IT Director

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q̓íc̓əy̓ - Katzie, the q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓- Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools is the largest BC school district and the second-largest employer in Surrey. Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 82,000 students with 124 schools sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students. The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.  

Our Commitment:
Providing quality education extends beyond academic excellence; we are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Values:
Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and belonging and recognizes the importance of diversity of identity and thought.  We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to removing barriers and creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to contribute their best.

Join us in our mission to provide the best start for children, preparing them to be the leaders of tomorrow. If you are passionate about education, diversity, and making a positive impact, we invite you to explore opportunities with Surrey Schools.

Job Summary

The IT Director will provide leadership and oversight for major technology initiatives, including the development and operationalization of the district’s project management practices, with an immediate focus on the district’s ERP transformation and subsequent enterprise technology projects. The role will support effective project governance, resource planning, implementation oversight, change management, and cross-departmental collaboration, while also providing leadership to technology teams and client-facing services that support the district’s 13,000 employees, schools, students, parents, and broader District operations.

Bringing well-developed strategic abilities, project implementation skills, and change management expertise, the IT Director will continue to build team engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring all of the division’s activities are aligned with the District’s business objectives and operational realities.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the District's technology environment, including technology services, enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, data management, governance, and technology-enabled business initiatives.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction for technology services, enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, data governance, client support, and project delivery across the District.
• Provides oversight for major technology initiatives, including the District’s ERP transformation, enterprise system modernization, cybersecurity enhancements, infrastructure renewal, cloud services, data and analytics, and other District-wide technology priorities.
• Leads the planning, prioritization, coordination, and implementation of technology initiatives to ensure alignment with District priorities, operational needs, timelines, resources, and risk considerations.
• Establishes and maintains effective governance structures to ensure that processes changes are appropriately identified, managed and reported.
• Facilitates transparent and effective communication and collaboration across departments to align project goals with Surrey School District business objectives.
• Oversees the selection and implementation of IT systems and solutions that meet organizational needs.
• Develops and implements IT, project management, change management policies, procedures, and best practices, and ensures their adoption across the organization.
• Ensures all projects are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget.
• Manages and mentors a team of managers, IT specialists, and client support staff.
• Monitors and reports on project progress, risks, and issues to senior management.
• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Continuously evaluates emerging technologies and industry trends to inform strategic planning.
• Manages vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effective and efficient service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent designation is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with large-scale ERP implementation and/or core enterprise system transformation.
• Experience managing complex IT projects from inception to completion.
• Experience with and effective utilization of project management methodologies and tools.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of IT systems, infrastructure, and software development lifecycle.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical partner groups.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficient in project management software and tools.
• Extensive experience in vendor sourcing and management.
• Strong desire/ability to implement AI best practices and use cases within the IT Team.

What we're offering

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
  - Extended Medical, Vision and Dental
  - Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  - Employee Family Assistance Program
  - Municipal Pension
• 13 Paid Holidays, plus Sick & Vacation Time
• Supportive workplace with a positive and productive work environment. Feel a sense of security and safety to act, speak, and reflect who you are
  

The salary range for this position is $179,330 to $199,256 per year with comprehensive benefits package and Municipal Pension.

Placement in the salary range is determined by an assessment of qualifications and ability to meet the key requirements of the job, and consideration of internal equity comparisons. The midpoint of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.

Qualified applicants can apply by clicking the "apply" button to the right of the posting. The closing date for this position is August 4th at 4:00pm.

Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community.  If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Note:  Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.