Director of Information Technology (IT)

Job Description

Pine Lake Preparatory (PLP), a K-12 public charter school serving approximately 1,900 students and 170 staff members, is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Director of Information Technology to lead and support the school's technology infrastructure.

This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and service‑minded technology professional to lead a well‑established school technology department while supporting a dynamic educational community. The IT Director oversees network infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, endpoint management, and technology operations across a seven‑building campus and remote sites. In addition to technical leadership, this role works closely with students, teachers, staff, families, and school leadership to ensure technology effectively supports teaching, learning, communication, and daily school operations.

PLP maintains a 1:1 Apple environment utilizing iPads for grades K‑5 and Apple MacBook Air devices for grades 6‑12 students and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage a three-member technology department.
• Develop and implement IT strategies, procedures, and operational priorities aligned with school goals.
• Participate in department budget development, monitor expenditures, and manage vendor and service provider relationships.
• Communicate technology initiatives, system updates, and support information effectively to staff and school leadership.
• Serve as a strategic technology resource for school leadership regarding emerging technologies, cybersecurity trends, and AI developments in education.

Infrastructure & Systems Administration

• Manage and maintain an on‑premise Windows Server environment (2019‑2025), including Active Directory and Hyper‑V virtual machines.
• Administer all aspects of a routed seven‑building campus network and remote sites connected through VPN utilizing a Meraki hub‑and‑spoke topology.
• Optimize and maintain a high‑density wireless environment utilizing Meraki access points.
• Manage storage architecture, server performance, backups, and disaster recovery processes.
• Utilize automation scripting, including PowerShell and/or Python, to support system administration and integrations.

Endpoint & Access Management

• Serve as the tier‑3 escalation point for a JAMF‑managed Apple endpoint environment supporting 1:1 student and staff devices.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, authentication systems, and access controls across all platforms and systems.
• Maintain and support identity and access management systems in compliance with school policies and security standards.

Security & Compliance

• Oversee content filtering and proxy configurations utilizing Zscaler and support a multi‑site security implementation.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk mitigation activities to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, and other cybersecurity threats.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, cybersecurity best practices, student data privacy requirements, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Manage the school's E‑Rate program and complete all required local, state, and federal technology‑related reports and surveys accurately and on time.

Community Support & Collaboration

• Build positive, collaborative relationships with students, staff, families, and school leadership while providing responsive technology support and guidance.
• Support classroom instruction and school operations by helping users effectively utilize technology resources and systems.
• Communicate technical concepts, updates, and troubleshooting information clearly and professionally to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Maintain a customer‑service mindset while balancing the operational and security needs of the school.
• Serve as a trusted partner to faculty and staff in evaluating and implementing technology solutions that support teaching and learning.

Support & Troubleshooting

• Support IT staff and end users by troubleshooting complex hardware, software, networking, and systems issues.
• Maintain reliable technology operations to support instructional, operational, and administrative functions across the school.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of senior‑level IT infrastructure experience, preferably in a K‑12, higher education, or enterprise environment.
• Experience supervising or leading technical support or infrastructure teams.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server administration, Active Directory, Hyper‑V, networking, wireless systems, VPN connectivity, and endpoint management.
• Experience supporting enterprise Apple device environments and JAMF preferred.
• Experience with automation scripting utilizing PowerShell and/or Python preferred.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, systems security, and risk management best practices.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships within a school community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a North Carolina K‑12 or charter school setting.
• JAMF, Microsoft, CCNA, CISSP, or comparable industry certifications.
• Experience with E‑Rate administration and educational technology systems.

Pine Lake Prep offers a competitive salary and benefits package, an exceptional work environment, and a collaborative leadership team committed to supporting both students and staff. Children of full‑time staff members receive preferential enrollment status with the school. At Pine Lake Prep, we take special pride in our unique approach to teaching and learning while fostering innovation, teamwork, and excellence across all areas of the organization.