JOB DESCRIPTION

The role

Join us in the brand new role of Director of Digital and Information Services at an exciting time of transformation at the College, working under new leadership and a forward-thinking strategic plan designed to drive innovation, enhance educational outcomes, and improve business operations.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this is a Director-level role which will have strategic level responsibility for information technology across the College and will involve working closely with both the COO and Deputy Head (Academic) with the intended impact of transforming:

• the use of technology for teaching and learning, and for business operations;
• the integration of the College’s data and information systems;
• the reliability of the technical infrastructure and cyber security; and
• the operational support provided by in-house IT Technical Services team.

Strategic responsibilities

• The conception, development, leadership and delivery of a digital strategy that aligns with and facilitates the overall vision for the College’s strategic plan.
• Facilitate all aspects of education and business operations at the College by providing a contemporary digital strategy, supported by robust and reliable technology and infrastructure.
• Working with the Deputy Head (Academic) to successfully deliver the College’s Digital Learning programme.
• Ensure institutional knowledge on the digital education and technology sectors is up to date, reflecting best practice, developments and innovation within the sector and beyond and offers insight into the best technical, data systems and digital teaching/learning tools available.
• The rationalisation and integration of existing College data systems leading to reduce cost and effort and improve efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of College life.
• Ensuring all staff (teaching and operational) are provided with appropriate training.
• Explore and embed the effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for both teaching and learning, and for business operations.
• The security of the College IT infrastructure, systems and data.
• The safety of all College IT users when using IT.

Focused responsibility areas

Digital strategy

The post-holder will:

• Convene and lead the Digital Strategy Group in the development and publication of a three-year digital strategy.
• Lead an annual evaluation of the Digital Strategy and report to the Executive and Governors.
• Promote a shared vision and a strong culture of digital use across the College.

Digital learning

The post-holder will:

• Work with the Deputy Head (Academic) and other academic leaders to ensure that digital systems support excellent standards of inspiring teaching and learning.
• Develop and improve the existing programme which ensures pupils are equipped with the technology they need for academic, personal, social and co-curricular advancement and oversee the systems which underpin this programme.
• Establish a dynamic digital learning environment.

Information services

The post-holder will:

• Develop a data strategy that will provide a roadmap for the development of the collection, use, integration and governance of data across the College.
• Lead the transformational process to rationalise and integrate College data systems.
• Provide high-level advice and support to other College leaders to support the procurement of business support operations that are fit for purpose, provide good value for money, do not overlap with, and integrate appropriately with existing systems.
• Establish business intelligence processes and practices which mine and analyse data, providing accurate, timely and helpful information to teachers and operational staff.
• Identify and use tools and infrastructure, to ensure the College remains competitive, innovative and forward-thinking in approach.
• Develop the College’s MIS (currently ISAMS) and other platforms to their full potential in supporting the teaching body in the effective use of pupil data and performance to enhance academic outcomes.
• Data Governance: Establishing and enforcing data management policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

IT infrastructure & systems: performance & security

The post-holder will:

• Oversee a Service Level Agreement for IT Services that integrates extensive use of a customer-orientated service helpdesk to structure the effective and efficient delivery of IT support across all aspects of College life.
• Oversee the development of appropriate structures, training of staff and procedure/protocols to establish the IT Services team as a high-performing team.
• Ensure that the College meets the DfE Digital and technology standards in schools and colleges [1]
• Oversee IT Services in their implementation and roll out of all new IT hardware/software, evaluating new software, monitoring installations of new systems and equipment and providing the College Leadership Team with progress and evaluation reports.
• Oversee IT purchasing conforms to strategy, provides value for money, is appropriate, is done on time and meets the service needs of the pupils, staff and other stakeholders.
• Ensure the College is well-protected from external threats to the IT with a particular focus on threat vectors linked with data storage, system access and staff behaviour.
• Be responsible for the maintenance and review of all IT disaster recovery and IT business continuity plans.
• The role holder will ensure all staff receive comprehensive cyber security training, foster a strong culture of cyber security awareness, and oversee the implementation of regular penetration and phishing testing.

