Director of Operational Technology

The Quad Preparatory School

Director of Operational Technology

Immediate Opening

 

Classification: Exempt 

Reports to: COO, CTO & Deputy COO

Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000

 

At Quad Prep, we are on a mission — to transform the lives of neurodiverse, twice-exceptional people by redefining the experience of school. Through the collective, collaborative, and empathic work of our teachers and clinicians, we are empowering our students to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world.

Now in our 2nd decade, we are excited to welcome fellow innovators and collaborative colleagues to our team to be a part of this inspiring and impactful mission. At Quad Prep, a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Accredited School, we are eager to create challenging and engaging learning experiences for our students, to seek diverse perspectives, and to work together to continuously refine and redefine best practices in neurodiverse education. Quad Prep School actively seeks to advance diversity through its programs and hiring.

 

Why work at Quad Prep ?

 

• ACCREDITED SCHOOL: Quad Prep was recognized as an outstanding school when it received accreditation last year through NYSAIS.
• COMMUNITY: We are committed to building a joyful and inclusive culture where everybody is celebrated for who they are.
• COLLEAGUES: Our colleagues are inspiring, consummate innovators and are at their happiest collaborating to create personalized solutions for each student.
• STUDENTS We guarantee that you will learn something eye-opening every single day from our students — and have a lot of joy and laughter along the way!
• DEEP PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Quad Prep supports mission-driven educators and clinicians to grow their professional skills and influence in the neurodiversity educational space. Close collaboration with colleagues, coaching from supportive leaders, and thoughtful, in-depth professional learning programs keep us growing.
• GENEROUS AND COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS
  • Health: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Student Loan repayment 
  • Retirement Plan contribution
  • Group Life Plan
  • Disability Insurance
  • Generous Parental Leave
• WORK LIFE BALANCE: In addition to vacation and sick time, there are approximately 21 scheduled school closure days throughout the calendar year, including a full week off during the first week of the December break. We also provide supervision each week to support your professional growth. Our goal is to help you live the life you want—both inside and outside of school. 

 

Who We Are

(If Quad Prep is for you, you'll read what's below and feel, "That's me!")

At Quad Prep , we are guided by values that we hold dear and we have developed an innovative set of practices to meet our mission. We are:

 

Groundbreaking: We ignite our talents and are passionate about their futures. You are:

• Passionate about our work and our mission
• Creative and excited about reaching each and every learner in new ways
• Excited to help create new, evidence-based best practices in this rapidly evolving field
• Able to set high expectations of yourself and discover ways to meet them

 

Collaborative: We function with an exceedingly deep degree of collaboration. You:

• Communicate effectively with colleagues
• Seek to understand yourself and others in order to welcome new perspectives 
• Are generous of spirit and willing to give and receive feedback and input freely
• Are kind, welcoming, and inclusive

 

Trustworthy: We are steadfast and are accountable to our students and each other. You:

• Can be counted on to do what you say you will do
• Have a high level of ownership for personal and team results
• Can purposefully develop skills to find success in your work and our learning community
• Ask for support when you need it
• Project an unflappable, firm, and kind presence 

 

Constantly Learning and Growing: We value continued growth and learning. You:

• Seek opportunities to learn and grow in your professional practice
• Support colleagues by sharing best practices and nurturing their learning
• Help the organization grow and improve by developing and sharing new ideas and approaches

 

Resourceful: At Quad Prep , we dig deep to meet our mission. You: 

• Are highly effective and dedicated 
• Show initiative
• Display good judgment and sensibility
• Excellent at supporting staff/student in technology needs

 

Flexible : At Quad Prep , we never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.” You are:

• Open to new ideas
• Nimble in fluid, changing environments
• Excited by growth, change, and innovation

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Director of Operational Technology is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, implementation, security, and continuous improvement of technology systems across both campuses and the administrative suite. This role serves as the primary owner of the School's technology environment, ensuring that technology investments, infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, enterprise applications, and operational systems support the School's mission and long-term goals.

The Director of Operational Technology provides leadership for day-to-day IT operations while maintaining ownership of technology projects from concept through implementation, adoption, training, documentation, and ongoing support. Acting as the primary liaison between school leadership, faculty, staff, vendors, and technology service providers, the Director of Operational Technology ensures that technology resources are secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with organizational priorities. This is a hands-on role, combining oversight with implementation and ongoing management.

The ideal candidate is an experienced technology leader who combines strong technical expertise with project management, vendor management, operational leadership, budgeting, strategic planning skills, day-to-day active systems management, and staff support.

 

Key Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities:

IT Leadership

• Maintain the school's technology roadmap and strategic technology initiatives.
• Align technology projects and investments with organizational priorities and operational needs.
• Evaluate existing systems and recommend improvements, upgrades, and replacements.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex technology issues.
• Maintain established IT standards, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and oversight for IT support staff and contractors.

