Portage Learning
General Summary
The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction, but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to … Believe the best in our employees Invest in our people Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity. The Director of IT leads the IT team with accountability, curiosity, and collaboration, ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable impact and aligns with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Reporting to the VP of Technology, the IT Director oversees the execution of institution‑wide technology projects, balancing innovation with reliability. This leader translates organizational needs into scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions which empower departments to perform at their best. The IT Director serves as both a strategist and a hands‑on problem solver, anticipates challenges, bridges technical and non‑technical teams, and follows through on commitments with clarity and precision. Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s). Drive successful project execution by ensuring IT initiatives are completed on time, within scope, and with measurable results. Lead and mentor the IT team, fostering accountability, growth, and a culture of follow‑through. Partner with other departments to understand their needs, translate them into actionable technology solutions, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate closely with the VP of Technology to develop, refine, and execute long‑term IT strategies and company‑wide initiatives. Set technology priorities and roadmaps that balance immediate business needs with future scalability and innovation. Ensure high levels of communication and follow‑up on all IT commitments, providing stakeholders across departments with clarity and confidence in progress. Proactively identify technology gaps, risks, and opportunities, offering solutions before issues escalates. Work independently to research, evaluate, and recommend technology improvements that support organizational efficiency and security. Take initiative in launching and managing cross‑functional projects, coordinating resources, and removing obstacles to ensure success. Establish and enforce IT policies, standards, and best practices to maintain system integrity, compliance, and data security. Oversee and/or delegate vendor relationships and technology contracts, ensuring performance and value align with organizational needs. Monitor IT performance metrics and present regular updates to the VP of Technology on progress, risks, and strategic opportunities. Champion innovation and digital transformation, bringing forward solutions that enhance productivity and drive competitive advantage. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge/Skills Required
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, networking, and cloud platforms (AWS is a plus). Proficiency in systems administration (Windows, Linux, macOS) and familiarity with enterprise software environments (CRM, project management software, SIS). Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, compliance standards, and data protection best practices. Experience with network architecture and management, including firewalls, VPNs, LAN/WAN, wireless, and DNS/DHCP. Familiarity with hardware lifecycle management, including procurement, deployment, monitoring, and decommissioning. Hands‑on experience with identity and access management solutions (SSO, MFA, Active Directory). Understanding of emerging technologies (AI, automation, edge computing, IoT) and their impact on the organization. Leadership & Strategic Skills
Ability to set IT strategy in alignment with organizational objectives and translate vision into actionable roadmaps. Proven experience leading and developing teams, including mentoring, performance management, and building accountability. Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, able to bridge the gap between technical teams and non‑technical stakeholders. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, tailoring messages to executives, peers, and frontline staff. Strong focus on project execution with a track record of driving initiatives to completion through persistence, follow‑up, and attention to detail. Change management expertise, guiding teams and departments through technology transitions with clarity and confidence. Decision making under pressure, with the ability to prioritize effectively and balance short‑term needs with long‑term goals. Personal Attributes & Soft Skills
High degree of initiative; proactive in identifying needs, risks, and opportunities. Strong sense of ownership and accountability, following through on commitments and ensuring results. Patience and perseverance when facing obstacles, with the ability to keep teams motivated. Integrity and reliability, modeling professionalism and trustworthiness in all interactions. Talent for rallying others around a common goal, creating buy‑in and momentum across diverse groups. Commitment to continuous learning—staying current with new technologies and industry best practices. Resilient work ethic, demonstrating hard work, persistence, and dedication to institutional success. Qualifications (Education Requirements/Experience)
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related or 10+ years of position‑related experience. 7 years of position‑related experience required, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and grow IT professionals across diverse technical disciplines. Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting. Demonstrated agreement with and vision for the stated mission, vision, philosophy, values, and goals of Portage Learning. Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, projectors, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly required to sit; talk and hear, use hands to type, file, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. May require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand, walk, lift, carry and move light to medium weight. Requires good hand‑eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and learn technical information. Light lifting is required. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force to constantly move objects. Position Types and Expected Hours to work
This is a full‑time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Must be able to work from the office located in Chippewa Township, PA and conduct a minimum of 80% of work hours in the office. Travel
This job requires occasional travel. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out‑of‑the‑area and overnight travel may be expected. Other Duties Disclaimer
