IT Senior Manager

The IT Senior Manager will be responsible for leading the IT function across our school network, ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of all technology infrastructure. This role encompasses setting IT strategy and priorities, managing a distributed IT team across multiple locations and time zones, and overseeing vendor relationships to deliver seamless technology services. The IT Senior Manager plays a critical role in supporting our educational environment by aligning IT operations with organizational goals and ensuring staff and students have access to dependable technology resources.

The IT Senior Manager will collaborate closely with System Operations, Engineering, School Operations, and external vendors. This role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and deep technical expertise in Microsoft-based environments. If you are passionate about education and excited about working in an entrepreneurial environment, this role is for you.

Leadership and Strategy

• Define and implement the IT strategy to support organizational goals and priorities
• Lead and manage the IT team across multiple locations and time zones, ensuring consistent service delivery.
• Establish clear performance goals, workflows, and accountability structures for the IT team.
• Coach and mentor team members to support their professional growth.

User Support and Ticket Management:

• Oversee the IT support function, ensuring timely resolution of tickets and high-quality service to staff.
• Implement and monitor service-level agreements (SLAs) for IT support across the organization.
• Identify recurring issues and drive long-term solutions to improve user experience.

Microsoft Platform Administration:

• Provide oversight of Microsoft Entra (Azure AD), Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Teams administration.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, configuration, and security standards across the Microsoft platform.
• Guide the IT team in managing tenant health, permissions, and collaboration tools.

Network and Infrastructure Oversight

• Ensure reliable connectivity and performance across all school sites.
• Oversee network architecture, including firewalls, switches, and wireless infrastructure.
• Manage IT asset lifecycle policies, including procurement, deployment, and retirement.

Security and Compliance

• Develop and enforce IT security policies, including endpoint protection, patch management, and access controls.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.
• Lead regular security audits, risk assessments, and disaster recovery planning.

Web Hosting and Vendor Management

• Oversee school web hosting services, ensuring uptime, security, and performance.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service delivery to ensure cost-effective and reliable solutions.
• Negotiate with vendors to align services with organizational priorities.

Requirements

We’d love to speak with you if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in IT management or a similar role, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
• Proven experience managing distributed IT teams across multiple geographies.
• Strong experience in Microsoft Systems Administration (such as Entra, MS 365, Microsoft SharePoint, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to set strategy and manage organizational priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple school locations.
• Experience with vendor management and contract negotiation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Associate, or similar
• Experience in an educational environment

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into IT priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive and detail-oriented and able to balance short-term needs with long-term vision
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Growth mindset and problem-solving approach