vulnerable Sector.
Highlights of Key Responsibilities
Leadership:
- Develops and implements strategic vision for the use of technology in the organization in both the academic, administrative, and corporate systems.
- Utilizes research to shape the effective use of technology in the school and corporate areas.
- Supports the creation and implementation of innovative, and technology-infused learning environments.
- Develops a sustainable technology environment through the distribution of knowledge, documentation, and fiscal responsibilities.
- Provides critical information to support decision-making regarding academic and administrative technology matters.
- Develops and maintains partnerships beneficial to the organization related to technology.
- Champions changes in curriculum design and delivery related to technology in conjunction with other leaders in the department and in schools.
- Ensures all educators have access to the appropriate tools to support learning and administrative functions.
- Ensures technology resources are used safely and responsibly while minimizing restrictions on access.
- Challenges practices to evolve and maximize technology efforts.
- Recommends Information Technology and Technology for Learning policies and procedures by evaluating organization outcomes.
- Prepares proposals for major, complex and long-term technical solutions, including cost analysis, time required, and alternative approaches.
- Directs operations in executing production tasks according to a documented schedule that meets or exceeds stakeholder expectations.
- Represents the IT function at SLT, ELT, and Board meetings when appropriate.
- Guides education and professional learning, and professional practice for IT staff.
- Maintains knowledge and capacities on the forefront of IT education, providing recommendations to SLT for future opportunities that serve better student learning outcomes.
- Responsible for planning and implementing best risk-management practices for all IT systems. This includes having effective IT security and backup strategies along with business continuity and critical incident recovery readiness.
- Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Professional Practice framework(s) ensuring support of performance and growth areas of direct reports through meaningful conversation, relevant and timely feedback and collaboration on the completion of annual portfolios and professional growth plans; all of which aligns with the individual’s respective Quality Standard.
Effectiveness and Efficiency:
- Designs and provides professional learning opportunities for staff to infuse technology into various environments.
- Documents processes including building guides and tools to help others utilize and support technology.
- Actively establishes plans to build capacity of team, to share knowledge and reduce risk.
- Oversees and provides network level support for business applications.
- Oversees software installation and equipment troubleshooting across departments.
- Analyzes complex organizational needs presented by the user community and/or clients and recommends technical solutions.
- Ensures the consistency and maintenance of existing applications by creating, maintaining, and enforcing standards and procedures.
- Performs liaison duties between users, operations, and programming personnel in the areas of systems design, modifications or trouble shooting.
- Establishes and measures IT performance relative to cost, value creation and stakeholder satisfaction to ensure data driven decision-making is consistently followed.
- Protects the organization and its operations against IT risks, including unauthorized access to information, data integrity problems, loss of system capability, and poor service levels.
Innovation:
- Demonstrate innovation through fostering creativity, adopting new practices and technologies, modernization, research, and partnerships.
- Create an environment that fosters creativity, agility and innovative ideas and remove barriers that stifle the innovation spirit.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant technology areas and/or a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate.; Teaching experience is preferred, but not required.
Master’s degree in Education Technology is considered an asset.
Certification that are considered an asset are:
- Project Management (PMP, ITIL, CSM)
- Microsoft (Azure, 365, Server, Security, Power Platform)
- Networking (Cisco, Extreme, Fortinet)
- Cybersecurity (CEH, CISM, CISSP)
Experience:
7-10 years of proven track record in leading high-performance teams and technology leadership experience, including
- Network design, security, and support, Cisco/Extreme networking equipment, VoIP systems,
- Enterprise hybrid computing environment including Microsoft technologies and Apple ecosystem
- Azure, VMWare, and other cloud platforms
Fortinet firewall - PowerShell, KQL, SQL, and other scripting languages
- Understanding of PCI Compliance standards and requirements
- Knowledge of PowerSchool LMS and PASI compliance standards
- Skilled forward-facing leader with high levels of professionalism.
- Proven record of accomplishments in planning, designing, implementing and supporting a wide variety of technologies including infrastructure, client devices, cloud-based services, and system applications.
- Broad knowledge of industry standards and best practices in the use of technology in schools.
- Demonstrated strengths in communication, problem resolution, and building effective relationships.
- Demonstrated skills in translating highly technical aspects of various technologies into terms non-technical people can understand.