Associate Director of Information Technology

Associate Director of Information Technology

ERS is a national non‑profit consulting firm that empowers school system leaders to make transformative shifts in resources, structures, and practices so that all students—especially those with the greatest learning needs—can attend a school where they can learn and thrive.

This leadership role within the Core Services team is responsible for shaping ERS’ strategy and execution across technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance impact, consulting effectiveness, and internal operations. The Associate Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner, Core Services, and operates as both a strategic business partner and technology leader, aligning systems, tools, and data with ERS’ consulting model and mission.

Responsibilities include supporting the organization’s AI strategy and adoption, overseeing two technology team members, and managing the cloud environment that enables day‑to‑day operations.

Salary range: $130,000 to $167,000.

• Maintain and evolve AI infrastructure (Copilot, Azure Cloud, Gemini, Claude), enhancing and aligning AI tools for organization‑wide use through connectors and infrastructure design.
• Support development and execution of ERS’ AI strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance consultant productivity, client delivery, insights, and internal operations.
• Partner with leadership to align technology and AI investments with organizational goals, growth priorities, and consulting delivery needs.
• Collaborate with the Data, AI, and Systems Innovation (DAISI) initiative to develop a Data‑to‑AI blueprint that aligns data systems, governance, and analytics, ensuring AI enablement is built on trusted, integrated infrastructure.
• Ensure AI infrastructure and governance frameworks include responsible use, permissions, and tools that adhere to strong data security, privacy, and compliance practices, including FERPA.

• Set a clear vision for the technology function and drive a forward‑looking technology roadmap by defining priorities and sequencing work over time.
• Align technology investments and decisions with both day‑to‑day operational needs and longer‑term organizational goals.
• Ensure systems and tools are optimized for a consulting/partner‑based operating model, including knowledge sharing and reuse, cross‑project collaboration, data accessibility, and insight generation.
• Continuously evaluate and implement technologies that improve organizational effectiveness and scalability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on technology‑enabled organizational transformation.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Technology team to ensure on‑time execution of key deliverables, balancing team goals with individual professional growth.
• Oversee all aspects of the technology function, including cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, data systems, and end‑user support.
• Oversee core platforms—Microsoft 365, Azure cloud environment, and Salesforce—ensuring they are configured to support reliable access and clear permissions that enable consultants and cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative, data‑driven solutions to district partners.
• Maintain hands‑on understanding of systems and user workflows, stepping in to directly support users or troubleshoot technology issues when needed.
• Manage the team’s business needs, including procurement, contracts, negotiations, IT workforce planning, and strategic solution partners.
• Effectively manage the professional development of team members through skill development, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Lead an inclusive, high‑performing team by fostering belonging, clarity, ownership, and continuous feedback, ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported, and accountable for results.

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives to implement data‑driven technology and AI capabilities.
• Drive successful adoption through change management, training, ongoing user support, and feedback loops.
• Coordinate…