Director of Technology & Communications Director

SUMMARY

The Director of Technology & Communications provides unified leadership for Dakar Academy’s technology infrastructure and organizational communication systems across all campuses. This strategic role ensures that:

• technology supports teaching, learning, and operations effectively,
• communication with parents, staff, and the wider community is timely, clear, and mission-aligned, and
• Dakar Academy maintains a strong, consistent brand across all platforms.

This position requires a versatile leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on technical support, and who can collaborate across departments to advance the mission of Dakar Academy.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Technology

• A clear, sustainable technology vision and multi-year plan
• Reliable systems, secure data, and well-supported staff
• Efficient IT operations, inventory tracking, and network stability

Communications

• Consistent, mission-driven messaging across all platforms
• Strengthened parent engagement and internal communication
• Increased school visibility and brand reputation in Senegal and internationally

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Technology Leadership & Management

1. Strategic Technology Planning

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology plan (short- and long-term).
• Lead implementation for all DA campuses.
• Gather input from staff to align technology with instructional and operational needs.
• Monitor educational technology trends and recommend improvements.

2. Technology Operations & Support

• Act as network administrator overseeing servers, systems, and connectivity.
• Supervise IT specialists to ensure strong customer support.
• Troubleshoot issues and provide technical assistance to staff and faculty.
• Maintain cybersecurity, licensing compliance, and system reliability.

3. Budgeting & Procurement

• Prepare and manage annual and multi-year technology budgets.
• Follow DA purchasing procedures.
• Track expenses and maintain financial accountability.
• Seek grants/donations for major technology initiatives.

4. Hardware & Software Inventory

• Maintain accurate inventory of all hardware and software.
• Ensure device replacement cycles are followed.
• Conduct annual inventory audits.

B. Communications & Marketing Leadership

1. Strategic Communications Planning

• Develop yearly communication and marketing plans.
• Ensure campus-wide messaging is aligned and mission-driven.
• Coordinate communication strategies across departments.

2. Digital & Social Media Management

• Oversee the DA website, ensuring up-to-date content and usability.
• Manage official social media accounts and digital campaigns.
• Track engagement analytics to guide strategy.

3. Branding & Creative Content

• Maintain consistent brand identity across all materials and campuses.
• Oversee photo, video, graphic, and print content creation.
• Support major school events with promotional materials and media coverage.

4. Internal & External Communication

• Lead communication with parents, students, and staff (newsletters, alerts, announcements).
• Support admissions, HR, and development with communication materials.
• Provide translation workflows when necessary.

5. Community Engagement & Storytelling

• Highlight student achievements, school culture, and mission impact.
• Produce materials that support enrollment, staff recruitment, and donor engagement.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Communications, Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience in systems administration OR digital communication
• Strong writing, planning, and organizational skills
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on technical work
• Experience supervising staff and managing multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred

• Certifications such as MCSE, Network+, CCNA
• Experience in educational or international school settings
• Skills in photography, videography, or graphic design (Adobe Suite, Canva)
• Familiarity with website management and digital analytics