IT Director

About Surrey Schools

Surrey Schools operates on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples — the q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) First Nations, who have been caretakers of this land since time immemorial. As the largest school district in British Columbia and the second-largest employer in Surrey, Surrey Schools serves over 82,000 students across 124 school sites and various other educational facilities. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 13,000 employees, the district is committed to providing high-quality education and fostering leadership for the future leaders of tomorrow.

Our Commitment and Values

Surrey Schools emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the creation of diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for applicants, employees, students, and families. The district upholds values of openness, fairness, and belonging, recognizing the importance of diverse identities and perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, Surrey Schools welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and strives to eliminate barriers within the workplace, empowering every individual to contribute their fullest potential.

Position Overview

The IT Director will be responsible for guiding and supervising major technological initiatives within the district. This includes leading the development and implementation of project management practices with a focus on the ERP transformation project and other enterprise-wide technology endeavors. The role involves project governance, resource planning, implementation oversight, change management, and fostering collaboration across departments. Additionally, the IT Director will provide leadership to the technology teams and client services that support the district’s extensive network of employees, schools, students, parents, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational efforts across the district's comprehensive technology environment, encompassing technology services, enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, governance, and initiatives enabled by technology.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for technology service delivery, cybersecurity development, infrastructure improvements, digital transformation, project management, data governance, and client support throughout the district.
• Oversee significant technology projects such as the ERP transformation, modernization of enterprise systems, cybersecurity upgrades, infrastructure renewal, cloud services adoption, and data analytics activities.
• Plan, prioritize, coordinate, and execute technology projects ensuring they align with district objectives, operational requirements, timelines, resources, and risk management.
• Create and maintain effective governance frameworks to ensure process changes are managed and communicated properly.
• Encourage transparent communication and collaboration among departments to align technology projects with district business goals.
• Supervise the selection and implementation of IT systems and solutions that meet organizational needs efficiently.
• Develop, enforce, and promote IT, project management, and change management policies, procedures, and best practices across the district.
• Manage project delivery to ensure timely completion within scope and budget constraints.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team comprising managers, IT specialists, and client support staff.
• Monitor and communicate project progress, risks, and issues to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Continuously assess emerging technologies and industry trends to support strategic planning and innovation.
• Manage vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, to optimize cost and service quality.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Possession of Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or an equivalent credential is mandatory.
• At least 10 years of experience in IT, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale ERP implementations or core enterprise system overhauls.
• Proven expertise in managing complex IT projects from concept through completion using recognized project management methodologies and tools.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, ideally within unionized settings.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure, systems, and software development lifecycles.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear communication for non-technical stakeholders.
• Sound financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with project management software and tools.
• Extensive experience in vendor sourcing, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• A keen interest and ability to apply AI best practices and relevant use cases within the IT team.

Compensation and Benefits

• The salary for this position ranges from $179,330 to $199,256 annually, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health benefits include extended medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Life insurance along with short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Access to an employee and family assistance program.
• Participation in the Municipal Pension plan.
• 13 paid holidays in addition to accrued sick leave and vacation time.
• A supportive work environment that promotes safety, security, and inclusivity, allowing all employees to express their authentic selves.

Additional Information

Applicants should be aware that successful candidates must consent to a Criminal Records Search before employment. Surrey Schools is dedicated to accessibility and will accommodate any interview needs. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. The deadline for submitting applications is August 4th at 4:00 pm.