IT Manager

We are looking for a talented and passionate member of staff to lead, manage and develop the school’s IT systems and facilitate high quality outcomes for pupils as our IT Manager. The successful candidate will be dynamic and proactive and play a key role in the strategic development of IT at ALS. Reporting to the Operations Manager the role requires the successful applicant to be flexible in providing all aspects of IT support in a busy school environment. Previous experience in an educational setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

Liaising with SLT, ELT, Teaching and Support Staff (Nursery/Junior/Senior School)

• Strategic planning of future technical developments and e-learning
• Lead and manage IT implementation projects
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity from an operational perspective
• Proactively drive systems development by keeping up to date with cutting edge systems technologies
• Supporting, mentoring and training other members of the technical support team
• Implement and maintain remote working and BYOD systems
• Ensure that the security of the network is protected and secure from intrusion and malware according to best practice

Leadership of Ensure that a comprehensive Internet and filtering service is provided, working with the school safeguarding team to secure online safety protocols

IT

• Creating clear documentation on the configuration, use and support of IT systems and developments.
• Ensure that all IT services comply with child protection or any other relevant legislation.
• To develop a data protection strategy and ensure compliance with all data protection legislation including GDPR
• Provide IT training and act as a technical resource to other members of staff.
• Lead in the maintenance and development of G-Suite
• Advise and manage the monitoring of H&S and audit checks, including electrical testing, licenses, warranties, risk assessments for all hardware, network and infrastructure
• Oversight of the CCTV equipment and CCTV usage
• Act as primary expert of Online Safety and be aware of developments in this area
• Manage the available resources efficiently and effectively
• Identify and collate the future resourcing needs and aspirations for IT for consideration in the school budget planning process.
• To be responsible for managing IT support, including their induction, training and appraisal

Management Purchasing and advising on the purchase of IT software, hardware and solutions in line with ALS’ procedures, of Resource financial regulations and plans.

• Physically install desktop, server, network and multimedia hardware and software
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and software providers to ensure best value and service for ALS
• Ensure that all software and systems are correctly licensed
• Prepare hardware for new staff prior to induction
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance to ensure the delivery of highly effective support for all staff and students.
• Systematically monitor the quality of provision

Quality

• Oversee testing of the backup and disaster recovery solutions.

Assurance

• Gather feedback and conduct reviews on the quality of IT systems developments
• Ensure appropriate support contracts are in place to cover hardware, software and systems as required
• Ensure all staff receive an induction to ALS IT systems

Other As a lead professional, lead appraisal for those in the IT team

• Take ownership of personal professional development

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be defined. All staff are expected to comply with any reasonable request from a senior leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. It is understood that areas of responsibility are from time to time subject to review and are negotiable in the light of the needs of the school and the professional development of the staff. This job description may be reviewed at the end of the academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with the postholder.

The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate a high number of the following:

• Relevant IT qualifications
• Good standard of education

Qualifications & Evidence of continuing professional development

• Experience of working in a school setting (desirable)

Experience

• Knowledge of technologies and software used in schools (desirable)
• Experience of internet safety & network monitoring (desirable)
• Experience of Office 365, OneDrive and a school MIS (iSams preferable)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent teaching skills with a genuine interest in teaching & learning
• The ability to work effectively with all stakeholders
• Ability to maintain a high work rate and to juggle a range of tasks with competing

Skills priorities

• Excellent IT skills
• High level of administrative efficiency
• Ability to think creatively and demonstrate initiative, dealing calmly with situations
• Warmth in relationships with adults and children
• Honesty, integrity and excellent judgement
• Understand and respect the principles of confidentiality

Personal Hold unwaveringly high professional standards and expectations of self and others

Qualities Willingness to learn new ways of thinking and an ability to reflect and improve

• A high level of emotional intelligence and resilience with a high level of optimism
• A good sense of humour and a sense of perspective
• A willingness to “get involved” to get the job done
• Effectiveness and energy in investigating and implementing positive change
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Ethos & Attitude Commitment and belief in the ethos and to the values of Arnold Lodge School

• Ambition & belief to develop the school with the imagination to spot new opportunities