Director of Information & Academic Technology

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy & Innovation, the Senior Director of Information & Academic Technology is responsible for Curtis’s technical infrastructure, data management, network security, classroom technologies, and enterprise applications.

Curtis is committed to the investment in technology as a critical and strategic function of the school. The Senior Director of Information & Academic Technology will work collaboratively across the school toward the achievement of several strategic goals: to support the growth and success of our students; to raise the profile of the school in Philadelphia and beyond; to position Curtis as an essential community resource for Philadelphia; to help diversify, expand, and strengthen the Curtis community; and to support a stable financial foundation on which to build the next 100 years of world-class education and artistry.

Essential Functions

• Define, manage, and optimize technology service offerings and provide technical oversight of these services.
• Partner with senior leadership to help shape and advance Curtis’s AI strategy, identifying practical opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in support of academic, administrative, and institutional priorities.
• Lead change management efforts related to the adoption of new technologies, engaging faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to build understanding, support successful implementation, and encourage effective use of new tools and systems.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends and recommend solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve the user experience, and support innovation across the institution.
• Manage data collection, storage, and backup.
• Manage and administer Curtis’s cybersecurity policies, including regular external audits, intrusion testing, phishing software, firewall security, and anti-virus software.
• Work with consultants to create a seamless transition of services and learning platforms, including Canvas, and mitigate interruption of business.
• Oversee selection and maintenance of classroom technology in consultation with Academic Technology Specialist and faculty.
• Plan for long-term needs of the IT department in coordination with SVP, Digital Strategy.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and expansion of services to support institutional goals and meet the needs of key stakeholders.
• Partner with departments to assess and recommend technologies that support organizational needs.
• Provide departmental management and oversight of staffing, vendors, purchasing, and budgeting.
• Manage team of two FT employees: Computer Support Specialist and Academic Technology Specialist.
• Manage annual IT budget.
• Share knowledge, mentor, and educate stakeholders in the use of technology to create a more efficient work environment.
• Work closely with the SVP, Digital Strategy & Innovation to strengthen communication channels with senior staff, faculty, and other key internal stakeholders.
• Support an environment of collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Ensure operational excellence and the adoption of best practices and service improvements.

Technology Environment Highlights

• 160 students; 135 faculty; 70 full-time staff
• 8 classrooms with projectors and laptops for instructional presentations
• 2 computer labs
• Multiple shared printers
• Mix of Windows and Mac devices

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a technology role.
• 5+ years as a technology lead responsible for managing others and cross-functional technology projects.
• Demonstrable expertise in at least one technical area with working knowledge of the others: cybersecurity, data management, database development and maintenance, cloud, software development, database administration, networks, classroom technology, a/v technology.
• IT administration experience with one of the following preferred: Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge), Instructure (Canvas), and Sales Force.
• Knowledge of development best practices and methodologies (AGILE, SCRUM).
• Strong analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and passion for excellence.
• Excellent writing, speaking and presentation skills. Demonstrated ease in summarizing technical issues and communicating concepts to non-technical staff.
• This is a full-time on-campus position: candidate must be willing to work in Philadelphia, PA.