Chief Information Officer - Chicago Public Schools

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Job description

Description Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Reporting to the COO, the Chief Information Officer will provide leadership and coordination in the use of technology, including support services to educational and city-wide operations. This position will align the District's Technology plan with the strategic plan established by the Board of Education, and will provide support for the operations systems of the district computers and networks, both for instruction and operations, at building and district levels, allowing users to access and manage information effectively and efficiently.

The Chief Information Officer will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Essential Duties - Instructional Information Systems

• Lead and participate in the development of the District's Technology Plan in accordance with CPS's Strategic Plan.
• Consult with building administrators and teachers to plan and implement technology infusion into the curriculum
• Advise on technology matters relating to school Information
• Design, gain appropriate approvals and oversee all website programming
• Ensure the technology team develops, coordinates and teaches workshops on office and instructional applications for microcomputers and related technologies
• Develop and modify staff development programs and materials to meet district specific needs related to the instructional use of technology
• Provide technical curriculum assistance regarding hardware usage, software applications, computer technology and general instructional use of technology in the classroom
• Review and audit district's inventory of hardware, software and other technology materials
• Establish and maintain systems for educators to access, preview and/or receive training in hardware usage and software applications
• Assist with the development of ITS practices and user groups that ensure all critical systems and functions reflect the Voice of the Customer.
• Continuously update personal technological knowledge and skills
• Assess technical ideas and systems that will have a positive impact on student achievement.
• Develop policies to support increased choice, access and equity for students and families to high-quality school options regarding technology at CPS.
• Identify new strategies and solutions to reform Chicago Public Schools and improve student achievement in alignment with state law and collective bargaining strategies.
• Determine a menu of supports and services that will best serve CPS school system and adjust this approach based on ongoing feedback and the evolution of the district's strategy.
• Collaborates closely with the CEO, Cabinet team, and key stakeholders on CPS's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Build and cultivate strong relationships with senior leaders.
• Provide hands-on management of the Technology division, including providing regular feedback, coaching and direct support to ensure all team members are operating at a high level.
• Ensure that all department staff provides responsive, courteous and helpful customer service to the schools, staff and other stakeholders they serve.
• Collaborate and communicate closely with other senior leadership team members to set the vision and strategy for the district.
• Enable leaders to have regular access to clear, understandable and transparent information to drive decision-making operational and educational decisions across Chicago Public Schools.
• Participate actively as the district's liaison to the Council of Greater City Schools CIO panel..
• Serve as the primary CPS program lead for the multi-agency Chicago Connected initiative, a nation-leading no-cost internet program for up to 100,000 students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Manages School & District Network Services

• Monitor and maintain communications network operations, including the distinct Service Operations Center (SOC).
• With staff, troubleshoot communications hardware, software and transmission problems.
• Function as district decision-maker.
• With staff and outside contractors, support local and wide area network hardware and software.
• Call on and work with outside service vendors to address and resolve appropriate problems within contractual requirements and following Board policy.
• Responsible for planning and implementation of the voice and data telecommunications network; suggests, implements and follows through with changes.

Manages Strategic Computer Deployments and District's Technology Procurement Roadmap

• Ensure an adequate, economical inventory of computer supplies and materials through a properly maintained inventory control and replenishment system.
• Through staff, maintain an inventory of computer equipment and a catalog of software in the district.
• Provide final authority for all purchases of computer equipment, technology related equipment, peripherals, standard system software and supplies for centrally brokered device distributions.
• Possess expertise in the area of contract negotiation and scope writing; familiar with commonly used legal terms and conditions language.
• Familiarity with establishing industry standard service level agreements to ensure productive partnerships and vendor accountability.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Chief Information Officer must possess the following qualifications:
Type of Education Required:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university is required.

Type of Experience Required:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in administration of information systems and technology.
• Five (5) years of senior leadership and management experience, including leading large teams towards achieving ambitious goals and strong outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-year strategic planning and budgeting, and leading complex change management efforts
• Demonstrated experience as an educational leader or equivalent leadership experience involving the implementation of successful strategies that improved student outcomes..

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of information technology and IT services; in depth knowledge and experience in leading data-driven instructional practices at a systems level.
• Exemplary leadership skills, with expertise in leadership improvement, building effective teams, coaching, and ensuring professional growth for all ITS team members.
• Has a strong knowledge and proven track record of leading and executing large-scale, sustainable programs and projects, as well as direct experience running a mature PMO and related change management activities.
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency around closing achievement gaps and the need for instructional improvement; takes targeted action to ensure success.
• Strong communicator - excellent speaking, listening, writing and presentation skills; must be able to present to Executive, Board and City leadership.
• Solid understanding of how to use multiple sources of data to inform daily decisions to improve instructional practice and instill this practice in others.
• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success.
• Demonstrate skill in the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with all levels of executive and managerial personnel, various governmental agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Must have deep knowledge of the basic tenets of information security including staff training and policy management, perimeter security, access controls and vulnerability management to ensure both operational continuity and adherence to federal and state regulatory guidelines (S.O.P.P.A., F.E.R.P.A, H.I.P.P.A).

Residency Requirement:
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.