Associate Director of Information Technology

ERS is a national non-profit consulting firm that empowers school system leaders to make transformative shifts in resources, structures, and practices so that all students-especially those with the greatest learning needs and those furthest from opportunity-attend a school where they can learn and thrive.

At ERS, we embrace teamwork and innovation to influence sustainable, equitable change in some of the country's largest school districts.


If you want to join a team of talented and committed professionals within a mission-driven, fast-paced organization, this is the place for you! We will invest in your professional learning, including rapidly developing the K-12 education knowledge needed to succeed.

Role overview
This leadership role within the Core Services team is responsible for shaping ERS' strategy and execution across technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance impact, consulting effectiveness, and internal operations.


The Associate Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner, Core Services and operates as both a strategic business partner and technology leader, aligning systems, tools, and data with ERS' consulting model and mission. This includes supporting the organization's AI strategy and adoption, while also overseeing two technology team members and the cloud environment that enables day-to-day operations.


This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a 50-200 person consulting-oriented environment, requiring a balance of innovation, strategic leadership, and hands-on execution. This includes the ability to step in and directly support users or troubleshoot technology issues, when needed.


The salary range for this role is currently $130,000 to $167,000 . In the spirit of transparency, it's important to note that we typically don't offer salaries at the top of this range to create opportunities for team members to earn raises throughout their tenure in a role.


Key Responsibilities
AI Enablement, Strategy and Data Architecture

• Maintain and evolve AI Infrastructure (Copilot, Azure Cloud, Gemini, Claude), enhancing and aligning AI tools for org-wide use through connectors and infrastructure design.
• Support the development and execution of ERS' AI strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance consultant productivity, client delivery and insights, and internal operations and decision-making
• Partner with leadership to align technology and AI investments with organizational goals, growth priorities, and consulting delivery needs.
• Partner with our cross-functional Data, AI, and Systems Innovation (DAISI) initiative to develop a Data-to-AI blueprint that aligns data systems, governance, and analytics to ensure AI enablement is built on trusted, integrated infrastructure and reflects ERS' innovative, data-driven model.
• Ensure AI infrastructure and governance frameworks include responsible use, permissions and tools that adhere to strong data security, privacy, and compliance practices, including FERPA.

Technology Vision & Organizational Alignment

• Set a clear vision for the technology function and drive a forward-looking technology roadmap by defining priorities and sequencing the work over time.
• Align technology investments and decisions with both day-to-day operational needs and longer-term organizational goals.
• Ensure systems and tools are optimized for a consulting/partner-based operating model, including: knowledge sharing and reuse, cross-project collaboration, data accessibility, and insight generation.
• Continuously evaluate and implement technologies that improve organizational effectiveness and scalability.
• Serve as a trusted advisorto executive leadership on technology-enabled organizational transformation.

Overall Leadership of Technology Team and Function

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Technology team to ensure on-time execution of key deliverables, balancing the fulfillment of team goals with the professional growth of individual team members.
• Oversee all aspects of the technology function, including cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, data systems, and end-user support
• Oversee core platforms, including: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, collaboration ecosystem), Azure cloud environment, and Salesforce ensuring platforms are configured to support reliable access and clear permissions that enable consultants and cross functional teams to provide innovative and date-driven solutions to our district partners.
• Maintain a hands-on understanding of systems and user workflows. This includes a willingness to step in and directly support users or troubleshoot technology issues when needed, provide coverage for end-user support during high-demand or critical periods, and ensure solutions are practical, user-centered, and effectively adopted.
• Manage the team's business needs including procurement, contracts, negotiations, IT workforce planning, and strategic solution partners.
• Effectively manage the formal and informal professional development of team members through skill development, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Lead an inclusive, high-performing team by fostering belonging, clarity, ownership, and continuous feedback, ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported, and accountable for results.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to implement data-driven technology and AI capabilities.
• Drive successful adoption through change management, training, ongoing user support and feedback loops.
• Coordinate across internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality results.
• Manage and balance competing priorities, leveraging data and functional expertise to allocate team resources in ways that maximize impact, meeting short-term and long-term demands.

Organizational Stewardship

• Contribute as a member of the Extended Leadership Team, helping shape org-wide strategy.
• Support talent development and performance management across the organization.
• Actively engage and contribute to culture-building initiatives, rooted in learning and relationship-building, including coaching, position groups, and quarterly ERS weeks.

Qualifications
We seek candidates with the organizational culture, management/leadership, and technical qualifications outlined below.

• Support an office-centric culture with some flexibility by adhering to a hybrid work schedule, working from our office in Watertown, MA office at least three consistent days per week
• Must be authorized to work for an employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for new team members at this time.

Project Management and Leadership Experience

• 7+ years of experience across technology, data, or digital strategy roles
• At least 3+ years in a leadership role leading high-performing teams
• Experience as an internal technology professional within a consulting firm, professional services organization, or similar team-based environment (preferred: 50-200 employees)
• Demonstrated success aligning technology initiatives with organizational strategy and outcomes
• Experience leading AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience leading teams, managing processes, and executing complex projects, with a strong focus on process quality that consistently delivers strong outcome
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, often with very tight timeframes
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and interpersonal skills (demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships)
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a mission-driven team
• Commitment to ERS core values: impact, teamwork, learning, people first, and service

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of: Cloud platforms (Azure preferred), SaaS ecosystems (M365, Salesforce, etc.), data systems, APIs, and analytics tools
• Experience with: Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate or equivalent), data modeling, and business intelligence
• Familiarity with AI tools and enterprise applications (e.g., Copilot, generative AI platforms)
• Strong knowledge to maintain cybersecurity, data privacy, and the responsible management of sensitive information
• Proven ability to identify and deploy new technologies that support continuous improvement efforts
• Preferred: Experience with Python or R
• Preferred: Working knowledge of security and compliance standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, or equivalent)

About ERS
We value diverse teams and the unique talents each member brings. We encourage candidates whose lived experiences reflect those of the students, educators, and leaders in the districts we serve to apply.

We strive to build inclusive, empowered teams by honoring individual strengths, fostering multidirectional feedback, equipping team members with the information and support needed to contribute meaningfully, and investing in one another's success. We see these commitments as foundational to how we work together and with our district partners as we pursue equity and excellence for all students through school system transformation.

ERS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy, or military service.

Visit our website to learn more about us, including our transformative work and vibrant organizational culture.