Chief Technology Officer at Poway Unified School District
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) serves as the district’s senior leader for technology infrastructure and enterprise systems, reporting to the Superintendent. The CTO is responsible for developing and executing a strategic vision for technology that supports and enhances the District’s operational efficiency and educational mission. While focusing on infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and data management, the CTO collaborates closely with instructional leadership to ensure that technology resources and services are aligned with the District’s academic priorities and the evolving needs of teaching and learning.
Job Description / Essential Elements:
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CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) serves as the district’s senior leader for technology infrastructure and enterprise systems, reporting to the Superintendent. The CTO is responsible for developing and executing a strategic vision for technology that supports and enhances the District’s operational efficiency and educational mission. While focusing on infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and data management, the CTO collaborates closely with instructional leadership to ensure that technology resources and services are aligned with the District’s academic priorities and the evolving needs of teaching and learning.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
- Lead the District’s technology division, providing oversight of infrastructure, enterprise applications, network systems, cybersecurity, staff and student device management, and IT operations to support both educational and administrative functions.
- Collaborate closely with Learning Support Services and Educational Technology leadership to align infrastructure and enterprise systems with instructional initiatives, ensuring a seamless and effective experience for students and educators.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate technology department leadership and staff to ensure operational excellence and professional growth.
- Partner with Learning, Business, and Personnel Support Services divisions to identify technology needs and implement solutions that advance the District’s strategic objectives.
- Oversee the planning, acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of technology infrastructure and resources, including servers, storage, network systems, cloud services, and communications platforms.
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of secure enterprise data systems and reporting tools to support district-wide decision-making, operational efficiency, and student achievement.
- Manage the District’s technology budget and oversee contracts, procurement, and vendor relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.
- Establish and maintain strong cybersecurity practices, policies, and incident response protocols to protect District assets and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Partner with Educational Technology, Learning Support Services, and site administrators to ensure that infrastructure and support services meet evolving instructional and operational needs.
- Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure availability and resilience of critical technology systems.
- Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel; make presentations to the Governing Board, management, staff, and various committees as required.
- Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and drive the implementation of forward-thinking solutions that advance the District’s mission and improve outcomes for students and staff.
- Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Cabinet on technology-related matters, providing data-driven recommendations to support District priorities.
- Represent the District in external partnerships, technology consortiums, and committees related to enterprise IT and infrastructure as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Current and emerging trends in educational and enterprise technology.
Cybersecurity principles, data privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FERPA, CIPA).
Cloud computing, virtualization, and network infrastructure.
Data architecture, integration, and reporting (including tools such as SQL, Power BI, or similar platforms).
Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMP).
Change management and best practices for technology adoption.
Instructional technology and digital learning environments.
Leadership principles and practices, including supervision and professional development.
Budget development and fiscal management.
ABILITY TO:
Provide strategic leadership and articulate a clear technology vision aligned to District priorities.
Collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including Cabinet members, principals, teachers, staff, students, vendors, and community members.
Lead and develop high-performing teams.
Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, both orally and in writing.
Analyze problems, think critically, and recommend forward-thinking solutions.
Manage large-scale projects and technology initiatives on time and within budget.
Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and legal mandates.
Foster a culture of innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field and minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience managing enterprise technology systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and/or digital transformation, preferably in an educational or public sector environment.
Master’s degree from accredited college or university with major coursework in technology or completion of CITE Certified Chief Technology Officer Mentor Program or similar K-12 Technology Leadership program is preferred.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver's license and use of personal automobile.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
Subject to attending meetings and conducting work during day and evening hours.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Seeing to view a computer monitor and read a variety of materials.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
Some light lifting and carrying.
Requirements / Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field and minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience managing enterprise technology systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and/or digital transformation, preferably in an educational or public sector environment. Master’s degree from accredited college or university with major coursework in technology or completion of CITE Certified Chief Technology Officer Mentor Program or similar K-12 Technology Leadership program is preferred.
**The range for the position is $147,984 - $179,316 per year and is negotiable based on experience. ** Applications will be evaluated for minimum qualifications. Those candidates selected to move to the next step in the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a qualifications appraisal interview which is (tentatively) scheduled for May 1st or 2nd, 2025. Candidates must participate in person during the qualifications appraisal interview and final selection interviews.
Requirements / Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field and minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience managing enterprise technology systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and/or digital transformation, preferably in an educational or public sector environment. Master’s degree from accredited college or university with major coursework in technology or completion of CITE Certified Chief Technology Officer Mentor Program or similar K-12 Technology Leadership program is preferred.
**The range for the position is $147,984 - $179,316 per year and is negotiable based on experience. ** Applications will be evaluated for minimum qualifications. Those candidates selected to move to the next step in the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a qualifications appraisal interview which is (tentatively) scheduled for May 1st or 2nd, 2025. Candidates must participate in person during the qualifications appraisal interview and final selection interviews.
Comments and Other Information
Poway Unified School District offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees including:
Retirement – CalPERS
Holidays – 16 paid holidays per year (based on 12 month employment contract)
Vacation – 26 days per year
Sick Leave – 12 paid sick days per year
Medical and Prescription Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Travel Insurance
Flexible Benefit Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness/Mental Health Benefit
For further information regarding our benefits, please visit our website at: https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/benefits
Comments and Other Information
Poway Unified School District offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees including:
Retirement – CalPERS
Holidays – 16 paid holidays per year (based on 12 month employment contract)
Vacation – 26 days per year
Sick Leave – 12 paid sick days per year
Medical and Prescription Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Travel Insurance
Flexible Benefit Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness/Mental Health Benefit
For further information regarding our benefits, please visit our website at: https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/benefits