POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Information Technology at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is responsible for providing both strategic vision and operational leadership for the Academy’s IT infrastructure. This role involves planning, developing, and supervising IT systems and processes to establish and sustain a technology framework that supports the Academy's strategic goals and complies with federal, state, and industry standards. As a leader in educational innovation, the Director implements advanced pedagogical solutions that enhance learning experiences and foster a student-centered environment, empowering students and faculty to excel in STEM disciplines across Illinois. Additionally, the Director manages a technical team to ensure that technology systems are secure, reliable, and responsive to the current and future needs of the Academy. Collaborating closely with senior leadership, the Director also plays a vital role in developing technology policies and strategies that align with the mission of nurturing creative, ethical scientific minds.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry (www.imsa.edu).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This position will support IMSA's Equity and Excellence work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition. The Chief Business and Operations Officer is instrumental in devising strategies to fund necessary support programs to ensure students from Culturally, Linguistically, and Economically Diverse (CLED) backgrounds are successful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT plan that aligns with IMSA’s institutional goals and enhances the STEM learning environment.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the IT team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to meet the needs of students and faculty.
• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to implement innovative technology solutions for interactive teaching and learning experiences.
• Ensure the ITS team is equipped with expert leadership in integrating technology systems, addressing cybersecurity, and supporting AI and emerging technologies.
• Manage core IT services, including networking, systems, applications, and cloud integrations for reliability and efficiency.
• Liaise between IT and departments to align technology initiatives with institutional objectives and pedagogical needs.
• Oversee the selection, deployment, and integration of applications that promote inquiry-based learning and critical thinking in STEM.
• Monitor and evaluate educational technology systems to ensure they meet the dynamic needs of the Academy.
• Develop and enforce technology policies, including acceptable use policies for faculty, staff, and students.
• Plan and implement professional development programs for faculty and staff to enhance effective technology integration.
• Ensure the security and management of student and administrative data, adhering to privacy regulations.
• Oversee maintenance and technical support for all technology-related infrastructure within the Academy.
• Cultivate partnerships with vendors to identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance educational outcomes.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, optimizing resources for emerging technologies and innovative strategies.
• Serve on the Technology Committee and participate in the Institutional Leadership team to contribute to strategic discussions on technology and STEM education.
• Participate in professional organizations and other events to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
• Serve as IT Coordinator for IMSA with the State of Illinois DoIT.
• Oversee hiring, management, and evaluation of IT staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in information technology, information systems, computer science, computer engineering, or a related field
• Minimum eight years’ experience working in IT operations
• Minimum four years’ experience overseeing IT teams, systems, and projects
• Sound understanding of computer systems, networks, security, telecommunications, databases, and storage systems
• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks and projects
• Solid working knowledge of applications and security protocols
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Financial skills including budgeting, forecasting, and justifying
• Mindset to develop and utilize reliable metrics
• Team oriented
• Visionary thinking and adaptability to technological advancements.
• Proven experience with agile project management methodologies, including leading IT projects and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong applied knowledge of IT security protocols and regulatory compliance standards using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 framework (e.g., CUI, FERPA, SOPPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Expertise in building and managing secure IT infrastructures and services.
• Demonstrated ability to align IT strategies with organizational goals and collaborate across departments to drive efficiency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree
• Certified Education Technology Leader preferred - COSN

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This leadership position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $103,000 to $137,000. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.