This is not an all‑inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, demands, etc. may be added or changed to this document on an as‑needed basis in order to meet organizational goals. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction, but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to … Believe the best in our employees Invest in our people Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity. The Director of IT leads the IT team with accountability, curiosity, and collaboration, ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable impact and aligns with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Reporting to the VP of Technology, the IT Director oversees the execution of institution‑wide technology projects, balancing innovation with reliability. This leader translates organizational needs into scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions which empower departments to perform at their best. The IT Director serves as both a strategist and a hands‑on problem solver, anticipates challenges, bridges technical and non‑technical teams, and follows through on commitments with clarity and precision. Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s). Drive successful project execution by ensuring IT initiatives are completed on time, within scope, and with measurable results. Lead and mentor the IT team, fostering accountability, growth, and a culture of follow‑through. Partner with other departments to understand their needs, translate them into actionable technology solutions, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate closely with the VP of Technology to develop, refine, and execute long‑term IT strategies and company‑wide initiatives. Set technology priorities and roadmaps that balance immediate business needs with future scalability and innovation. Ensure high levels of communication and follow‑up on all IT commitments, providing stakeholders across departments with clarity and confidence in progress. Proactively identify technology gaps, risks, and opportunities, offering solutions before issues escalates. Work independently to research, evaluate, and recommend technology improvements that support organizational efficiency and security. Take initiative in launching and managing cross‑functional projects, coordinating resources, and removing obstacles to ensure success. Establish and enforce IT policies, standards, and best practices to maintain system integrity, compliance, and data security. Oversee and/or delegate vendor relationships and technology contracts, ensuring performance and value align with organizational needs. Monitor IT performance metrics and present regular updates to the VP of Technology on progress, risks, and strategic opportunities. Champion innovation and digital transformation, bringing forward solutions that enhance productivity and drive competitive advantage. Perform other related duties as assigned. Knowledge/Skills Required
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, networking, and cloud platforms (AWS is a plus). Proficiency in systems administration (Windows, Linux, macOS) and familiarity with enterprise software environments (CRM, project management software, SIS). Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, compliance standards, and data protection best practices. Experience with network architecture and management, including firewalls, VPNs, LAN/WAN, wireless, and DNS/DHCP. Familiarity with hardware lifecycle management, including procurement, deployment, monitoring, and decommissioning. Hands‑on experience with identity and access management solutions (SSO, MFA, Active Directory). Understanding of emerging technologies (AI, automation, edge computing, IoT) and their impact on the organization. Leadership & Strategic Skills
Ability to set IT strategy in alignment with organizational objectives and translate vision into actionable roadmaps. Proven experience leading and developing teams, including mentoring, performance management, and building accountability. Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, able to bridge the gap between technical teams and non‑technical stakeholders. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, tailoring messages to executives, peers, and frontline staff. Strong focus on project execution with a track record of driving initiatives to completion through persistence, follow‑up, and attention to detail. Change management expertise, guiding teams and departments through technology transitions with clarity and confidence. Decision making under pressure, with the ability to prioritize effectively and balance short‑term needs with long‑term goals. Personal Attributes & Soft Skills
High degree of initiative; proactive in identifying needs, risks, and opportunities. Strong sense of ownership and accountability, following through on commitments and ensuring results. Patience and perseverance when facing obstacles, with the ability to keep teams motivated. Integrity and reliability, modeling professionalism and trustworthiness in all interactions. Talent for rallying others around a common goal, creating buy‑in and momentum across diverse groups. Commitment to continuous learning—staying current with new technologies and industry best practices. Resilient work ethic, demonstrating hard work, persistence, and dedication to institutional success. Qualifications (Education Requirements/Experience)
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related or 10+ years of position‑related experience. 7 years of position‑related experience required, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and grow IT professionals across diverse technical disciplines. Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting. Demonstrated agreement with and vision for the stated mission, vision, philosophy, values, and goals of Portage Learning. Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, projectors, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly required to sit; talk and hear, use hands to type, file, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. May require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand, walk, lift, carry and move light to medium weight. Requires good hand‑eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and learn technical information. Light lifting is required. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force to constantly move objects. Position Types and Expected Hours to work
This is a full‑time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Must be able to work from the office located in Chippewa Township, PA and conduct a minimum of 80% of work hours in the office. Travel
This job requires occasional travel. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out‑of‑the‑area and overnight travel may be expected. Other Duties Disclaimer
This is not an all‑inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, demands, etc. may be added or changed to this document on an as‑needed basis in order to meet organizational goals. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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