Chief of Safety and Technology Services

City Schools of Decatur; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City Schools of Decatur in Decatur, GA seeks a Chief of Safety & Technology Services to plan, administer and supervise the district’s technology and safety initiatives. You will align programs with district goals, lead development of plans, and oversee budgeting and implementation across IT and safety functions.

The role requires a strong background in information technology management, safety programs, and collaborative leadership to support student learning and district objectives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• At least 3 years of supervision, management, or oversight of Information Technology activities.
• Experience formalizing individual department budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to align technology and safety programs with district initiatives and objectives.
• Leads development and implementation of technology and safety plans per state/federal requirements and Board policies.
• Oversees technology and safety budgeting and funding mechanisms (general funds, E-Rate, E-SPLOST, bonds, grants).
• Directs day-to-day operations of technology and safety programs including network, security, data systems, instructional tech, devices and training.
• Leads lifecycle management of technology and safety systems from needs assessment to sunset.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

IT management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security or related field

COSN Certified Educational Technology Leader or equivalent credential

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Chief of Safety & Technology Services

DEPARTMENT: Information Services

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: 225 days

DATE REVIEWED: 5/2026

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, shall appoint this position. The annual period of service for this position shall be 225 days.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: To plan, administer, and supervise the implementation of physical safety, cybersecurity, data, and technology in the school system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides leadership to align technology and safety programs with school district initiatives, policies and strategic objectives.
• Leads the development and implementation of technology and safety plans and procedures in accordance with state and federal requirements and Board policies.
• Leads, guides, and oversees technology and safety budgeting. Pursues and ensures compliant use of multiple funding mechanisms, including general funds, E-Rate, E-SPLOST, capital bonds, and grants.
• Directs the day-to-day operations of the district's technology and safety programs, including network and infrastructure operations, telecommunications, physical security, cybersafety, support services, interoperable data systems, instructional technology, end-user device fleets, training, project and change management, and related areas.
• Leads the full lifecycle of technology and safety systems, including needs assessment, specification gathering, solicitation, procurement, implementation, support, monitoring, evaluation, and sunset.
• Leads and guides the design, establishment, and maintenance of the organizational structure and staffing required to effectively accomplish the district's technology and safety goals and objectives.
• Supports the superintendent and executive leadership in the examination and definition of objectives for existing and/or proposed technology and safety systems.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of current and developing technology and safety systems.
• Develops and monitors technology and security standards and KPIs.
• Supervises and provides leadership to the Director of Safety & Security, Director of Data Systems, coordinators, and specialists in the division. In collaboration with other division leaders and principals, supports instructional technology coaches and librarians.
• Maintains up-to-date system-wide technology inventory and profiles of all district technology resources, and ensures on-time and accurate annual submission of state technology inventory.

Expected Dispositions and Behaviors

• Visionary leadership
• Deep understanding and ability to lead collaborative navigation of the complex interdependencies and tensions between technology, physical and cyber safety, whole-child student wellness, and student learning outcomes
• Ability to understand organizational needs and find innovative solutions to meet these needs
• Provide prompt attention to customer needs
• Ability to influence and positively impact executive, technology, and safety professionals
• Open and accepting of feedback from stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation abilities
• Ability to effectively coordinate work and communication across all user and ability levels
• Ability to share difficult concepts or practices with various audiences
• Successful track record in visioning, planning, and managing projects from inception through the development lifecycle
• Ensures adherence to excellent safety procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises technology staff and interns.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security or related field
• Three years of experience in supervision, management, or oversight of Information Technology activities for an organization of 500 1,500 employees
• Prior experience in formalizing individual department budgets

PREFERRED EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or higher in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security or related field
• Five years of experience in supervision, management, or oversight of Information Technology activities for an educational organization of 500 1,500 employees
• Prior administrative experience in a public school setting
• COSN Certified Educational Technology Leader or equivalent credential

EVALUATION

Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of classified personnel.

WORK HOURS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may require non-standard work hours (nights and limited occasional weekends) and the ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 25 pounds. The employee is required to move freely throughout the building and sit for prolonged periods of time. Adequate vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to interact with people in writing, over the phone and in person are required. Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.