Technology & Communications Specialist

MISSION OF THE ROLE

The Technology & Communications Specialist leads the planning, implementation, and support of Waiʻalae School's technology systems and digital communications infrastructure. This role ensures equitable access to technology, maintains reliable digital infrastructure for teaching, learning, and administrative functions, and supports effective technology integration across the school. This role also serves as the school's communications resource — managing the school's web and social media presence and advising on internal and external stakeholder communications to ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with Waiʻalae's voice and values.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

• Education: Associate's degree or higher in information technology, communications, education technology, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience: Two or more years of experience in technology support, systems administration, or digital communications in a school, nonprofit, or organizational setting.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge of school technology systems, data privacy regulations (FERPA, COPPA), cybersecurity best practices, and digital communications strategies.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; competency across common school platforms, website content management systems, and social media platforms. Ability to quickly learn new systems and support others in doing the same.
• Decision-Making: Ability to prioritize competing technical and communications needs, exercise sound judgment with sensitive data, and resolve routine issues independently while escalating appropriately.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical information clearly for non-technical audiences and advise on tone, style, and messaging across stakeholder groups.
• Values: Commitment to equitable access to technology, student and family data privacy, and alignment with Waiʻalae's mission and values.

Desired:

• Experience: Three or more years in educational technology, IT support, or digital communications; a track record supporting procurement processes and vendor relationships; familiarity with budgetary planning, federal funding for technology infrastructure, and identifying alternative funding sources such as grants or partnerships.
• Technical Skills: Experience with network administration, device management, and cybersecurity protocols; advanced proficiency in website management and social media strategy.
• Certifications: Google Certified Educator or equivalent; training in FERPA/COPPA compliance or cybersecurity; certification in educational technology or communications.

ROLE OBJECTIVES + RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technology & Communications Specialist ensures effective, equitable, and secure use of technology and communications across the school, ensuring:

• All staff and students have reliable, equitable access to school technology and digital resources
• Technology infrastructure is secure, current, and compliant with applicable regulations
• Staff are supported in effective use of technology for teaching, learning, and administration
• School data systems and student information are protected in compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and cybersecurity requirements
• The school's web and social media presence reflects Waiʻalae's Mission, Vision, voice, and values
• Internal and external communications are clear, consistent, and aligned with school messaging standards
• Technology needs are proactively identified and communicated to inform procurement and budgetary planning

COMPETENCIES

• Technology infrastructure management and systems support
• Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance (FERPA, COPPA)
• Technology integration support for teaching and learning
• Website and social media management
• Stakeholder communications advising and editing
• Vendor coordination and procurement support
• Budgetary needs assessment and planning
• Clear communication with diverse, non-technical audiences
• Organizational and project management
• Alignment with Waiʻalae's Mission, Vision, and Values
• SIS and educational software platform management

POSITION DETAILS

Research, Analytics, Reporting and Planning:

• Conduct research on emerging technologies for elementary education and explore their potential applications in the classroom.
• Regularly analyze website and social media performance using tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and other relevant platforms.
• Provide reports on key performance indicators and recommend improvements based on data analysis.

Curriculum and Instruction/Professional Development:

• Coordinate and lead professional development sessions for teachers on effective technology integration in the classroom, as assigned by the Head of School.
• Coordinate instructional use of technology devices to enhance learning outcomes.
• Complete beginning-of-year faculty rostering for technology subscription services for curricular platforms.
• Complete beginning-of-year student rostering for key educational platforms (iReady, DRA3, Google Workspace Accounts, Seesaw).
• Maintain rostering for faculty and students throughout the school year.
• Support teachers in meeting technology standards in education, such as the ISTE standards, through various methods, including direct instruction, modeling, team teaching, etc.
• Support and facilitate the implementation of ISTE standards, assist teachers in developing integration strategies, provide suggestions, and support teacher innovations, with regular communication via meetings and email.

Technology Infrastructure and Equipment:

• Coordinate and execute the distribution of hardware and software to ensure equitable access for both students and faculty.
• Collaborate with the administration to establish budgeting and resource allocation for instructional technology.
• Coordinate the procurement of hardware, software, and supplies for instructional purposes in accordance with the school technology plan.
• Coordinate and maintain school-wide technology subscriptions.
• Assist teachers with hardware and subscription-related issues as they arise.
• Provide options and opportunities for laser cutter instruction and certification.
• Maintain and administer the Student Information System (SIS) and other educational software subscriptions, developing sufficient proficiency to troubleshoot issues, train staff, and provide ongoing support.

Internet:

• Collaborate and coordinate with the Department of Education's tech department for tech infrastructure matters.

Website Management:

• Maintain and update the school’s website to ensure it is current, user-friendly, and visually appealing.
• Create and publish high-quality, engaging content, including blog posts, articles, and multimedia materials.
• Collaborate with the web development team to implement design changes and improvements as needed.

Social Media Management:

• Develop and execute social media strategies to grow and engage the school's online community.
• Create and curate compelling content for various social media platforms, such as Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries from followers.

Content Creation:

• Generate written and visual content, including graphics, images, videos, and infographics, that align with the school’s brand and message.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to produce content for promotions, events, and campaigns.

Audience Engagement:

• Analyze website and social media metrics to track performance and optimize content accordingly.
• Encourage user-generated content and customer testimonials to build trust and community engagement.

Communication Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with Wai`alae School’s mission, vision and values.
• Work closely with the Wai`alae Leadership Team to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels
• Format and prepare the weekly staff newsletter for distribution, ensuring consistency with school branding and messaging standards.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School.

This is a Collective Bargaining Unit position and comes with all the benefits negotiated by the union, including medical and paid time off.