Project Management & A-Z Ownership

• Own technology projects from initial concept through implementation, adoption, training, and ongoing support.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, communication plans, and risk assessments.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, software implementations, system migrations, cybersecurity initiatives, and operational technology projects.
• Coordinate stakeholders, vendors, consultants, and service providers throughout project lifecycles.
• Track project milestones, budgets, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Present project updates, recommendations, and technology initiatives to school leadership.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Actively participate in the day-to-day running of our systems

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all technology vendors, consultants, managed service providers, and software partners.
• Lead the School's cybersecurity program and risk reduction initiatives.
• Manage endpoint protection, vulnerability management, monitoring tools, security awareness efforts, incident response procedures, and remediation activities.
• Coordinate with managed service providers, security vendors, and consultants to maintain a strong security posture.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery, business continuity, and incident response plans.
• Conduct security assessments and ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect organizational data, systems, and technology assets.

Vendor Management & Resource Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all technology vendors, consultants, managed service providers, and software partners.
• Manage vendor performance, contracts, service-level agreements, renewals, and procurement activities.
• Lead vendor evaluations, product reviews, and technology selection processes.
• Coordinate vendor troubleshooting, installations, maintenance activities, and project work.
• Monitor technology expenditures and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Ensure technology investments deliver measurable value to the organization.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee daily IT operations across both campuses.
• Manage and maintain network infrastructure, wireless systems, internet connectivity, servers, cloud services, and endpoint devices.
• Ensure reliability and performance of core technology systems.
• Oversee Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, learning management systems, device management platforms, and security tools.
• Manage inventory, lifecycle planning, procurement, and deployment of all technology assets.
• Ensure technology documentation is complete, accurate, and regularly updated.

Physical Security Technology

• Oversee technology systems supporting physical security, including:
  • Camera systems
  • Access control systems
  • Visitor management systems
  • ID card systems
  • Emergency notification systems
  • PA speaker systems
  • Panic button systems
• Coordinate vendor support and future enhancements for physical security technologies.

Training & Communication

• Lead technology training initiatives for faculty and staff.
• Develop user guides, knowledge resources, and internal documentation.
• Create and distribute organization-wide technology communications.
• Present technology updates, initiatives, training sessions, and cybersecurity awareness programs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Research and pilot technologies that may improve educational outcomes, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build business cases and recommendations for leadership review.
• Collaborate with staff who manage our Student Information System (Veracross)

Research & Innovation

• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Research potential products, services, and solutions to improve operations and educational outcomes.
• Build business cases and recommendations for leadership review.
• Pilot and assess new technologies before organization-wide deployment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of progressive IT experience.
• 1-2 years of experience managing technology projects and vendor relationships.
• Experience managing Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, networking, endpoint management, and cloud-based systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience creating technical documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives independently or with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Experience in technology within schools, K-12 education or nonprofit organizations.
• Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM, Agile, or equivalent).
• Experience with maintaining Meraki networking systems
• Experience with cybersecurity tools and best practices.
• Experience managing managed service providers (MSPs).
• Knowledge of physical security technologies including access control and surveillance systems.

Application Process:

Please include your answers to this question set along with your resume and cover letter. Applications that do not include answers to the question set will not be considered.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a school setting. The Lower School is located on the 4th floor of one building and the Upper School is located on the 1st, 5th and 6th floors of another building, administrative suite in a separate location; all buildings have elevators. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the school and occasionally traveling back and forth between campuses located approximately two blocks away.

 

Physical Demands:

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is active and involves continuous standing, walking, and climbing stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 10 pounds . Typing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

 

This is a full-time exempt position in an educational facility which is open eight hours a day. Administrative staff work year-round, including summer. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. In general, though, hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

 

Compensation is dependent upon experience and degree obtained.

 

At Quad Prep full-time (or over 30 hours per week) employees will have access to a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), pre-tax transit, and dependent care (DC FSA) accounts; a 401K match, and student loan repayment contributions (after one year of employment); and a range of professional development opportunities, including our First Year Support Program for all new faculty and staff, our Leadership Development Institute for those interested in gaining supervisory experience, and our Administrative Retreat held at the start of each school year.

Want to learn more about Quad Prep? Connect with us!

***Note that currently, all employees are requested to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 or any other communicable or infectious disease, or any public-health condition designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health, that in the School's sole discretion requires operational changes, the School reserves the right to establish and modify health and safety protocols, including requiring vaccination and/or vaccine boosters, testing, or other health requirements and requests for proof of compliance. ***

ADA/AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People and Culture department at View email address on us.fitly.work.

The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.