Thaden School now seeks a Director of Technology, reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, to lead and manage the School's technology strategy and infrastructure. The Director of Technology is responsible for all aspects of technology at the School, from maintenance and organization to curricular integration and innovation in light of emerging technologies.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a forward-looking technology strategy that aligns with the School's educational mission.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the technology team (Technology Manager and Data Systems Manager), fostering a culture of service, continuous improvement, professional excellence, and innovation.
• Forge partnerships with teachers and academic leaders to promote strategic and thoughtful deployment of technology into the curriculum in ways that enhance learning outcomes and the student experience.
• Provide leadership, vision, and day-to-day management of the IT department, including data network and backup systems, firewall and security issues, databases, servers, printers, and telephone systems.
• Maintain secure, efficient, and robust server and network architecture, as well as cost-effective improvements to network and cloud-based applications.
• Ensure efficiencies in the collection, analysis, usage, retention, and sharing of academic and administrative information and data.
• Serve as a thought partner and monitor emerging trends in AI to anticipate opportunities and risks and guide the school in developing responsible use policies and adopting best practices in educational and business.
• Oversee the technology budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.
• Take an active role in the life of the school and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications, and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (information technology, computer science, systems management, or related discipline); master’s degree preferred
• At least five years of experience in technology leadership
• Experience in independent schools preferred
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple technology projects simultaneously
• Current and in-depth knowledge of network architecture; telecommunication; wireless, mobile, and cloud technologies
• Knowledge of administrative and academic database systems
• Strong organizational, technical, and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong problem solving skills with a high degree of diplomacy
• A team-oriented mindset and an interest in working collaboratively with the school community

Physical Requirements

• Job frequently requires standing, walking, and handling objects with hands
• Job occasionally requires reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 25 pounds
• Some work performed outside may require exposure to changing weather conditions

About Thaden School

A non-sectarian independent school under the direction of its own board, Thaden School offers a challenging and innovative educational program that ignites in students a passion for discovery and learning, prepares them to succeed in college, and inspires them to lead lives of integrity, purpose, and responsible global citizenship. At the core of the school’s mission is a commitment to balance that takes many forms: a curriculum that integrates the sciences and the humanities; indoor and outdoor teaching spaces where sustainability is a tangible part of the lesson; hands-on programs for civic engagement; athletics and physical education programs that build confidence and character through competition and meaningful participation; and a diverse faculty and staff that empower students to think deeply and expansively about their potential and place in the world. The school’s remarkably robust indexed tuition program supports the creation of a balanced learning community where students of many perspectives, talents, and interests come learn and grow stronger together. Located on a 30-acre campus in downtown Bentonville, the school is walking distance from the town square, Bright...water Culinary Institute, The Momentary (Crystal Bridges’ center for contemporary arts), and a variety of other educational resources. The school has also engaged a world-class team of architects to design an enduring and innovative campus that will spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and invite reflection. The principal designer, Marlon Blackwell, is the 2020 recipient of the American Institute of Architect’s Gold Medal, the Institute’s highest honor. The school’s first permanent buildings opened last fall, and the campus master plan will be completed in the fall of 2021. With more than 500,000 residents, the region combines a thriving economy with the natural beauty of the Ozarks and a rich variety of cultural and recreational amenities such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Razorback Regional Greenway, the Scott Family Amazeum, and the Bentonville Film Festival. Northwest Arkansas is also home to the world headquarters of three Fortune 500 companies (Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt) as well as the University of Arkansas. For more information about the region and its national rankings, see Finding NWA and the website for the Northwest Arkansas Council. The school’s website features videos and additional information regarding its educational programs, faculty and leadership.

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Connections working at Thaden School