Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Thayer Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving students in grades 5 - 12 in Braintree, Massachusetts. The school seeks an experienced leader and strategic thinker to serve as the Chief Information Officer (CIO). This full-time, exempt position is open immediately.

The Chief Information Officer is a senior member of the Thayer Academy leadership team reporting to the CFOO. The CIO is responsible for the strategic planning, team leadership, technology oversight, cybersecurity, budget management, and direction of the school’s Information Technology Services. The CIO also leads in the development of the school’s infrastructure technology goals and objectives, oversees and manages the technology support team, and coordinates the development, implementation, and operation of supporting academic technology efforts across the campus. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive technology infrastructure strategy aligned with the school’s objectives and needs 
• Build and lead a high-performance technology team, with both day-to-day oversight and strategic planning, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture that values diversity and promotes a positive and customer-centric working environment 
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the school’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, storage, and other critical systems 
• Evaluate, select, and manage technology vendors, service providers, and related contracts to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and solutions 
• Oversee the implementation and management of all IT security protocols, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, IT policies and procedures, and data encryption practices 
• Lead an engaged and service-focused Help Desk 
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the school’s IT disaster recovery plan to safeguard critical data and systems 
• Manage the IT budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively 
• Ensure the integrity of all technology operations and procedures in compliance with best practices, industry standards, and legal regulations 
• Responsible for establishing Information Security policy management and data governance
• Assist/partner with faculty and other administrators in the adoption and integration of academic instructional technologies across campus; working with the Assistant Head of School for Academics in the development and delivery of academic technology-based products and services that advance the educational experiences of the community
• Research, evaluate, partner, and implement emerging technologies to improve engagement and/or enhance staff, faculty, and student experiences
• Partner with Campus Safety, Facilities, Admissions, Advancement, Academic Affairs, Business Office, etc., with system support for the respective technology operations 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, from across campus, to drive innovation projects from concept to implementation 
• Research and recommend hardware and software solutions for the school and oversee its procurement and implementation 
• Manage technology projects, working closely with various stakeholders to define success criteria to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
• Ensure technology support needs for school events/functions during school hours/evenings/weekends 
• Oversee telecommunication systems and copier management network 
• Participate in the coordination of the school's emergency response system
• Serve as “on call” IT resource during non-business hours

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Required to wear proper attire, consistent with the school’s dress code, at all times, and to maintain a positive attitude and appearance in accordance with department/school standards 
• All school employees must acknowledge receipt of the current Thayer Employee Handbook and are responsible for reviewing the contents and must abide by the rules, policies, and procedures stated in the document 
• All employees are required to participate in annual harassment awareness training as a condition of employment 
• All school employees must successfully complete all legally required and school-required background checks, including the state-mandated CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), SORI (Sex Offender Record Information), and fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Other duties as needed or assigned 

COMPENSATION:

• $150,000 - $190,000

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, or a related field, is required; an advanced degree is preferred
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in Information Technology leadership roles, preferably with an educational/independent school background 
• Minimum of ten years of experience in employee supervision 
• Excellent understanding and experience in project management principles, strategic planning, and execution 
• Must have extensive knowledge of and experience with a wide range of computer systems and applications 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft and Google operating systems
• Aptitude and familiarity with industry-standard web applications, web design software, and coding languages, web searching, learning management systems, HTML, Internet, AI, and academic software applications
• Knowledge of Blackbaud education management software a plus
• Knowledge of data and telephone networks, as well as student information systems 
• Should have substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems, including email, data, and off-site retention 
• Experience with enhancing the learning and teaching process using technology in an academic environment 
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills required to successfully interact with diverse staff, faculty, students, and other constituents of the school 
• Demonstrated ability to convey technical subject matter in an understandable manner to a non-technical audience
• An enthusiastic collaborative approach to work and colleagues with a clear and decisive leadership style 
• Strong organizational skills for multitasking and prioritizing responsibilities to manage competing deadlines 
• Must be able to work intuitively and independently on multiple projects simultaneously, and work well under limited time constraints 
• Must be detail-oriented, creative, flexible, and motivated by challenges, setting and managing priorities with stakeholders 
• Positive appearance, attitude, and presentation with a strict sense of confidentiality 
• Regular and consistent attendance and punctuality are required as a condition of employment

Limitations & Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. This job description reflects the administration’s assignment of essential functions, and nothing in this herein restricts the administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

FOR CONSIDERATION:

Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Thayer complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit in PDF format a formal letter of application, current resume, and a list of three references with contact information to:

Carolyn Stiles

Creative Independents 

[email protected]

Please do not contact the school directly. 

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

ABOUT THAYER ACADEMY:

Thayer Academy's mission is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in the various activities of school life, and who welcome professional growth. 

Thayer is rooted in the intentionally holistic education of our students, who are viewed as individuals with affinities and talents in many areas. Unique to Thayer, because of deliberately coordinated scheduling, it is possible to be both a varsity athlete and sing on stage in the school musical – students here are not forced to choose one path or another, allowing them to pursue varied interests that contribute to their growth. The resulting community you’ll find at the Academy is vibrant and affirming, the culmination of students working together in the classroom, on the playing fields and on the stage, and in communities both local and global. There is a supportive and collaborative camaraderie that pervades our halls and campus – one where students view their classmates as partners, encouraging one another to discover their hidden talents and develop them into lifelong strengths.

Thayer Academy faculty and staff demonstrate caring leadership in the classrooms, art studios, and laboratories; on the playing fields, dance floors, and stages; and through engaging, listening, and supporting. The Academy’s extensive support for ongoing professional development ensures a faculty well-versed in the latest skills and practices. In so doing, they continue the tradition of excellence, achievement, and inspiration that has characterized Thayer since its founding in 1877.

When you work at Thayer Academy, you join a warm community of students, parents/guardians, and colleagues who value not only academic achievement but also a supportive environment in which continual growth and learning are encouraged.