Description

Remote Regional Head of Information and Technology

REPORTS TO:             Regional Managing Director, US & Canada

STATUS:                       Exempt/Salaried

DIRECT REPORTS:   Yes

SALARY:                       $165,000 - $175,000 USD (commensurate with experience and education)

Purpose of Role

We are seeking a Regional Head of Information and Technology (RHIT) based in either TX, FL, WA, SC, GA or LA to be a “hands-on” information technology (IT) leader that can function both strategically and operationally. To be successful in this role, you should be a forward-thinking visionary for continuous process improvement of our IT functions.

The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of technology within the region including (but not limited) to, Strategy, Systems & Infrastructure, Security & Governance, Budgets, Procurement & Enhancements, New School Integrations, and the Regional technology team.

The RHIT will have a dotted reporting line to the Group Head of Technology and be expected to build a close working relationship with the school’s local technology team. This role will also work with the Technology Leadership Team (TLT), and other members of the ISP Technology and Corporate team both regionally and globally, partaking in global functional & strategical meetings on a regular basis.

This role will require travel throughout the region on a frequent but as required basis, providing support and training where necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy

• The Head of Information Technology is responsible for owning the end-to-end technology function for the entire region and schools within, ensuring that technology is fit for purpose in helping the schools in every function.

• The post holder should be looking at new initiatives that enable the schools to continuously move to the next level; be it with systems, infrastructure, teaching & learning technologies, etc. The strategic aim is to support our schools in becoming and remaining the school of choice in their local area.

• The Head of Information Technology will also be expected to attend and contribute to quarterly functional meetings with the global technology team. Reporting on successes, and projects and bringing to the table new initiatives that other regions could also benefit from.

Technology Management

• As Head of Information Technology, the post holder will manage and lead the entire regional technology team. This will range from the Regional Systems and Infrastructure team to the support team within each of the schools.  It is expected that the Head of Technology regularly meets the entire team, ensuring that school-by-school and personal objectives are being met along with spending time with key stakeholders within the senior leadership team at each school.

• In addition, the Head of Information Technology will take ownership of the regional technology budget, ensuring that the yearly opex and capex spend at each school is appropriately managed in line with the regional and global strategic goals.

Leadership & Relationships

• The Head of Technology will play a big part in the regional leadership team. It is expected of the role to work very closely with peers in all functions, understating their technology needs intimately, helping them use technology effectively, and working as a team to meet all regional goals.  Along with the regional team, it is equally important that the Head of Technology has a close working relationship with all members of the technology leadership team to align on key topics and expectations of the business.

• Although not limited to, below is a list of key roles the Head of Information Technology should have a close working relationship with.
• Regional MD
• Group Head of Technology
• Group Head of Technology Implementation
• Group MIS Manager
• Regional Technology Team
• Regional Functional Heads
• Regional School Heads

Technology Systems

• The solid use of our core technology systems within the schools is a must, and it is the responsibility of the Head of Technology to ensure that is always the case. It's important that the local and regional technology teams can proactively support these systems to ensure uninterrupted availability to the schools.  It is equally important that the regional technology team identify and manage any training needs to ensure continuous improvement.  The Head of Technology will be expected to hold regular steering groups on some of the core systems, to align with key stakeholders in the region and ensure everyone is informed on the latest and ongoing activities.

• Our core systems are shown below:
• iSAMS: School Management Information System
• NetSuite: Financial Accounting System
• Engage: School Management Information System
• 360: Health & Safety / Safeguarding System
• HubSpot: Customer Relationship Management System
• Cezanne & Jobvite: HR and Applicant Tracking Systems
• G Suite & Office 365: Core Office Platforms
• The Learning Hub: Learning Management System
• OneLogin: Identity Management System

Technology Infrastructure

• The technology infrastructure is a key focus for the Head of Information Technology and covers 5 key areas, which will be supported by the regional infrastructure specialist, but ultimately owned by the Head of Information Technology. These 5 areas include:
• Network Infrastructure: Wi-Fi- APs, Network Switches, Routers
• Server Infrastructure: Servers, Storage, Virtualization
• Security Infrastructure: Firewalls, Web Filters, A/V, Endpoint Protection
• Backup & Monitoring Infrastructure: On and Offsite Data Backup, UPS Protection, Network Monitoring
• End User Infrastructure: PCs, Laptops, Printers, Tablet Computers

• The infrastructure within the schools must follow the global technology standards, so the Head of Technology is responsible for ensuring that are met within each school in the region. Regular tests against all the sections shown of Infrastructure must be conducted and reported against.  In addition, it will be expected that selected schools will undertake regular external vulnerability tests to ensure cyber security practices are being followed and fit for purpose.

Other Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop core technology systems within the region, ensuring all are used efficiently and effectively
• Engage with regional management (MD, principals, etc.) and their teams to set strategic initiatives
• Fulfill all internal and external audit requirements
• Manage vendor agreements for technology applications and infrastructure and
• Ensure the end-to-end provision supports solid use of technology for teaching and learning
• Ensure continuous training and support are provided to all users of core systems used in the region
• Hold regular regional steering group meetings with key stakeholders for core systems
• Manage and develop systems & infrastructure to meet global technology standards
• Line manage, guide, and support the Regional technology team
• Consulting and collaborating with various ISP technical teams across the globe to ensure a consistent and standard technological footprint for programs and to obtain synergies where possible
• Create a strategy for contingency planning and risk mitigation in the region
• Responsible for planning and scheduling project goals, milestones, and deliverables
• Report monthly to the Group Head of Technology and TLT on all core technology activities in the region
• Lead the delivery of tailored projects relating to core technology systems

• Ensure all core technology systems are setup and configured with security in mind, leaving minimum risk of a data breach
• Willing to travel frequently within the region
• Ensure regular cyber security testing is conducted throughout all schools and offices
• Manage regional technology service desk and reporting KPIs where necessary
• Standardize regional technology hardware and software procurement
• Over the implementation of a robust disaster recovery strategy for the region
• Ensure all infrastructure components are built to be highly available and scalable
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Project management expertise
• Strong systems knowledge (CRM, ERP, MIS, Core Office Platforms)
• Deep understanding and experience of infrastructure (Network, Security, Servers)
• Ability to adjust and set priorities to meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively lead staff without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
• Strong persuasion and negotiation skills, including conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work effectively in a professional manner with technology staff, business stakeholders, end users, management, and others outside the organization
• Ability to work independently and motivated to drive projects with autonomy
• Having worked in a global multi-site de-centralized organization is essential
• Office 365 and Google for Education knowledge advantageous
• Strong sense of urgency
• Able to exercise independent judgment and act on it
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Logical and efficient, with keen attention to detail.
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks while under pressure.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ yrs technology work experience
• 5+ yrs in a senior technology management
• EdTech experience a plus
• Degree level within technology or relevant professional qualifications in the field and/or a combination of experience and education
• Fluency in English required

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Well-being and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

E-Verify Participation:

ISP U.S. participates in E-Verify and will provide the Federal Government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years of employment history.