Managing Director of Data and Information Technology

About the Managing Director of Data and Information Technology:

The Managing Director of Data and Information Technology position is a leadership role at KIPP Colorado Schools, responsible for the strategic oversight and integration of data systems, educational technology, and IT infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in aligning the network’s technology and data strategies with its mission to provide a high-quality, equitable education to all students. The Managing Director of Data & Technology is responsible for establishing the organization-wide vision and structure for the collection, warehousing, and analyses of academic, operations, talent, and finance data for KIPP Colorado Public Schools. They are the primary liaison between Denver Public Schools, our Home Office, and our schools as it relates to using and maintaining data for the region. The Managing Director of Data & Information Technology will ensure data systems are established and optimized and manage projects that span across different teams in the region. This role will also involve setting an ambitious, yet feasible, plan for ensuring that the organization’s data infrastructure supports the tools needed to effectively monitor student, school, and organizational progress towards key goals and priorities identified by the instructional leadership and data teams. The Managing Director of Data & Information Technology will also be responsible for writing SQL queries upon request and at times supporting the data team around batch and real-time integrations with other information systems, including systems outside of KIPP Colorado Public Schools. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the technical and functional aspects of database design and operations, as well as a strong understanding of SQL and other programming languages. This full-time position is a part of our Home Office Team and is a key member of KIPP Colorado’s Leadership Team. The Managing Director of Data & Information Technology will report to the Chief Operations & Strategy Officer.

Role Responsibilities and More About How You’ll Spend Your Time in this Role

• Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn.
• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement.
• Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines.
• Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning.
• Take ownership for the development of your craft.
• Commit to being prepared.
• Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules.
• Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite and Microsoft Suite.
• Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities.
• Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement.
• Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals.
• Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings.
• Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development.
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team.
• Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis.
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement.
• Know that your role may require you to travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses or events.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

One KIPP Requirements for Data systems/SIS Lead

• Owns student-centered compliance reporting.
• Owns or Manages regional SIS product management and reporting.
• Manages regional academic system management.
• Oversees system-wide school-start operational processes in the SIS.
• Stores grades at the end of a term when finalized, and conducts regular audits of grades and GPA data.
• Sets up SIS logins for students and families.
• Continuously elevates and plans for the improved use of regional SIS and Gradebook/Grades management.

Point of Contact/Lead for Network Systems & Data Collection

• Serves as a point of contact for assessment system(s), staff data collection, student data collection, and survey administration.

Data Strategy and Culture

• Lead the development and execution of a district-wide data and technology strategy.
• Responsible for creating a vision and strategic plan for data, information, and analysis.
• Work with Home Office and school leaders to prioritize data needs.
• Partner with regional leadership to determine opportunities for standardization of systems.
• Support academic leaders in creating a comprehensive assessment system.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across all functions of the organization.
• Collaborate closely with the Data & Technology Team in analyzing database requirements.
• Measure the impact of data strategy and leverage research to support continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement and contract management process with data system vendors.
• Design systems and data dashboards to provide immediate access to relevant data.

Data Governance and Infrastructure

• Design and implement a robust data governance framework.
• Oversee the development of KIPP Colorado’s data warehouse and/or infrastructure solution.
• In partnership with the Senior Director of Regional Operations, oversee the strategy and execution of annual scheduling and rostering work.
• Manage the environment and maintenance of KIPP Colorado’s data systems.
• In partnership with academic leaders, create a strategy for grading practices.
• Oversee the identification, design, and implementation of internal process improvements.
• Streamline and improve data collection and management processes.
• Create a data security plan.
• Manage the relationship with the data warehouse vendor(s).
• Direct the documentation of best practices for data management.

Data Analysis, Application, and Action

• Oversee the creation of high-quality analyses to inform strategic decisions.
• Determine and oversee the creation of predictive analytics and statistical models.
• Lead creation and alignment of reports and dashboards.
• Serve as primary contact for all data requests.
• Coordinate the documentation of all data analysis methods.
• Design data reports and manage a team to build reports in Tableau.
• Analyze school and student performance data to identify trends.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify key metrics to monitor progress.

Data Optimization

• Identify appropriate department level owners of various data functions.
• Lead development and design of dashboards and reports.
• Conduct analyses of student achievement data with an anti-racist lens.

Accountability, Compliance, and State Reporting

• Facilitate accountability by ensuring understanding of state and district policies.
• Coordinate logistical aspects of data reporting needs for regulatory agencies.
• Lead the regional survey strategy.

Technology - Network Infrastructure & Project Management

• Oversee the planning, deployment, and management of KIPP’s IT infrastructure.
• Lead efforts to modernize the district’s technology systems.
• Manage IT operations and ensure reliable delivery of services.
• Through management of two technology managers, ensure coordination of network, service, and phone infrastructures.
• Lead compliance with all KIPP Colorado technology policies and procedures.
• Oversee IT support project management.
• Oversee project management of technology purchases.

Business Intelligence and Analytics

• Lead the development and deployment of business intelligence systems.
• Work with departments to ensure alignment of BI tools with goals.

Management and Leadership

• Lead the KIPP Colorado Data & Technology Team by setting team vision and budget.
• Manage and coach the Data & Technology Team members.
• Present at board meetings and interact with board members as needed.
• Participate in the KIPP networks Data Community of Practice.
• Help develop short and long-term strategies for the organization.
• Hold high standards for project management while empowering others.
• With great empathy, be a consistent champion and proud member of their team.
• Encourage participation from all members of the team.
• Recruit, mentor, and support a diverse team of professionals.
• Lead a team of data engineers, IT professionals, and analysts.
• Ensure the team is equipped with the skills and tools needed.
• Create professional development pathways for the IT and data teams.
• Collaborate with external vendors and service providers.
• Ensure that all IT investments are sustainable and scalable.

About a Successful Candidate

• Bachelor's Degree (required).
• More than 8+ years of relevant experience (required).
• Five to eight years of proven experience in data governance or IT infrastructure (required).
• At least 3 years of experience as a classroom instructor or school administrator (preferred).
• Three or more years of experience managing a team (preferred).
• A full understanding and commitment to an exceptional student experience (required).
• Understanding of K-12 or higher education.
• Proven track record of building organizational capacity to integrate data.
• Experience developing and facilitating adult learning/training.
• Experience in mapping short- and long-term data strategy.
• Experience coaching others to expand their capacity.
• Adept at thinking strategically and exhibiting excellent judgment.
• Detail oriented with strong follow-up skills.
• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP Colorado’s mission.
• Ability to quickly build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled at analyzing, interpreting, and using data to drive results.
• Significant experience in database management and reporting.
• Knowledge of database software and statistical analysis.
• Advanced Google Sheets or Excel expertise.
• Familiarity with relational databases and SQL.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $147,900.
• Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado.
• Time Off: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career.
• Mental Health Care: Immediate access to mental health support.
• Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program.
• Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement when applicable.
• Additional Pay: Various stipend opportunities.
• Other Insurance Options: Wellness reimbursement, voluntary insurance options.
• Additional Information: For more information, you can view our benefits FAQ.

KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices.