Executive Director Technology Services

Tacoma Public Schools - Tacoma, Washington - Full time

SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Technology Services is responsible for providing leadership and operational oversight of the District’s technology systems, infrastructure, data, and support services. This position ensures the effective implementation, reliability, and security of technology operations to support student learning and District business functions. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), this role is instrumental in executing the District’s technology strategy and ensuring technology services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with District priorities and organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  1. Provides leadership and oversight of District technology operations, including infrastructure, network operations, radio systems, enterprise applications, data systems, and technical support services.
  2. Implements and supports District technology initiatives and projects in alignment with priorities established by the Chief Technology Officer.
  3. Serves as second in command for Technology Services, acts as designee when CTO is unavailable, represents the department on cross-functional committees.
  4. Oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, and recoverability of secure, reliable, and scalable technology infrastructure, including networks, devices, and cloud-based systems.
  5. Ensures effective cybersecurity operations, including monitoring, incident response, and adherence to established security protocols and standards.
  6. Oversee the administration and support of enterprise application systems, including ERP/financials, HRIS, Office365, and work management,
  7. Ensures technology projects, including system deployments, upgrades, and process improvements, are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational priorities.
  8. Oversee technology service delivery and support functions, ensuring responsive, customer-focused service to schools and departments.
  9. Leads data systems, reporting, and business intelligence functions, including data warehousing, dashboards, and analytics tools; ensures data accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with District reporting requirements.
  10. Supports data governance practices by coordinating data standards, reporting requirements, and system integration; collaborates with stakeholders to define business requirements and ensure systems meet operational and compliance needs.
  11. Ensures effective training and user support for technology systems, data, and reporting tools to promote adoption and effective use across the District.
  12. Assists in the development and management of the technology budget; provides cost/benefit analysis; monitors expenditures and supports resource allocation decisions aligned with strategic priorities.
  13. Provides oversight and relationship management with third-party vendors and ensures adherences to approved procurement practices.
  14. Supervises assigned staff, including hiring, coaching, evaluation, and performance management; ensures alignment of team priorities with departmental and District goals.
  15. Establishes and maintains operational procedures, standards, and documentation to support consistent, efficient, and high-quality technology services.
  16. Prepares reports and provides updates to the Chief Technology Officer and District leadership to support informed decision-making.
  17. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and District requirements related to technology systems, data privacy, accessibility, and records management.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

  1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development, as needed or as assigned.
  2. Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned.
  3. Provides for and encourages staff participation in professional development opportunities; ensures staff receive District and department information that supports effective performance.
  4. Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS 

Office environment; experiences frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines; occasionally required to deal with distraught or angry people; may work extended hours; will need to travel to District and community sites.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, educational administration, business or public administration or related field from an accredited college or university; master’s degree preferred; five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience in information technology, including oversight of technology operations, infrastructure, data systems, or leading teams.

Allowable Substitution 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by the Human Resources office for comparability.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license and access to personal transportation.

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISSP, AWS or similar)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Information technology infrastructure, including wired & wireless networks, radio systems, cloud services, and enterprise applications

Technology operations, service delivery models, disaster recovery, and system administration practices

Data systems, business intelligence tools, and modern data warehousing concepts

Data governance, data privacy, and information security practices

Knowledge of the functions and operations of a large public school District or organization.

Knowledge of effective human resources issues and practices.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of client/server and institutional networking equipment and applications,

Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices for managing technology-related projects.

Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.

Skill in promoting a strong customer service orientation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.

Ability to facilitate conflict resolution and promote collaborative decision making.

Ability to participate as a member of a team.

Ability to interpret and implement administrative directives and technical requirements.

Ability to lead and support teams in a complex technology environment.

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to analyze and solve strategic and tactical problems.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, 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 balance the workload. 

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Role

K12 School Operations

Experience Level

Senior Level

Tacoma Public Schools

Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) is one of the largest districts in Washington State serving approximately 28,000 children in preschool through grade 12. The district has 36 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 11 high schools and four early learning centers.
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