Fast Facts

Instructional Empowerment is looking for an Executive Director of Software Engineering & Technology to lead the strategic development and implementation of educational technology in K-12 environments, enhancing customer value through innovation and the use of AI.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include managing software product platforms for maximum customer value, ensuring system security, improving development team productivity, and aligning technology initiatives with organizational strategic goals.

Skills: Required skills include expertise in educational technology, security tools, team management, modern cloud-based data architecture, and proficiency in AI implementation.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in a related field, certifications in Security Plus, AWS Solutions Architect, data privacy compliance, and user experience design.

Location: This position is based in Pittsburg, PA.

Compensation: $140000 - $150000 / Annually

Instructional Empowerment is seeking a strategic educational technology leader

with a passion for driving innovation and impact in K-12 education

The Executive Director of Software Engineering & Technology (ED-SET) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between business goals and technological capabilities for internal and external concerns.   The Executive Director must spearhead the organization’s efforts in planning forward for development and implementation of educational technology advancements that align with strategic goals and create an environment through technology that enhances customer value as evidenced by product adoption and increased revenue generation.

It is the responsibility of the Executive Director to ensure that technological advances are influenced by customer voice, provide efficiency of product development, security for internal and external customers and optimization of performance, including but not limited to the use of artificial intelligence.

The Exec. Director is accountable for the professional development and growth of team members that support the anticipation of future needs within the division to stay ahead of what is needed to provide optimum customer value. Personnel in the department must be accountable for learning through appropriate certifications/ learning exposure as technological advancements become the currency for continued growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Software Product Platforms - Ensure the product management and architecture process are providing the maximum customer value created through high adoption, usage, and satisfaction of end users for the data reports, features, user experience, and value creation for their roles in K12 education. 
• Development Team Productivity - Increase the output and productivity of the development teams leveraging the adoption and use of AI, developing existing personnel growth and development, improved use of scrum in our agile development processes. 
• System Security - Proactively ensure security of systems are strong, current, and audited.
• Data Warehouse - Ensure data warehouse is properly developed to provide maximum value to internal and external (client) users. 
• Information Technology - Ensure IT systems and infrastructure are secure and provide maximum productivity and value for internal and external customers. 
• Cross-functional Value - Outside in viewpoint and provides advice and support across the company's leadership areas to increase productivity, lower costs, and increase customer value. 

Essential Functions

• Align work to the IE strategic plan
• Work with IE executive leadership on strategic planning for implementation of artificial intelligence in ways that increase productivity, add customer value, and build on team strengths. 
• Review, update and/or develop policies and practices specific to the scope of work for the department including focus on use of artificial intelligence and the security of IE intellectual property.
• Directly collaborate with Product Management
• Seek opportunities for LEAN IT strategies without causing disruption to teams’ work products that would result in loss of velocity and /or customer value.
• Ensure certifications and /or evidence of expertise in areas related to scope of work for each team member.
• Be responsible for development, maintenance and monitoring of IE policies and systems for monitoring practices that affect security of IE intellectual property.
• Work with all team members and stakeholders to ensure voice of customer is considered in development and decisions
• Build and manage strong professional relationships within the culture of the department as well as across cross functional departments to increase value to internal and external customers.
• Manage the departmental budget so resources are well aligned to the strategic plan.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for potential impact on the organization's ability to meet customer needs and the health of the organization. Provide recommendations and evidence for executive leadership about the future state of IE technologies.
• Ensure continuity of team success by working to remove barriers and avoiding disruptive factors that impede product design, development or customer adoption.
• Assist in hiring, mentoring, and coaching personnel within the department. 
• Participate in organizational planning and work closely with peers and teams to remove impediments, external and internal
• Ensure that software products meet the highest security standards and comply with relevant industry regulations and data protection requirements.
• Recommend new software development technologies, tools, and standards to improve efficiency and productivity within the team.
• Manage outsourced projects for quality, cost and efficiency- operational part- quality control-relationship.

Education/Experience Required

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science , Software Engineering or related field
• Experience in Educational Technology  
• Experience with security tools and technologies, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and secure coding practices.
• Experience managing a team with focus on accountability, performance and development
• Proven experience managing the architecture and operations of modern cloud-based data warehouses (e.g., AWS ).

Preferred Certifications:

• Security Plus
• Solutions Architect certification (AWS)
• CIPP/US for data privacy and student data compliance
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) and/or Lean Six Sigma
• Experience or certification in user experience design thinking or human-centered product development

Instructional Empowerment provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color,

creed, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.