Regional Head of Technology

Description

ISP Regional Head of Technology Role Profile

Purpose of Role

Reporting into the Regional Managing Director and with a dotted line to the Group Head of Technology, the Regional Head of Technology is responsible for ensuring that the region and schools have the right technology for the ever-evolving educational sector and that it is implemented, integrated and used effectively across all schools, reinforcing their positions as Schools of Choice.

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. Wellbeing 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.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

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

ISP Regional Head of Technology Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy

• Responsible for planning and scheduling project goals, milestones and deliverables

• Own the end-to-end technology function for the entire region and all its schools, ensuring that technology is fit for purpose and appropriately integrated to support the schools in every function.
• Look for new initiatives that enable the schools to continuously move to the next level; be it with systems, infrastructure, or teaching & learning technologies, always with an educational focus
• Choose & integrate products that augment our offering and delivery, by supporting development of strategic approaches for the integration of technology
• Develop a plan of action that will allow the school to sustainably grow and expand its use of technology

• Create strategy for contingency planning and risk mitigation in the region

• Work in collaboration with Head of IT to agree tech policies
• Determine annual planning and budgetary priorities for the Tech Strategy (Opex)

• Fulfil all internal and external audit requirements

Ed Tech

• Implement the EdTech strategy ensuring alignment with the Group Head of EdTech in order that our schools and students are supported by the best educational technology
• Together with Global, work with external partners to contribute in the creation and implementation of a wider infrastructure

• Ensure the end-to-end provision supports solid use of technology for teaching and learning

• Along with the Heads of School and IT teams, create, promote and support opportunities to engage and assist parents in the effective use of technology by their children
• Maintain a deep knowledge of the markets and the EdTech solutions and products and share knowledge and learning with the Group Heads of EdTech and Technology to benefit the region and ISP
• Formulate and provide a professional development program tailored to support teachers in the development of a technology rich curriculum
• Provide expert guidance to functional areas and schools to get the best out of educational technology supporting our schools to become and remain the schools of choice in their local area.

Technology Systems & Infrastructure

• Guide the regional team for them to manage, develop, promote knowledge-sharing and training, and ensure the correct use of core technology systems within schools, ensuring their efficient and effective use, including the Financial Accounting System, School Management Information Systems, Office 365, Customer Relationship Management System, HR Systems, ATS, Core Office Platforms, Learning Management System and Identity Management System
• Along with the team, follow the global technology standards of infrastructure within schools, ensuring all components are built to be highly available and scalable, while ensuring Cybersecurity practices and Security Infrastructure, such as Firewalls, Web Filters, A/V, Endpoint Protection
  • Through the regional technology team, is responsible for Network Infrastructure (Wi-Fi AP’s, Network Switches, Routers), Server Infrastructure (Servers, Storage, Virtualization), Backup & Monitoring Infrastructure (On and Offsite Data Backup, UPS Protection, Network Monitoring), and End User Infrastructure (PC’s, Laptops, Printers, Tablet Computers)

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage, guide, and support the regional and school technology teams
• Engage with regional leadership and their teams to set strategic tech initiatives
• Ensure the continuous training and support is provided to all users of core systems in the region
• Hold regular regional steering group meetings with key stakeholders for core systems
• Consult and collaborate with various ISP technical teams across the globe to ensure a consistent and standard technological footprint for programs, to obtain synergies where possible
• Report monthly to Group Head of Technology and the Technology Leadership Team on all core technology activities in the region
• Work closely with specialists in IT and Procurement to evaluate and provide guidance in relation to the purchase of requisite technology and contract design with technology vendors and educational platform providers. 

• Project Management expertise
• Experience in the education sector in technology matters
• Systems knowledge (CRM, ERP, MIS, Core Office Platforms)
• Understanding and experience of infrastructure (Network, Security, Servers)
• Knowledge of Technology integration
• Experience in budgets, with ability to prioritise needs and differentiators
• Strategic, forward-thinking vision
• Ability to create relations and lead projects
• Ability to work independently
• Strong sense of urgency, prioritisation and execution of tasks under pressure

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.  

1. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
2. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
3. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
4. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
5. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
6. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
7. Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.
8. Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.
9. Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.
10. Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
11. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.
12. Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.
13. Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
14. Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

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’ employment history.