Senior Director of Information and Academic Technology

Curtis; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

On-campus perks during academic year

Commuter support

Job summary

Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia seeks a Senior Director of Information & Academic Technology to lead technology strategy, operations, and security across the organization. You will partner with senior leadership to advance AI initiatives and oversee a mixed Windows/Mac environment, classrooms, and enterprise apps.

The role requires a strong background in cybersecurity, data management, and IT governance, with 10+ years in technology leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a technology role.
• 7+ years as a technology lead responsible for managing others and cross-functional technology projects.
• Knowledge of development best practices and methodologies (AGILE, SCRUM).

Responsibilities

• Define, manage, and optimize technology service offerings and provide technical oversight of these services.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape and advance Curtis’s AI strategy, identifying practical opportunities to leverage AI and emerging technologies.
• Lead change management efforts related to adoption of new technologies with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends and recommend solutions that boost efficiency and user experience.
• Manage data collection, storage, and backup.
• Oversee cybersecurity policies, including audits, intrusion testing, phishing software, and firewalls.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Excellent writing and communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent

Tools

Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge)

Instructure (Canvas)

Slate

Sales Force

Job description

Job title: Senior Director of Information and Academic Technology

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy & Innovation

Status: Full-time; Salaried; Benefits Eligible; Permanent; Exempt

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy & Innovation, the Senior Director of Information & Academic Technology is responsible for Curtis’s technical infrastructure, data management, network security, classroom technologies, and enterprise applications.

Curtis is committed to the investment in technology as a critical and strategic function of the school. The Senior Director of Information & Academic Technology will work collaboratively across the school toward the achievement of several strategic goals: to support the growth and success of our students; to raise the profile of the school in Philadelphia and beyond; to position Curtis as an essential community resource for Philadelphia; to help diversify, expand, and strengthen the Curtis community; and to support a stable financial foundation on which to build the next 100 years of world-class education and artistry.

Curtis offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PAAct 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL:https://www.curtis.edu

Position will remain open until filled.

• Essential Functions

  Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Define, manage, and optimize technology service offerings and provide technical oversight of these services.
  • Partner with senior leadership to help shape and advance Curtis’s AI strategy, identifying practical opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in support of academic, administrative, and institutional priorities.
  • Lead change management efforts related to the adoption of new technologies, engaging faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to build understanding, support successful implementation, and encourage effective use of new tools and systems.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and trends and recommend solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve the user experience, and support innovation across the institution.
  • Manage data collection, storage, and backup.
  • Manage and administer Curtis’s cybersecurity policies, including regular external audits, intrusion testing, phishing software, firewall security, and anti-virus software.
  • Work with consultants to create a seamless transition of services and learning platforms, including Canvas, and mitigate interruption of business.
  • Oversee selection and maintenance of classroom technology in consultation with Academic Technology Specialist and faculty.
  • Plan for long-term needs of the IT department in coordination with SVP, Digital Strategy.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and expansion of services to support institutional goals and meet the needs of key stakeholders.
  • Partner with departments to assess and recommend technologies that support organizational needs.
  • Provide departmental management and oversight of staffing, vendors, purchasing, and budgeting.
  • Manage team of two FT employees: Computer Support Specialist and Academic Technology Specialist.
  • Manage annual IT budget.
  • Share knowledge, mentor, and educate stakeholders in the use of technology to create a more efficient work environment.
  • Work closely with the SVP, Digital Strategy & Innovation to strengthen communication channels with senior staff, faculty, and other key internal stakeholders.
  • Support an environment of collaboration with internal and external partners.
  • Ensure operational excellence and the adoption of best practices and service improvements.
  • Perform other duties asassigned.
• Technology Environment Highlights
  • 160 students; 135 faculty; 70 full-time staff.
  • 8 classrooms with projectors and laptops for instructional presentations.
  • 2 computer labs.
  • Multiple shared printers.
  • Mix of Windows and Mac devices.
• Preferred Experience and Qualifications

  Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

  Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a technology role.
  • 7+ years as a technology lead responsible for managing others and cross-functional technology projects.
  • Demonstrable expertise in at least one technical area with working knowledge of the others: cybersecurity, data management, database development and maintenance, cloud, software development, database administration, networks, classroom technology, a/v technology.
  • IT administration experience with one of the following preferred: Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge), Instructure (Canvas), Slate, and Sales Force.
  • Knowledge of development best practices and methodologies (AGILE, SCRUM).
  • Strong analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and passion for excellence.
  • Excellent writing, speaking and presentation skills. Demonstrated ease in summarizing technical issues and communicating concepts to non-technical staff.
  • This is a full-time on-campus position: candidate must be willing to work in Philadelphia, PA.
• Required Core Values

  The ideal candidate must exhibit qualities consistent with Curtis’ core values:

  • Pursuit of Excellence
  • Learn by Doing
  • Community
  • Collaboration
• Working Conditions and Physical Demands
  • Exertional requirements are consistent with routine office environment.
  • This is an onsite position on Curtis’ campus in Philadelphia, PA, and in-person work is required.
  • Work on some nights and weekends may occasionally be required.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.
  • The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and obtain PA Act 153 clearances.
• Compensation and Benefits
  • Gross annual salary for this position is within the range of $130,000 – 140,000. Final compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.
  • The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff including complimentary on campus during the academic year and commuter support.
  • This position is benefits eligible. Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and paid parental leave.
  • 401k plan participation begins after one (1) year of eligible service consistent with the plan requirements.