Senior Manager of IT

Job description

Position Overview: The Senior Manager of Information Technology is responsible for the strategic vision, daily operations, security, and management of the district’s technology infrastructure. This role ensures that students, teachers, and administrative staff have secure, reliable, and equitable access to digital tools. The Senior Manager oversees network engineering, systems administration, cybersecurity, user support (Help Desk), and hardware deployment, bridging the gap between complex technical infrastructure and K-12 instructional goals. The Senior Manager reports directly to the Managing Director of Operations and works collaboratively with the Director of Operations, CSuite team, school leaders, teachers, and staff. Key Responsibilities: Infrastructure & Systems Management Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and scalability of the district’s local and wide area networks, Wi-Fi, cloud environments, and physical/virtual servers. Manage the district's hybrid infrastructure, including identity and access management (IAM) and Single Sign-On (SSO) systems for active users. Supervise the lifecycle management of all district-issued hardware, including the student 1:1 device initiative (Chromebooks, iPads, laptops) and staff workstations. Cybersecurity & Compliance Serve as the primary architect of the district's cybersecurity posture; implement and enforce robust firewalls, endpoint protection, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Ensure strict compliance with federal and state student data privacy laws, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), and CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act). Maintain and routinely test the district’s IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans, including immutable backup configurations. Team Leadership & Operations Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the IT Help Desk to ensure rapid, empathetic support to school sites. Foster a customer-service-oriented culture within the IT department that understands the urgency of classroom tech disruptions. Fiscal Management & Vendor Relations Assist in developing and managing the annual IT operational and capital budgets. Maximize the district's utilization of federal E-Rate funding for telecommunications and internet access, ensuring strict adherence to documentation requirements. Negotiate and manage contracts with software vendors, hardware manufacturers, and cellular/internet service providers. Communication Management: Develop annual technology communication plans that align with the district’s strategic goals and keep stakeholders informed and engaged. Craft staff technology surveys to obtain data to about technology usage, performance, and accessibility Effectively communicate and initiate technology protocols and expectations for managing technology equipment Fiscal Accountability: Maintain appropriate records and documentation of expenditures as aligned to the technology budget for the district Provide guidance and stewardship around purchasing of programs and systems that are fiscally and technologically beneficial to the district Required: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a closely related field. Required: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity. Preferred: Experience working within a K-12 public school district or higher education setting. Preferred Technical Certifications: CISSP, CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified Professional, or Google Professional Workspace Administrator. Skills and Competencies: Commitment: Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students. Cultural Competence: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and ensure all communications are inclusive and accessible. Proven ability to translate highly technical concepts into plain language for school boards, principals, teachers, and parents. Strategic Agility: Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously while remaining calm under pressure. Relationship Building: The ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, from school board members and district leadership to parents and community leaders. Technologically Savvy: Deep understanding of educational technology landscapes, including Student Information Systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) integrations. Project Management: Strong project management skills with experience executing large-scale, multi-site hardware deployments or network refreshes. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday. The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. Work Environment Reports to work Monday-Friday. Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions. Travel Requirements: Ability to travel to work location. Compensation and Benefits: Salary range for this position is $62,000 - $72,000 based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise. As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans. KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals. KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Selection Process: Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles: Selection Process Application Submission + Resume Review Phone or Video Interview If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) Committee Interview(s) 1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager Reference Check Offer Terms About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools: KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope. Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.