IT Director

Key Responsibilities:

To oversee the smooth running of the school’s IT network, systems and digital learning.  To include providing strategic direction, leadership, and advice on all matters related to IT services, working alongside the School Business Manager and the Senior Leadership Team. 

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management

·                Support the Headteacher and SLT to deliver a strategic plan for the school’s IT infrastructure. 

·                Develop and implement IT strategies that align with the school’s objectives and enhance operational efficiency.

·                Lead on implementation of the IT strategy.

·                Work with the Headteacher and wider academic colleagues to support innovation in classrooms and the development of digital teaching and learning.

·                Management of all IT infrastructure, network configurations and software packages to efficiently advance our decision to become a MS365 school.

·                Lead on the day to day IT and digital services to support the school through excellent project management.

·                Lead and manage the IT Department and staff, including being involved in recruitment, training and evaluating IT staff.

Data Protection, Governance and Compliance

·         Act as the Privacy and Compliance Officer for the school managing GDPR, data protection impact and any other procedures for compliance and protection purposes.

·         Ensure the school is acting responsibly and legally with respect to copyright, acceptable use, data protection and security.

Operational Activities

·         Overall responsibility for delivering a reliable IT Services.

·         Ensuring all classrooms are well equipped to maintain curriculum needs.

·         Management of software systems, databases and telephone systems. 

·         Oversee the school’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software and network systems.

Project Management

·         Manage all IT projects, ensuring timely implementation and adherence to budget constraints.

Security Oversight

·         Establish and enforce security protocols to protect data and prevent cyber threats.

Collaboration

·         Work closely with SLT and departments to identify their technology needs and provide appropriate solutions.

·         Provide overall direction and leadership of the IT Department through regular meetings and feedback. 

·         The ability to provide in house staff training where necessary.

Budget Management

·         Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.

Continuous Improvement

·         Stay updated on emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance business operations. 

Under the terms of your appointment, you may be required by your employer to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required of you in line with your role and grade as and when it may prove necessary to ensure the effective running of the school.  This role and the listed responsibilities are subject to change as dictated by the requirements of the school.

Person Specification:

Qualifications & Training

Essential

·         IT experience in a school environment.

Desirable

·         Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.

Experience

Essential

·         IT leadership experience.

·         Proven experience managing IT teams, budgets, suppliers, and service contracts.

·         Experience developing and implementing an IT strategy aligned to organisational goals.

·         Experience supporting end‑users with a wide range of digital abilities, including staff and young people.

Desirable

·         Demonstrated ability to manage cybersecurity risks, data protection compliance, and safeguarding-related technologies.

·         Experience working within an education setting (school, MAT, college, or university).

·         Knowledge of common education systems and platforms (MIS, safeguarding systems, Microsoft 365/Azure AD, Google Workspace, MDM solutions).

·         Experience leading digital transformation to enhance teaching and learning.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

·         Understanding of IT infrastructure: networks, servers, cloud services, identity management, endpoint management, and cybersecurity.

·         Strong project‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines.

·         Clear understanding of safeguarding requirements relating to digital systems and online safety.

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.

·         Ability to analyse data to inform decision‑making and improve systems performance.

Desirable

·         Knowledge of data protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR) and its application in schools.

·         Ability to create robust IT policies, disaster recovery plans, and cybersecurity frameworks.

·         Awareness of emerging ed‑tech trends and their potential to enhance teaching and learning.

·         Experience Managing and supporting the Microsoft product stack, inc. Windows 11, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Entra & Intune.

Personal Qualities

Essential

·         Strategic thinker with the ability to create a long-term vision for technology across the school.

·         Strong leadership and excellent communication skills with the ability to be able to motivate and develop teams.

·         Calm, solution‑focused approach under pressure.

·         Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

·         The ability to be flexible, adapt to changing priorities, build effective, positive working relationships across the school community with excellent organisational skills.

Other Requirements

Essential

·         Commitment to the school’s ethos, values, and educational mission.

·         Willingness to work flexibly, including attending out-of-hours events or responding to emergencies when needed.

·         A strong level of hands‑on experience, enabling effective integration of systems and providing high‑quality support to staff, services, and the wider school community.

·         Vision and capability to drive forward the school use of MS365.