Assistant Director of Technology Systems and Engineering (Full Time) – Central Office Position Available In Cumberland, Maine

Assistant Director of Technology Systems and Engineering (Full Time)•Central Office
Portland Public Schools
Central Office•Portland, Maine Job Details

Job ID:

5111874

Application Deadline:

May 15, 2025 11:59 PM (UTC)

Re-Posted:

Apr 19, 2025
Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Assistant Director of Technology Systems & Engineering (Full Time)•Central Office
Are you a strategic thinker passionate about leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency? Do you thrive in a leadership role that balances high-level planning with hands-on project execution? If so, Portland Public Schools (PPS) invites you to apply for the Assistant Director of Technology Systems & Engineering role!
Reporting to the Director of IT, this position serves as a key thought partner in shaping the district’s technology strategy and leads strategic IT system improvement projects. The Assistant Director of Technology Systems oversees members of the engineering team, ensuring that projects are appropriately scoped, planned, and executed on time. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and strategic vision to drive initiatives that support student learning and district operations. The Assistant Director of Technology Systems plays a critical role in IT project management, from establishing clear milestones and deliverables to monitoring progress and ensuring successful implementation. Additionally, this position collaborates across departments to align IT initiatives with district priorities, optimizing technology systems to better serve PPS’s diverse students, families, and staff.
This year-round position includes a generous benefits package, including 20 annual vacation days and full health and dental benefits. The salary range is $95,000•115,000.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed in this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
+ Technology Project Management
Develop and implement structured project plans to ensure IT initiatives align with district priorities
Establish clear project milestones, deliverables, and timelines while monitoring progress to ensure successful completion
Identify, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing department capacity with district needs
Oversee the planning and execution of district-wide technology initiatives, ensuring smooth integration into school and department workflows
Provide project management support to IT engineering staff, ensuring they have the necessary training, resources, and guidance to execute their work effectively
Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment by standardizing project workflows and optimizing team capacity
+ Strategic Planning & Departmental Support
Serve as a thought partner to the Director of IT, providing insights and recommendations on key strategic planning and decision-making processes
Support long-term budgeting and resource allocation, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring efficient use of district technology funds
Assist with day-to-day IT department operations, ensuring smooth workflows and alignment with district priorities
Help lead department-wide initiatives, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement in IT services
+ Technical Leadership
Stay current on emerging technologies and industry standards to ensure the district’s IT systems remain secure, scalable, and aligned with evolving needs
Provide high-level technical oversight, ensuring IT infrastructure improvements align with district security, operational, and compliance requirements
Work closely with IT engineering staff to design, implement, and maintain technology infrastructure improvements
Collaborate with IT leadership to establish policies, protocols, and frameworks that enhance system security, efficiency, and maintainability
Support the maintenance of Active Directory services, including Group Policy management, identity and access controls, and directory synchronization
+ Vendor & Contract Management
Manage vendor and service provider relationships, ensuring financial and programmatic value in all district technology contracts
Oversee agreements related to network services, cybersecurity solutions, software licensing, and technology infrastructure
Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contract terms, and service-level agreements
+ Technology Infrastructure & Operations
Work with IT engineering staff to maintain and optimize major district technology systems
Support the integration of technology solutions into school and department workflows to enhance operational efficiency
Collaborate with IT leadership to establish and enforce best practices for IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
+ Technology Planning, Procurement, & Asset Management
Plan for the procurement, deployment, and maintenance of district hardware, software, and IT services
Develop and implement long-term plans for hardware acquisition and lifecycle management
Maintain an inventory of IT department equipment and establish replacement schedules
Oversee the receipt, tagging, and distribution of new hardware and software across the district
+ Policy Development & Documentation
Develop IT policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and administrative guidelines, including acceptable use policies and cybersecurity procedures
Ensure technology policies align with best practices, legal requirements, and district goals
Maintain and update acceptable use policies to align with evolving security and instructional technology needs
Maintain thorough documentation of IT projects, infrastructure, and processes to support continuity and knowledge sharing

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

At least 5 years of professional IT experience
Proven experience managing IT projects and system improvements in public sector, municipal, or educational settings
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (equivalent experience considered)
Strong IT project management skills, with experience in scoping, planning, managing milestones, and monitoring progress to ensure timely project completion
Expertise in IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, compliance, virtualization, and IT governance
Knowledge of Active Directory, identity and access management, and related technologies
Experience overseeing engineering teams, providing technical guidance, and ensuring effective collaboration on IT system improvements
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, including collaborating with technology integration teams to align IT projects with school-based technology needs
Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, procurement processes, and cost-benefit analysis for IT investments
Strong leadership and team development skills, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Experience implementing new technologies, transitioning from legacy systems, and driving organizational change to enhance operational efficiency
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, particularly within K-12 education or public sector IT operations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reaching/handling/manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components.
Occasionally lift boxes, equipment, etc. weighing up to 40 pounds.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment.
Must be able to travel to schools within the district.
Frequent near and far visual acuity with or without visual accommodation to read printed materials and computer screen or other monitoring devices.
Hearing/speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional extended work hours and attendance at evening meetings

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Year-round position
Full Time, 1.0 FTE
Permanent
Not eligible for overtime
Generous benefits package, including 20 annual vacation days and full health and dental benefits
Salary range is $95,000-115,000•Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Position Type:

Full-time