Pupil welfare and safeguarding

The post-holder will:

• Ensure all aspects of digital operations support the College’s commitment to safeguarding pupils, including filtering and monitoring.
• Work with the deputy heads to develop a curriculum for enhanced digital citizenship, e-safety and responsible use of technology.
• Work closely with the SLT to facilitate the delivery of a programme of cyber-safety education for pupils and the control and monitoring mechanisms that sit around their cyber-engagement both within College and on College equipment and also when outside of College and using their own devices.
• Support the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in ensuring that the College provides the highest standards of pastoral care to all pupils by fostering a culture of kindness, safeguarding, equity, an appreciation of diversity and promoting excellent standards of pupil conduct and behaviour.

Budget management

The post-holder will:

• Manage all budgets related to IT: Digital Education, Information Systems and IT Services.
• Manage the operational relationships with third parties on behalf of the College during any IT-related projects that are undertaken to ensure appropriate provision.

Functional leadership and management responsibilities

The post-holder will:

• Direct the Digital Strategy Group and chair all Digital Strategy meetings.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to further the College’s development in line with the whole College vision and strategic priorities.
• The role holder will line manage relevant IT staff, ensuring their performance is monitored and enhanced, and supporting their ongoing professional development.

Whole staff

• Work with the Deputy Head (Academic) to engage teaching staff and pupils in our ambitious digital vision and strategy and seek their collective input in the development of the strategy.
• Communicate appropriately across the College community to ensure that staff are aware of, understand and get full benefit from developments.
• Structure and deliver training programmes for teaching and support staff to ensure efficient and effective use of the College’s digital and information systems.

Academic policies and procedures

The post-holder will:

• Have overall responsibility for the implementation of the College’s digital education and associated learning policies and procedures including regular reviews to ensure they remain up to date and are consistent with emerging technologies.

Compliance

The post-holder will:

• Work with the COO to ensure that the College maintains legal compliance in all areas of digital strategy and provision, including GDPR.

Due to the ever-changing nature of the sector, this job description is fluid and would expect to alter as our digital strategy evolves and technology advances.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria
The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to and understanding of secondary education.
• Possess significant experience in delivering IT services (data/technical) to dynamic business or third sector organizations.
• Have a proven track record of successfully leading small teams responsible for delivering technology services within an enterprise.
• Exhibit the ability to work effectively with demanding stakeholders under tight deadlines.
• Adapt seamlessly to the fast-paced and vibrant environment of a co-educational independent boarding school.
• Uphold a high standard of professionalism, discretion, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications/knowledge/skills/experience

Essential
The ideal candidate will possess:

• A degree-level qualification.
• A demonstrable career progression showcasing a consistent track record of increasing responsibility and significant achievements.
• A proven ability to lead diverse teams of specialist and technical staff, effectively leveraging each member’s unique skills and knowledge.
• The capability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and understanding.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written.
• Broad knowledge of cutting-edge digital technology processes and systems.
• Financial acumen to manage a significant annual budget and plan spending in the short, medium, and long term.
• Experience in delivering systems-based projects on time and within budget, ensuring systems are fully utilized and integrated with the wider estate.
• Strong project management skills to lead, prioritize, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Sound organizational and administrative skills.
• Experience in leading a successful IT function and team.
• Experience working within a culture of change.

Desirable
The ideal candidate will also possess:

• A professional qualification in information technology, information governance, or a related field.
• An understanding of the application of digital technology in education.
• Experience in IT delivery and project management within an educational setting.
• Experience in defining and leading a successful digital strategy and change management within IT.

Essential personal qualities

• Vision and creativity to define and drive an effective IT strategy using cutting-edge digital technology within a school setting.
• Drive and determination to implement change.
• A motivating and positive attitude that empowers others.
• Persuasive and effective communication skills.
• A flexible, creative, and adaptable approach to meet the evolving needs of IT systems and digital processes.
• A commitment to achieving excellence through learning and information technology.
• A professional and ethical approach with an appreciation for diverse cultures.
• A dedication to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and staying abreast of the latest advances in technology and the education sector.

The selection panel reserves the right to enhance any or all of the desirable criteria to attain a manageable field.