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
