Executive Director, Information Technology

Make a Future - Careers in BC Education; Surrey; On-site; CAD 199,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Surrey seeks an Executive Director of Information Technology to oversee the IT systems and infrastructure. This role demands strategic leadership, management, and the implementation of innovative technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT leadership and project management within large organizations. Comprehensive benefits are provided alongside a competitive salary range of $199,656 to $221,840 annually.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Municipal pension plan

13 paid holidays

Qualifications

• Fifteen years of relevant leadership experience in a large organization.
• Proven success in IT strategies enhancing performance.
• Experience leading large-scale IT projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement technology roadmaps aligned with the district’s vision.
• Manage IT systems' planning, deployment, and operation.
• Advise leadership on technology trends and digital transformation.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Leadership

Project management

Data-driven decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field

Master’s degree

Job description

Surrey Schools

Executive Director, Information Technology

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: the q̓ícə̓y̓ - Katzie, the qʼwa : n̓ƛʼən̓ - Kwantlen, and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools is the largest BC school district and the second-largest employer in Surrey. It provides quality education to over 82,000 students across 124 school sites and various learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support student learning. The district employs approximately 13,000 staff members dedicated to ensuring children receive the best start and are prepared to be tomorrow's leaders.

Our Commitment :

Providing quality education extends beyond academics; we are committed to fostering diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Values :

Our identity as Surrey Schools is rooted in shared values of openness, fairness, and belonging, recognizing the importance of diversity in identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to removing barriers to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

Join us in our mission to give children the best start, preparing them as future leaders. If you are passionate about education, diversity, and making a positive impact, explore opportunities with Surrey Schools.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Secretary-Treasurer / CFO, the Executive Director of Information Technology (IT) provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the district's IT systems and infrastructure. This role involves developing and implementing technology roadmaps to support educational and operational goals, ensuring data integrity, security, and privacy. Responsibilities include solution development, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, infrastructure, IT operations, client services, telecommunication networks, and related systems.

Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate technology roadmaps aligned with the district’s vision and strategic plan, ensuring IT capacity meets evolving needs.
2. Manage the planning, deployment, and operation of IT systems, including networks, software, hardware, and telecommunications, optimizing investment and user experience.
3. Advise senior leadership on technology trends, initiatives, and best practices; lead digital transformation efforts to enhance teaching, learning, and business processes.
4. Oversee departmental planning and budgeting, ensuring efficient resource allocation aligned with district priorities.
5. Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of service, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
6. Ensure the security, reliability, and scalability of IT systems, complying with relevant standards and regulations.
7. Manage data centers, cloud services, and IT support to ensure availability and performance.
8. Lead information security strategies, including cybersecurity, incident response, analytics, audits, and compliance.
9. Present strategic plans, policies, and standards to the Board of Education and district leadership.
10. Promote innovation by encouraging adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and analytics.
11. Build partnerships and leverage internal and external expertise to support technology initiatives.
12. Implement and oversee IT governance, policies, procedures, and vendor relationships.
13. Represent the district at technology forums, conferences, and partnerships.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Fifteen years of relevant leadership experience, preferably in a large, complex organization.
• Certifications in project management, process engineering, IT service management, or software development are desirable.
• Proven success in developing and executing IT strategies that enhance organizational performance and innovation.
• Experience leading large-scale IT projects, including infrastructure upgrades, software implementations, and digital transformations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strategic thinking and decision-making skills; ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration.
• Strong leadership with a focus on coaching and team development.
• Commitment to inclusion, belonging, and a respectful workplace culture.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills; capable of managing multiple complex initiatives.
• Effective change management skills, inspiring and supporting teams through change.
• Service-oriented with a focus on enhancing user experience through innovation.
• Ability to use data-driven decision-making, develop business cases, and apply performance metrics.
• Deep knowledge of cloud architecture, DevOps, application development, and systems integration.
• Expertise in data governance, cybersecurity, and compliance standards.
• Awareness of emerging technologies and industry trends impacting education technology.
• Understanding of challenges and opportunities in K-12 education.
• Accountability and transparency in managing public funds.

What we're offering

• Comprehensive benefits package including extended medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Municipal pension plan.
• 13 paid holidays, plus sick leave and vacation time.
• A supportive, positive, and safe work environment fostering security and authenticity.

The salary range is $199,656 to $221,840 annually, with a comprehensive benefits package and municipal pension. Placement within this range depends on qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. The midpoint reflects full job knowledge and experience.

Qualified applicants can apply via Make a Future at https://buff.ly/o8LIwlc by clicking the "apply" button. The application deadline is August 6, 2025, at 4:00 pm.

Note: Successful applicants will undergo a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.