About this role
Office of Data and Technology Services. The position reports to the Chief for Innovation and Data. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The incumbent is responsible for leading the execution of the Department's enterprise data strategy and its continuous improvement to advance agency priorities and improve educational outcomes for Rhode Island students. The Director provides strategic leadership for the Office of Data & Technology Services, overseeing the agency's enterprise data governance, accountability, strategic analytics, information technology, and network and cybersecurity functions to ensure that high-quality data, modern and reliable technology systems, and evidence-based analysis support decision-making, operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and fulfillment of all applicable state and federal reporting requirements. LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION: The functions of leadership, management and collaboration are to be integrated so as to achieve both product and process objectives. Teamwork and mutually supportive methods are ascribed as successful outcomes and are necessary for providing high quality service and achieving high standards of performance. Work must be conducted in ways that include and involve those who have a stake in the outcome and must ensure that issues related to equity and special needs are addressed in a comprehensive fashion. Must work in collaboration with other team members to support the Department’s strategic plan’s priorities, including extensive work with cross-functional teams and with community stakeholders. Builds, develops, and retains a high-performing multidisciplinary team responsible for data governance, analytics, accountability, research, cybersecurity, and technology services. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works in cooperation with colleagues with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment; work is reviewed for results obtained and on the extent to which collaborative processes are used in achieving results. The Director is subject to an annual performance assessment. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Facilitates, directs, coordinates and assesses the work of professional, technical, and support staff. Work is reviewed in process, as necessary, and upon completion for achievement of desired results and on collaborative processes used in achieving results. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Leads the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of the Department's enterprise data strategy, ensuring that data are effectively governed, integrated, and utilized to advance agency priorities. Leads enterprise data governance by establishing policies, standards, and cross-agency structures that promote data quality, stewardship, metadata management, enterprise architecture, and responsible data use. Partners with agency leadership and program offices to strengthen organizational performance through strategic analysis, business process modernization, performance measurement, data visualization, and evidence-based decision-making. Leads the development, analysis, and communication of RIDE’s school accountability system, including the publication of the annual school report cards, to help inform school, district, and statewide continuous improvement. Oversees the analysis of key educational data sets to understand statewide trends in teaching and learning, progress toward agency priorities and statewide goals, and inform educational policy, strategic planning, and decision-making. Establishes research practice partnerships to evaluate student outcomes, inform strategic investments, and support continuous improvement. Provides strategic leadership for professional learning and technical assistance that strengthen statewide data literacy, improve data quality, and promote the effective use of data to improve educational outcomes. Provides strategic oversight of the Department's technology portfolio, ensuring technology modernization, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology investments support agency priorities and operational efficiency. Provides executive oversight for the timely collection, analysis, and submission of all required state and federal education data collections and reports. Oversees the development of policies on data privacy and data security. Meets regularly with staff to provide updates on the direction and goals of the agency. Performs related work as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATONS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Proven leadership ability, especially in developing and implementing enterprise data and technology strategies, leading organizational change, and managing complex cross-functional initiatives. Knowledge of enterprise data strategy, organizational performance management, and the strategic use of data to improve policy, practice, and operational effectiveness. Knowledge of enterprise data governance, data stewardship, metadata management, data quality, and responsible data use. Knowledge of K–12 education data, state and federal accountability systems, assessment programs, and the application of education data to inform policy, practice, and continuous improvement. Knowledge of the principles and methods used in data collection and analysis, including familiarity with data analysis tools. Skilled in conducting, interpreting, and synthesizing complex studies, data analyses, and policy issues into clear reports and actionable recommendations for executive leaders, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholder groups. Knowledge of modern information technology infrastructure, enterprise applications, cloud computing, network architecture, cybersecurity principles, technology modernization strategies, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as applied to public-sector organizations. Skilled in managing complex portfolios of strategic initiatives, balancing competing priorities, and allocating resources to maximize organizational impact. Skilled in coordinating and facilitating cross-functional collaboration among diverse groups, including staff, educators, and stakeholder organizations, to achieve shared goals and organizational priorities. Skilled in communicating effectively and building productive relationships with supervisors, coworkers, staff in other state and federal agencies, educators, stakeholders, and the public. Familiarity with state and federal education reporting requirements, including ESSA, IDEA, EDFacts, and applicable Rhode Island General Laws. EDUCATION: Master’s degree in education, public administration, public policy, information systems, data science, business administration, or related field preferred. EXPERIENCE: Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in enterprise data, analytics, accountability, information technology, or organizational performance, preferably in a K–12 education or public-sector environment. OR: Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above. Must have own transportation and be available evenings and occasionally on the weekends. Reasonable accommodations can be made for qualified individuals with a disability.