Head of IT and Digital Strategy

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Information Technology Strategy at Queen Mary’s

The appointee will oversee the complete overhaul of the School's IT infrastructure, take the lead in the formulation and implementation of a digital strategy and development programme which will ensure that the School has a fully effective range of information technology systems at all times.

The Head of Information Technology & Digital Strategy will report to the Head and be able to present development plans and reports to the Leadership Team and Governors.

Provide technical expertise, leadership, creativity and problem solving skills.  Safeguard, develop and protect” the School from a digital security perspective. Develop a multi-layer security policy and solution that does not restrict the School’s ability to operate but does protect children, staff, and data from internal and external threats. 

The rewards will include the ability to direct a new approach to digital learning, development and implementation of the IT curriculum and, business support which will be at the cutting edge of the sector.

• Health and performance monitoring of the used technology

• Monitoring the IT department performances and recruiting

• Negotiate with Vendors and Contractors

• IT disaster recovery plan design

• Being able to develop and maintain the Computing and ICT curriculum technical specification

• Actively seeks implementing/incorporating new technology in the School whether it is education, administration or performances with AV support

• take ownership of the formulation and delivery of digital strategy at Queen Mary’s

• advise the Head, Leadership Team and Governors on digital and technological developments to ensure that QMS stays at the forefront of educational and business information and communication technology

• arrange and provide appropriate training for staff in the use of ICT in classrooms, laboratories, studios and offices

• plan, build, develop and maintain the school's ICT infrastructure

• take responsibility for the delivery of all data/information management systems within the school

• provide SQL programming expertise to service MS reporting systems

• maintain fully operational multi-vendor video conference solutions such as Skype, Face Time… access across the school

• manage the technical delivery of QMS's website, requiring HTML and Java programming skills and knowledge of other multi-media software

• demonstrate understanding of and support for ICT requirements in teaching and learning

• day to day support of Academic, Pastoral and Business ICT needs of the school community (girls, staff, parents and governors)

• provide guidance in the use of ICT for girls with specific educational needs, supporting their use of technology and use of computers and software for examinations

• arrange and review suitable monitoring systems regarding ICT use and/or abuse within the school

• demonstrate an understanding and awareness of E-safety and seek to become a CEOP Ambassador and provide training and presentations to girls, staff, parents and governors

• provide education about responsible usage of the internet to girls and staff

• design and maintain a documented inventory of all aspects of QMS’s IT, including network diagrams, licensing information, user access inventory, asset tracking

• develop and highlight an asset/solution replacement plan including transition, technical, implementation planning and budget impact assessment in relation to social media

• assist the Head of Marketing and Admissions in the use of social media for marketing the school

• provide secure protection of digital data in line with the school's Data Protection policy and oversee data protection within the School as the Data Protection  Controller 

• provide the high level of confidentiality required in this senior position

• manage and provide the School's ICT support 

• provide ICT applications, computing & programming courses for girls and staff

• develop and manage support for digital archiving of school data and records

• plan, develop and maintain the School's telephone network, having a strategic understanding of VolP and wireless/mobile

• play an active role in developing school communications

• attend such courses as required to develop technical, managerial and educational expertise in the role

• manage IT expenditure within agreed budgets, providing quotations and negotiating deals as necessary for data assurance and protection

• ensure accountability for the services, resources and information in line with QMS's stated aims and ethos

• undertake health and safety audits, duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post to ensure satisfactory standards of health, safety and security are maintained in accordance with QMS's legal obligations

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science or a related field

Previous experience of managing and developing a team of operational IT staff

Evidence of professional qualifications in IT-related areas, demonstrating a proven track record of keeping up to date with developments and technology

Deep understanding of IS/IT/media systems that support educational provision and an excellent understanding of teaching and learning

Knowledge of e-mail systems including MX routing, spam filtering, blacklists, autoresponders, mail signatures, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, client software

Excellent understanding of mobile technologies and IT presentation equipment

Experience of systems management, programming and technical support

Knowledge of database systems

Previous iSAMS experience

Successful management experience and collaborative leadership skills

Proven leadership qualities with an ability to convert strategy into practice

Ability to problem-solve and think strategically

Ability to monitor, analyse, evaluate and set targets

Ability to ensure effective financial planning and management

Strong communication and inter-personal skills

Ability to be discreet and uphold confidentiality

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Excellent written English and meticulous attention to detail

Energy, drive, enthusiasm and a positive manner

Willingness to support the School’s Christian values, ethos and heritage

Clear support for the advantages of single-sex education

Awareness of the importance of Child Protection and Safeguarding of young people

Willingness to play an active part in the life of the school community

Willingness to work out of hours as and when school functions occur

● This is a full-time, permanent role. Some flexibility will be required to allow for attendance at special events including Open Mornings outside those hours at evenings and weekends. 

● Additional benefits will include a significant fee discount for children to be educated at Queen Mary’s School (subject to places being available and all relevant admissions criteria being met). 

● Meals will be provided free of charge during term time hours of work. 

● The School operates an employer stakeholder contributory pension scheme. 

Queen Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons and candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.