Make a difference! Join the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction team in carrying out our vision that strives to ensureall students will graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be successful.
Summary of Work
Hiring Range: $102,000-$120,000 annually dependent upon experience, plus full state benefit package.
This position is in the Office of Information Technology and Data Services.
Location: Onsite at the State Capitol in Bismarck, ND.
Join the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) as the Director of Information Technology. This position leads the agency's technology operations and education data systems to support student success, statewide accountability, and strategic decision-making.
As a member of the leadership team, this position will oversee the agency's internal IT systems, manage complex education data collections, and ensure compliance with federal and state data reporting mandates. The Director provides strategic direction, supervises IT staff, and promotes innovation in data governance and information systems. This position directly advises the State Superintendent on the department's data strategy.
Key Responsibilities: Provide leadership and oversight of the agency's information technology systems, services, and infrastructure to support operational efficiency and staff productivity. Lead the agency's efforts to modernize statewide education data infrastructure, including the implementation of a new K-12 student information system. Oversee the development, collection, validation, and reporting of statewide education data, including student enrollment, attendance, performance, financial transparency, and accountability indicators. Supervise and support a team of IT and data professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery and technical expertise across the agency. Serve as the agency's lead data manager, training and coordinating with internal data stewards to maintain consistent, high-quality data practices. Manage the agency's data platforms and reporting systems. Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to implement new systems, support software migrations, and ensure cybersecurity readiness. Manage budgets, contracts, and fiscal planning related to IT operations and data services. Monitor compliance with state and federal reporting requirements and lead continuous improvement in data accuracy, reliability, and reporting timeliness.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in information technology, data science, business administration, or a related field.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in IT operations, data systems management, or technology leadership. Two years of experience must include direct supervision of IT staff and senior leadership.
Preferred Qualification s:
Ability to collaborate across programs and lead change in a complex environment. Experience in government or education-based technology systems. Strong knowledge of data reporting, cybersecurity, and modern IT infrastructure. Experience leading technical teams and managing complex projects. Familiarity with state and federal education reporting requirements. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards:
The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team memberswith a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.
Application Procedures
All applications must be made via the ND Careers site. Paper or e-mailed submissions are no longer accepted. Applications must be completed by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed above.
Only complete applications will be considered and must include the following:
-Cover Letter
-Resume
-Three professional references
Note: Copies of applicable transcripts (need not be official) will be required upon hire.
The cover letter and the application materials must clearly explain how your education, work experience and skills meet the minimum qualifications and relate to the job duties in the work summary.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Public Instruction does not offer or provide sponsorships.
Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
For more information, assistance or accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Anne Kerzman (701) 328-2262 or amkerzman@
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Summary of Work
Hiring Range: $102,000-$120,000 annually dependent upon experience, plus full state benefit package.
This position is in the Office of Information Technology and Data Services.
Location: Onsite at the State Capitol in Bismarck, ND.
Join the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) as the Director of Information Technology. This position leads the agency's technology operations and education data systems to support student success, statewide accountability, and strategic decision-making.
As a member of the leadership team, this position will oversee the agency's internal IT systems, manage complex education data collections, and ensure compliance with federal and state data reporting mandates. The Director provides strategic direction, supervises IT staff, and promotes innovation in data governance and information systems. This position directly advises the State Superintendent on the department's data strategy.
Key Responsibilities: Provide leadership and oversight of the agency's information technology systems, services, and infrastructure to support operational efficiency and staff productivity. Lead the agency's efforts to modernize statewide education data infrastructure, including the implementation of a new K-12 student information system. Oversee the development, collection, validation, and reporting of statewide education data, including student enrollment, attendance, performance, financial transparency, and accountability indicators. Supervise and support a team of IT and data professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery and technical expertise across the agency. Serve as the agency's lead data manager, training and coordinating with internal data stewards to maintain consistent, high-quality data practices. Manage the agency's data platforms and reporting systems. Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to implement new systems, support software migrations, and ensure cybersecurity readiness. Manage budgets, contracts, and fiscal planning related to IT operations and data services. Monitor compliance with state and federal reporting requirements and lead continuous improvement in data accuracy, reliability, and reporting timeliness.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in information technology, data science, business administration, or a related field.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in IT operations, data systems management, or technology leadership. Two years of experience must include direct supervision of IT staff and senior leadership.
Preferred Qualification s:
Ability to collaborate across programs and lead change in a complex environment. Experience in government or education-based technology systems. Strong knowledge of data reporting, cybersecurity, and modern IT infrastructure. Experience leading technical teams and managing complex projects. Familiarity with state and federal education reporting requirements. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards:
The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team memberswith a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.
Application Procedures
All applications must be made via the ND Careers site. Paper or e-mailed submissions are no longer accepted. Applications must be completed by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed above.
Only complete applications will be considered and must include the following:
-Cover Letter
-Resume
-Three professional references
Note: Copies of applicable transcripts (need not be official) will be required upon hire.
The cover letter and the application materials must clearly explain how your education, work experience and skills meet the minimum qualifications and relate to the job duties in the work summary.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Public Instruction does not offer or provide sponsorships.
Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
For more information, assistance or accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Anne Kerzman (701) 328-2262 or amkerzman@
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.