Alliance for Catholic Education
Director of Instruction and Innovation
Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL
Description:The Director of Instruction and Innovation serves as a key member of the Office of the Prefect of Studies, leading innovation in teaching and learning through the strategic integration of technology throughout the school. This role focuses on the progressive and ethical use of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, managing innovative projects, ensuring curricular alignment with technology and pedagogy, and supervising the IT Department staff. This position calls for a mission-driven, innovative educational leader dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and learning in the Ignatian tradition while integrating cutting-edge technology into the educational environment. This position reports directly to the Prefect of Studies and partners closely with the Director of Operations to ensure strategic and systems alignment related to infrastructure.
Job Summary:
Strategic Leadership and Planning:
Develop and execute comprehensive technology vision and strategy aligned with the school's Jesuit, Catholic mission and strategic goals in collaboration with executive leadership, staff, and stakeholders to prioritize technology initiatives.
Develop and manage the technology department budget in collaboration with school leadership, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
Evaluate value of investment and total cost of ownership for technology initiatives, pursuing funding opportunities including grants and implementing cost-saving measures.
Lead development of robust systems for school-wide data collection, analysis, and reporting to support data-driven decision-making in instructional and operational processes.
Oversee strategic vendor relationships, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective technology solutions through effective contract negotiation and vendor selection.
Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning:
Foster Technology-Integrated Pedagogy: Lead the integration of technology into teaching and learning strategies to create student-centered, mission-aligned learning environments.
Develop Technology-Enriched Curricula: Collaborate with faculty to design and refine curricula that thoughtfully integrate digital tools and innovative teaching methods.
Lead Digital Tool Integration: Serve as the primary leader for customized learning platforms, learning management systems, digital assessment tools, and data-driven instruction.
Provide Technology-Focused Professional Development: Design and facilitate ongoing training for faculty on effective technology integration in teaching and learning.
Coach Teachers in Technology Use: Mentor and support teachers through observations, feedback, and collaborative planning to enhance technology-enhanced instruction.
Build Mission-Driven Learning Community: Utilize leadership and administrative skills to promote a professional community focused on technology-enhanced teaching, creativity, and academic achievement.
Evaluate Instructional Technology Effectiveness: Collaborate with the Prefect's Office to implement feedback and evaluation systems that assess the impact of technology on teaching and learning outcomes.
Technology Innovation Leadership:
Manage Technology Innovation Projects: Oversee technology-driven initiatives, pilot programs, and innovative projects from concept through implementation.
Manage Tech-Forward Spaces: Contribute to discussions about facilities needs related to educational technology, maker education, and student-centered learning experiences.
Support Technology Innovation Initiatives: Encourage and facilitate faculty and student-led technology projects and innovative uses of educational technology.
Monitor Emerging Educational Technologies: Stay informed on trends and best practices in educational technology and AI, evaluating new tools and platforms for potential adoption and regularly sharing insights with stakeholders to enhance school operations and learning environments.
AI and Ethical Technology Oversight:
Oversee the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies on campus, including short and long-term implementation strategy.
Manage faculty and student committees to discuss, share, and pilot AI initiatives.
Develop and implement comprehensive technology policies ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, including FERPA, COPPA, data privacy, cybersecurity, and accessibility standards.
Foster a proactive culture of compliance and risk management across the technology department and school community through development of policies and guidelines for responsible AI and technology use in educational settings.
Oversee curricular implications of AI development, ensuring consistency across various subjects and grade levels, including horizontal and vertical alignment.
Design and lead faculty professional development on the ethical and progressive use of AI in education.
Technology Department Leadership:
Lead and supervise the Technology Department staff, serving as direct supervisor for the Technology Coordinator, Network Administrator, and IT Support Assistant.
Ensure the school's technological infrastructure and staffing supports both current and future educational needs.
Implement initiatives designed to integrate technology with the academic program and other departments on campus.
Review and evaluate technology plans, procedures, associated budgets, acquisitions, implementations, and related staff positions.
Develop and facilitate ongoing high-quality faculty, staff, and student technology training, especially in innovative teaching and learning practices.
Establish clear objectives and monitor departmental progress through qualitative and quantitative feedback mechanisms.
Foster a collaborative environment between the technology department and educational faculty and support staff.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Serve as advocate for technology, educating faculty, staff, parents, and students on the responsible and ethical use of technology resources.
Facilitate partnerships with technology companies and educational organizations.
Establish and maintain relationships regarding instruction and innovation with community partners including parents, Jesuit Schools Network, Jesuits Midwest Province, and other educational organizations.
Support school communication systems, including email, websites, and other digital platforms, to enhance stakeholder engagement.
Additional Responsibilities:
Serve as a member of the school's emergency response team.
Assist in recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and evaluation of the school's faculty and support staff.
Qualifications:
To perform this role effectively, an individual must be able to successfully carry out each essential duty, with or without reasonable accommodation. The following qualifications represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position:
Advanced degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, or related field
Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) certification required or must be attained within one year of hire
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in technology leadership, preferably in an educational setting
Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership and teacher coaching
Strong understanding of innovative pedagogical practices and educational technology integration
Experience with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in educational contexts
Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Commitment to Ignatian pedagogy and mission-driven education
Supervisory and personnel management experience
Evidence of ability and commitment to furthering the Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity of the school
Practicing Roman Catholic, preferred
(NOTE: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Administration reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel workload, or technological developments).
Additional Information: This position is eligible for the usual and customary benefits that are provided by the School.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000