Director of Information Technology

Who We Are

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 20 tuition-free, open-enrollment charter public schools, within 20 Local Education Agencies (LEA), educating more than 10,000 students and supporting 6,800 alumni to and through college and beyond.

What We Believe

KIPP SoCal believes that the purpose of education is for liberation. This means that we see, develop, and inspire the limitless potential in each and all of our KIPPsters.

What We Do

At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it's not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti-blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Overview

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of IT to lead the Innovation and Technology team and manage the technology systems across our twenty schools. The Director of IT will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to build and maintain the technology systems to support the learners of tomorrow. This role requires a visionary leader who can set the direction for the department, manage and drive results through their team, and collaborate/partner with key leaderships across the organization to drive technology results.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

You Should Apply If

You thrive in a fast-paced learning environment and love to lead cross-functional teams in multiple projects to drive change at all levels of the organization. You have a competitive spirit and have proven success in achieving ambitious goals. You have a passion for analyzing and leveraging data to make informed decisions. You are a visionary technology leader passionate about educational equity, who is able to leverage their impact and influence, with their teammates and other key stakeholders to work towards achieving audacious goals together. You have strong organization skills, attention to detail, and are able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changing priorities. As the Director of Information Technology at KIPP SoCal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of learning and ensure there is an equitable learning environment to support the learners of tomorrow.

KPIs

The Director of IT will be responsible for achieving 95% for Helpdesk Service Level Agreement (SLA)

The Director of IT will be responsible for achieving SLA of 48 hours to fulfill new accounts for online curriculum and instructional software access

The Director of IT will be responsible for achieving 99% compliance of the installation of security patches within 14 days of stable release

The Director of IT will be responsible for 85% staff retention among high-performing staff.

The Director of IT will be responsible for achieving a rating of 4 or higher from internal stakeholders such as Assistant School Leaders of Operations for being a great thought partner.

Priority Deadline to apply is August 22, 2025Qualified and successful candidates will advance through 3-4 rounds of interviewsOur ideal start date is Friday, September 26, 2025. We are willing to work with the right candidate on a different date if needed
People Management and Talent Development

• Manages the daily operation and support of the Innovation and Technology team (Innovation, Network and Systems and Support Teams)
  
• Manages the leaders of Innovation and Technology
  
• Hold high standards for all members of the Innovation and Technology Team while empowering them to proactively and creatively problem-solve, and model versatility and collaboration for the organization
  
• Provide exceptional coaching, development and modeling to the Innovation and Technology Team to ensure the team is building and maintaining strong partnerships with key stakeholders
  
• Lead, manage, and develop Innovation and Technology Team by providing clear direction, regular feedback, evaluation, and support.
  

Organizational Leadership

• Directs the overall development, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of education technology platforms with a lens of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion and instructional effectiveness
  
• Foster a culture of customer-focused service and continuous improvement by leading strategic initiatives, supporting ongoing technology programs, and ensuring training resources for all users
  
• Establish partnerships with School Leaders, School-Based Operational Leaders and Regional Operational leaders to support effective use of technology at all school sites
  
• Partners with the Teaching and Learning and Data Teams to help maximize student learning and achievement
  
• Develops short- and long-range plans for the organization�s technology systems and develops annual goals and objectives
  
• Provides the leadership and direction needed to improve administrative operations through more effective use of technology
  
• Administers the organization�s technology security system; develops disaster recovery and business resumption plans and procedure
  
• Defines needs and makes recommendations related to maintaining the organization�s network infrastructure and technology systems
  
• Coordinates the implementation and evaluation of technology systems
  
• Provides the direction and enforces for organization�s data and cybersecurity protection, and oversee technology governance, policies and protocols
  
• Recommends and enforces technology policies, procedures and protocols
  
• Offers leadership on privacy laws and digital literacy for the entire organization
  
• Translate strategy into a clear and shared vision and action plans for technology systems
  
• Thoughtfully considers the impact of decisions, and facilitates resolutions that protect the organization�s interests and prioritizes student needs
  

Technology Infrastructure Management and Development

• Lead the development and implementation of technology strategies that support KIPP SoCal�s mission and vision
  
• Oversee the design, building, implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of a secure, reliable, and scalable technology ensuring they meet current and future needs of the organization
  
• Oversee all network/server/telephony infrastructure, including configuration, troubleshooting, managing support contracts, and coordinating with outside vendors as necessary
  
• Collaborates with the Real Estate and Facilities team to ensure that all technology needs are met in ground-up build campuses and existing buildings
  
• Establishes working and productive partnerships with technology contacts at all school districts to ensure that all technology needs are met at co-located facilities
  

Budget and Finance

• Oversees the E-Rate application process and ensure KIPP SoCal is compliant in the use of all E-Rate funds
  
• Oversees the technology procurement process and ensures that all purchases have gone through a fair bidding process
  
• Oversees and monitors technology budget
  
• Approves purchases of computers, telecommunications, audiovisual, multimedia and other technological equipment, enforcing adherence to KIPP SoCal�s standards while remaining fiscally compliant
  
• In partnership with the Finance, plan out annual technology purchases and identify major technology projects for schools
  
• Collaborate with school leadership to plan out their technology purchase needs
  
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors
  
• Ensures that all technology purchases are consistent with KIPP SoCal needs, policies, and practice
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor�s degree in information technology, computer science, education technology, or a related field; Master�s degree preferred
  
• Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) preferred
  
• 5-7 years of progressively increasing technology leadership experience for a multi-site organization, preferably within school setting
  
• Successful teaching and/or administrative experience utilizing technology in the classroom/school preferred
  
• Specialized knowledge of computer applications, operating systems, hardware, telecommunications, and complex network systems
  
• Experience managing an enterprise technology system
  
• Proven track record of proficient project management of large-scale projects
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading through change, executing on major initiatives, and leading cross-departmental work
  
• Experience managing 1:1 device programs
  
• Experience breaking down multi-step procedures into attainable pieces and communicating them to stakeholders
  
• Experience with managing E-Rate preferred
  
• Possesses a deep commitment to both racial and educational equity; supports the building of an organization that reflects the community KIPP serves; holds self and others on team accountable for centering equity
  
• Firm commitment to building a team culture of high expectations, support, inclusion, and continuous learning; comfort soliciting and incorporating feedback and ideas from team members at all levels
  
• Solid written communication skills to explain complicated procedures and policies in writing
  
• Willingness to travel between school sites across Southern California (current footprint: greater Los Angeles County and San Diego)
  
• Physical Requirements: The usual and customary methods of performing the job�s functions require the following physical demands: Must be able to travel to regional office and school sites (Los Angeles + San Diego) - valid driver�s license and dependable transportation needed
  

Benefits & Compensation

• KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $111,300 to $166,900. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $139,100 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
  
• 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
  
• Employer-paid life insurance
  
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
  
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
  
• Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
  
• Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)
  

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KIPP SoCal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. You can find our contact information on our website, http://www.kippsocal.org/. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.