Overview The Application Support Manager oversees the integration, support, and maintenance of software applications used across our schools, including student information systems, learning management platforms, and rostering tools. This role will work closely with schools to understand their needs and collaborate with various departments to enhance the functionality and efficiency of our educational technology.
This position will play a key role in creating and improving Ascend's technical and data infrastructures by monitoring application performance to optimize system efficiency and improve system integration. As improvements are made, this role will oversee the creation of comprehensive documentation tailored for specific users from onboarding of new staff to technical documentation critical to management and troubleshooting.
Why extraordinary professionals teach at Ascend Ascend is the largest Brooklyn-based public charter school serving nearly 6,000 K-12 students in 17 schools. We exist to serve every student - to help them embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice.
Access to education is a social justice issue. As educators, we center justice and live out our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (DEIA) by ensuring that our students have the skills, tools, and confidence they need to thrive today and in the future. We are proud to have a workforce that mirrors the diversity seen in our students. Working at Ascend provides a community focused on developing an environment of support and belonging. Educators collaborate closely and encourage each other to achieve great outcomes.
Our schools honor, nurture, and challenge the whole child. Ascend fosters critical thinking skills and a love of learning through an inquiry-based learning approach, Responsive Classroom model, and anti-racist education. We are deeply committed to advancing educational equity for all of our students. Students at Ascend benefit from a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures natural curiosity about the world and guides them to think critically and independently.
For more information on Ascend Public Charter Schools' model, approach, and core values, please visit our website.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Business Administration, Education, or a related field
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in application support or a related role.
- Experience with school systems such as Infinite Campus, Clever, and IlluminateEd is highly desirable
Skills and Traits - Committed to continuous learning and eager to expand skills and knowledge
- Proven ability to train and build capacity among leaders and teachers to navigate evolving educational technology landscapes
- Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in relevant software applications
- Experience with SQL, R, and Python preferred
- Basic HTML/CSS knowledge is a plus
Responsibilities - System Integration: Ensure seamless data exchange between student information systems and other school management software such as learning management systems and all educational technology used in Ascend's schooling model
- Issue Resolution: Oversee the troubleshooting and resolution of application-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to school operations
- Collaboration: Work closely with schools to understand their needs and improve application functionality; liaise with IT and development teams to design and implement application integrations and data interfaces
- Vendor Management: Liaise with software vendors, to address issues, implement updates, and ensure service level agreements are met
- Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of support processes, issue resolutions, and system changes
- Training: Provide training during staff onboarding to enhance their understanding and effective use of applications
- Performance Monitoring: Monitor application performance and implement improvements to optimize system efficiency, specifically for integrations between student information systems, learning management systems, and other ed tech
- Project Management: Lead projects related to application upgrades, implementations of new products, and system integrations
Commitment to Mission - Passion for education reform and advancing educational equity
- A strong commitment to DEIA and fostering an inclusive data culture
Staff and reporting relationships The Application Support Manager reports directly to the Managing Director of Data Products & Analytics
Compensation Initial salary offers for this position range from $70,000 - $75,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.
Diversity at Ascend Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities-opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.