Assistant Director - Student Information Systems

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Assistant Director, Student Information Systems 

Location: Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 

Salary: $76,484 - $103,799

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director of Student Information 

Bargaining Unit: N/A 

Benefits Eligible: Yes  

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuniting up to 20% (one day per week) 

Position Summary: 

The Assistant Director, Student Information Services is responsible for managing the operations, enhancements, and strategic initiatives of the District's Student Information Systems (SIS). This role ensures that the systems are secure, reliable, and effectively support the District's goals for student data management and reporting. The Assistant Director will lead a team overseeing SIS configuration, data quality, and integration work, delegating tasks, and fostering a culture of professional learning, growth, and accountability. As a key member of the SIS team, the Assistant Director drives projects related to student data management, system operations, and application management to improve organizational efficiency and support data-driven decision-making across the District. 

Success in this position requires a strategic thinker with strong technical skills and the ability to translate complex system requirements into practical solutions for end-users. The Assistant Director must effectively balance the technical aspects of system management with the needs of various stakeholders, including school staff, district administrators, and external partners. They will play a crucial role in optimizing the use of PowerSchool and related systems, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility, and supporting critical processes such as enrollment, scheduling, and reporting. The ideal candidate will continuously seek ways to leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance data quality, and provide insights that directly support educational decision-making at all levels of the organization. 

We are looking for talented people who are passionate about transforming the District and making a significant difference in the lives of public-school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.  

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a focus in computer science, business administration, or a related field 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing a Student Information System or similar large-scale technical implementation 

• Strong analytical skills to conduct analyses and develop recommendations 

• Ability to balance multiple projects within a data-driven accountability environment 

• Proficiency in PowerSchool SIS or equivalent student information system 

• Ability to balance multiple projects within a data-driven accountability environment 

• Excellent project management and organizational abilities 

• Strong leadership and team management skills 

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization techniques 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences 

• Experience in leading change management processes to support and influence school staff practices 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SQL, report writing tools, and data integration techniques 

• Knowledge of educational data standards and reporting requirements 

Essential Functions:

System Management and Development 

• Lead the design, testing, and implementation of PowerSchool modules and customizations 

• Plan and implement strategies for beginning- and end-of-year system configuration to ensure smooth school operations 

• Manage security setup, user account provisioning, and student/parent access within the SIS 

• Lead the development and optimization of PowerSchool plugins for data exports and page customizations 

Team Leadership and Collaboration 

• Manage and develop a team of two staff members, ensuring effective task delegation and professional growth 

• Foster a culture of professional learning and accountability within the SIS team and across the broader organization 

• Collaborate with business process owners to ensure SIS configurations align with district practices and needs 

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support recurring system processes like course catalog management, student enrollment, and scheduling 

Data Quality and Reporting 

• Establish data quality and accountability reporting milestones to enhance operational efficiency and compliance 

• Lead custom report development to support school-level staff and official documentation 

• Develop documentation for recurring processes related to SIS maintenance, database management, and integrations 

Strategic Planning and Professional Development 

• Engage in strategic planning and professional development to drive the System and Application Management team towards annual goals 

• Serve as the district representative on state and local committees involving student information 

• Participate in knowledge management initiatives to improve district communication and continuous improvement 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director, Student Information Service 

Security Clearance: 

Internal Applicants 

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check. 

External Applicants 

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire. 

Method of Application: 

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered. 

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested. 

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897. 

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.