Chief Technology Officer – Portland, OR

February 3, 2025
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Job Description

Chief Technology Officer
Portland Public Schools

BASIC FUNCTION
Under policy direction, plan, organize, control, and administer the Information Technology branch of the District; provide leadership and direct the ongoing vision and development of plans for the delivery of technology services, systems, networks, and software to meet technology business needs, directing activities, budget, and staff involved in the development and support of District technology systems.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
This description does not describe all duties performed. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed.

  • Direct and oversee the information and data integrity for all Information Technology functions of the District, including, cloud-based infrastructure, data centers, technical service centers, production scheduling functions, help desks, voice and data communication computer program development, and computer systems operations. “E”
  • Participate and collaborate in defining, establishing, and updating the strategic direction for the District information processing and communication systems and operations. “E”
  • Plan, organize, control, and administer the District’s information services and activities; ensure appropriate equipment, materials, personnel, and resources are available to meet District technology needs; assure compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations. “E”
  • Establish and enforce policies for data privacy and security in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., FERPA). “E”
  • Serve as the District’s chief technical resource and assure proper levels of technical support an expertise for District technologies and staff; communicate with administrators, internal staff, and out agencies to coordinate technology programs and activities. “E”
  • Approve and oversee the acquisition, installation, maintenance, and repair of technology equipment; oversee the development of specifications for hardware and software systems and evaluate or direct the evaluation of vendor proposals; negotiate bids and proposals for service and equipment. “E”
  • Direct the architecture, implementation, and management of the District’s technology infrastructure and information systems; ensure infrastructure supports administrative and instructional technology services District-wide. “E”
  • Direct the development and maintenance of complex software systems, databases, and customized reports for individual users; oversee development and maintenance of the District’s network information systems including feasibility studies, systems analysis and design, programming, conversion of data, instructional technology, data storage, and retrieval. “E”
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services, and trainings related to diversity, equity, and inclusion the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational business practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community. “E”
  • Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to assigned activities. “E”
  • Collaborate with District organizational units that share separate and related services to enhance the integration of technological support to users. “E”
  • Collaborate with the Office of Teaching & Learning to support integrating technology into curriculum a partner on critical initiatives. “E”
  • Develop division budgets; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; authorize and control expenditures in accordance with established policies and procedures. “E”
  • Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions. “E”
  • Direct the development of end-user training and the development and implementation of staff development training programs for information technology staff. “
  • Provide technical expertise and information to District leadership regarding assigned functions and participate in the formulation of policies, procedures, and programs. “E”
  • Lead, attend, and participate in a variety of meetings, workshops, conferences, and trainings to maintain current knowledge of emerging technological trends; make presentations regarding District information services objectives, plans, and achievements to groups and committees. “E”
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized “E”, which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS 

The Chief Technology Officer provides leadership, direction, consultation, and technical expertise to District administration and division staff in clarifying and formulating objectives and requirements for information systems and technology. This employee provides visionary leadership in the deployment of plans and operations that integrate data services, network services, systems development, and technical services. As a contributing member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, this leader, strategist, consultant, and advisor is customer-focused and combines technical expertise with the ability to effectively communicate wi non-technical users. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
The following knowledge and abilities are in addition to those outlined in the classification.

Knowledge of:

  • State of the art computer languages, technologies, and programming tools.
  • Planning, organization, and direction of information services and activities.
  • Principles and operations of Local and Wide Area Networks, data communication systems, and related software.
  • Artificial intelligence best practices in a K-12 educational setting.
  • Data security systems, data privacy laws, best practices, and technologies.
  • Technology and computer software related to business operations, curriculum, and instruction.
  • Principles of database design and management.
  • Computer hardware and software systems planning and technical support functions.
  • Network, database and cloud-based technologies,
  • Hardware and software integration applications.
  • Internet and Intranet development standards.
  • Principles and practices of business and/or public administration.
  • Principles and practices of management, leadership, and supervision.
  • Strategic planning and project and change management techniques.
  • Applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Oral, public speaking, and written communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • Principles of administration, supervision and training.
  • Public agency budgeting and purchasing principles, preparation, and controls.
  • State of the art computer systems design, programming, and operations.
  • Public education business processes and student information management programs and
    applications.
  • Techniques and principles of high-quality customer service.
  • District policies, procedures, and organizational structure.

Ability to:

  • Plan, organize, control, and administer the District’s information technology services, staff, activities.
  • Oversee the architecture, implementation, and management of the District’s technology infrastructure, and information systems.
  • Serve as a technical resource for District personnel.
  • Communicate technical concepts and procedures to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Update, implement, and contribute to the District’s Technology Master Plan, division policies, and practices.
  • Operate a variety of technologies and software.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply technical material, rules, procedures, and policies.
  • Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
  • Manage change effectively
  • Develop and prepare departmental budgets and monitor and control expenditures.
  • Prepare, deliver, and direct the preparation of a variety of public presentations, comprehensive narratives, and statistical reports.
  • Accept responsibility for division and staff direction, control, and strategic planning.
  • Advocate, model, learn, and implement Portland Public School’s Racial Equity Initiative.
  • Educate, lead, promote, and champion a culture that encourages and embraces diversity in the workplace.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative, productive, cooperative, and effective working relationship.
  • Assure compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
  • Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of others.
  • Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness.
  • Deliver a high level of customer service to district stakeholders.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion, initiative, and good judgment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or related field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred; An MBA/MPA is
desirable.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience overseeing the programs, functions, and activities of a large-scale, comprehensive information technology department, seven (7) which must have included actively managing professional technical staff, is required. Experience as a licensed school-based administrator is desirable.

Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:
Work hours include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school, and student functions.

Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid driver’ license.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the
nature of the disability.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with public contact a
frequent interruptions.
Hazards: Potential conflict situations.
Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying office equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.
Remote Work Eligibility: Ad hoc.

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