Director of Instructional Technology

School

Utopian Academy for the Arts

Description

About Utopian Academy for the Arts:

Utopian Academy for the Arts is a free, high-performing, and growing public charter school network that serves elementary, middle, and high school students across metro Atlanta. Utopian’s theory of change is outlined in their mission statement: Through a structured and supportive environment, the Utopian Academy for the Arts will develop academic and artistic students to enter and to succeed in the global society, with proficiency to enroll in a college, university or specialty school of their choice. Since 2013, our educational model has leveraged the positive effects of arts education to engage and inspire students, develop their academic and artistic potential, and prepare them to be leaders in their communities.

About the Director of Instructional Technology

The job of Director of Instructional Technology was established for the purpose of providing leadership to the educational process by assisting the management of network technology use and related services and planning, evaluating, developing, implementing, monitoring and maintaining instructional technology throughout the Utopian Academy Charter School Network. The Director of Instructional Technology will help fulfill the Instructional Technology Mission Statement: Utopian Academy Charter Network will utilize technology as a fundamental tool to help prepare students for the college or technical school of their choice while developing lifelong learners who are prepared to contribute positively in a rapidly changing, 21^st Century world.

This job reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of strategic and tactical goals, policies and procedures (e.g., 21^st Century Learning, Virtual Reality Implementation, Technology Plan, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that Network, school, and department objectives are met.
• Assists in the management of technology, activities and related components as needed and/or assigned for the purpose of achieving organizational objectives and ensuring resource efficiencies while complying with established requirements.
• Collaborates with a wide variety of internal and external groups (e.g., administration, department heads, vendors, other school system IT professionals, other outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of implementing program components, understanding emerging technologies, creating long and short-term plans, and addressing organizational objectives.
• Compiles a wide variety of information from internal and external sources for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and/or monitoring department components.
• Coordinates online student offerings for the purpose of ensuring parallel access with in-person and online student programming and opportunities
• Coordinates the integration of technology into the curriculum for the purpose of facilitating the achievement of curriculum objectives, designs and leads professional development for teachers and school administrators as needed.
• Creates and maintains a supportive and inclusive school wide climate for faculty, students, and parents for the purpose of providing a school atmosphere that promotes personal growth and a meaningful educational experience for every student.
• Develops and implements a plan or plans to support external enrollments in an approved online program for the purpose of ensuring that all program components meet district and state standards.
• Develops a wide variety of documents and presentation materials, independently and/or through delegation to other personnel (e.g., plans, budgets, request for proposals, presentations, instruction manuals, guides, directories, trainings, forms, etc.) for the purpose of implementing, maintaining and supporting District and department services and/or programs.
• Develops methods for expanding information technology support services for classroom instructional programs, administrative, and operations for the purpose of increasing productivity, meeting organizational objectives, and integrating the use and application of information technology into the classroom.
• Identifies new and emerging technology opportunities for the purpose of ensuring that Network, school, and department operations are maintained in an efficient and effective manner and meet current and future Network objectives.
• Assists in the management of school administrative functions (e.g., facility maintenance and security, student management, programs, events, crisis and safety plans, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining safe and efficient school.
• Participates and/or facilitates meetings, workshops and seminars that frequently involve a range of issues as needed and/or assigned (e.g., technology deployment, equipment acquisition, goals attainment, problem resolution, budgeting, personnel, staffing, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions. 
• Recommends solutions to a wide variety of complex issues for the purpose of making recommendations that assist in addressing the technology needs of the network.
• Research current curriculum ideas and programs for the purpose of enhancing student achievement.
• Researches a wide variety of topics related to district technology needs (e.g., emerging technology, policy and procedure, guidelines and regulations, financial resources, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and established guidelines; securing information for planning; and/or responding to requests.
• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from internal and external sources for the purpose of identifying relevant issues, recommending and/or implementing action plans.
• Serves as a steward of Professional Learning Communities for the purpose of supporting and implementing the network’s goals.
• Serves as program leader (instructional and operational) for secondary online learning network wide for the purpose of ensuring program components are delivered in an effective and timely manner.
• Maintain professional networks and relationships outside of the school with professional organizations and the Department of Education for the purpose of understanding technology developments, best practices, standards of excellence, etc. and advising the board and administration.
• Other duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications; Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS

Skill-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: strategic and tactical planning; operating complex network and information technology equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing multiple projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and training, developing and supervising staff. Experience with Office 365, Student Information Systems (like Infinite Campus), Learning Management Systems (Like Canvas) and various Education Platforms and Software are essential. Experience integrating technology in a classroom successfully, using Virtual and Augmented reality, creating online courses is a plus. Ultimately the willingness to grow, learn, and adapt is fundamental to success in this role.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: current, legacy and developing technologies (hardware, software, and peripherals); federal and state grants management; K-12 educational system organizations; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; statistical analysis; and budgeting/accounting principles.

ABILITY

Ability-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; dealing with frequent and sustained interruptions; developing and maintaining positive working relationships; facilitating effective communication between persons with divergent positions; implementing change; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; providing direction and leadership; and setting priorities

How to Apply

Application and materials should be submitted electronically to talent@utopianacademy.com  “Director of Instructional Technology” should be labeled in the Subject Line of your message. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Completed Application for Employment including:
• Cover letter / letter of interest defining your strengths in your subject matter, including your experience with supporting a charter school, or arts integrated school. Please cite specific and measurable examples from your practice that make you a fit for our Director of Instructional Technology position
• Resume