IT Support Specialist (Software – LMS & SIS / Hardware)

Overview: 

Kodaikanal International School is a 124-year-old dynamic international school with a rich history of holistic education, offering the IB continuum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) to our learners. Our beautiful school and community are nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India.

At KIS, we empower our students to navigate through life’s challenges to achieve their true potential. We follow an inquiry-based approach that promotes critical thinking, learner agency and a dedication to serving others. We recognize the importance of a meaningful, relevant and engaging curriculum that connects students to real-world contexts for their learning. We are keenly aware of the need to adapt our teaching and learning model to respond to the needs of our students in a world of fast-paced change.

Role:

The IT Technology Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the school's IT infrastructure, audio-visual systems, and all technology-related services. This includes managing network systems, workstations, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), AV equipment, and providing general technical support for the entire school community. The role ensures that all systems, devices, and technologies are functional, secure, and up-to-date to support teaching, learning, and administrative functions.

About Kodaikanal International School

Moto: A school the worlds needs.

KIS Vision Statement: We strive to be a school the world needs: Our graduates will be transformative leaders, caring humans and thoughtful ambassadors for a just, sustainable and peaceful world.

KIS Mission Statement: Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is committed to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds with vision, knowledge, compassion and cross-cultural understanding. We are a community that welcomes everyone and seeks our purpose in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

KIS Values: Accountability, Appreciation, Concern for Others, Consistency, Context, Cooperation, Integrity, Openness, Performance, and Reverence.

We are seeking colleagues who are driven by:

• A strong belief in KIS’s guiding statements.
• The IB philosophy.
• Ideas about how to bring these into actualisation.
• Opportunities to contribute to creating a more peaceful world.
• A focus on trust, relationships and community.

Safeguarding Statement

KIS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child-safe environment. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants. Teachers at KIS must follow the guidelines of the school’s protective behavior policies and protocols, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees.

Qualifications & Experiences

Required Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in network administration, workstation support, AV system management, UPS management, and technical support.
• Knowledge of common networking protocols, security practices, and IT systems.
• Experience with audio-visual equipment, classroom technology, and educational software.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, both remotely and in-person.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and online learning systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, LMS platforms Toddle and Veracross).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with both technical and non-technical users.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

 Work Environment:

• The position is based on the school campus, with occasional after-hours work required for system upgrades or special events and being on call at times across the year.
• The role requires frequent interaction with faculty, staff, and students, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment (e.g., computers, projectors, UPS systems) may be require

Preferred Skills and Dispositions:

• Deep understanding of inquiry-based learning;
• Ability to provide differentiated instruction for students with varying levels of ability;
• Proven ability to work successfully in a diverse and inclusive environment;
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers and others;
• Understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by learners in a multicultural environment;
• Dedication to student learning;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Team player with ability to delegate and coordinate work;
• Willing to work creatively with available materials/ resources;
• Able to create and teach interdisciplinary lessons;
• Capacity to support the goals and mission of KIS through his/her personal philosophy.

Reports To: Academic Vice Principal     
Coordinates With: ISM (Information System Manager), departmental leader and colleagues, secondary teachers    
Time Period: Initial 2-year contract, potential extensions after initial contract

Responsibilities

General Work Skills

A KIS IT Support Specialist has:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills
• The ability to delegate and coordinate work and works as a team player
• A willingness to work creatively with available materials/ resources 
• The capacity to support the goals and mission of KIS through his/her personal philosophy.
• An understanding of the concerns of parents from diverse backgrounds and cultures about their children’s educational needs.
• Knowledge about current IT Support Specialist opportunities, trends, and sources of such information.
• Excellent writing and critical reading skills.
   

Primary Responsibilities:

• Software Support – LMS & SIS:
  • Provide first-level support for LMS platforms (e.g.,Toddle) and SIS platforms(e.g. Veracross)
  • Troubleshoot user issues, access problems, and software functionality errors.
  • Assist with onboarding users, course setups, and enrollment configurations.
  • Coordinate with vendors and internal teams for escalated software issues and updates.
  • Document recurring issues and solutions for knowledge base articles.
• Scheduling:
  • Input information into the school’s software accurately in order to schedule courses, students, rooms, and teachers promptly with confidentiality and without bias.
  • Be available out of office hours if needed during crunch times.
  • Create customised reports with relevant information as requested.
  • Update student schedules throughout the year as needed.
  • Maintain records with accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Consult with the Vice Principal constantly for problem areas.
• Software and Application Management:
  • Install, configure, and maintain software applications used by faculty, staff, and students (e.g., educational software, productivity suites, antivirus programs).
  • Ensure all systems are up-to-date with necessary security patches and software updates.
  • Troubleshoot software installation or compatibility issues.
  • Assist with the setup and management of school-wide software licenses and subscriptions.
• Security and Data Protection:
  • Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices to protect the school’s network, systems, and data from cyber threats.
  • Monitor the school’s IT systems for potential security vulnerabilities, data breaches, or unauthorized access.
  • Ensure secure backups of critical school data, including student records, administrative files, and educational resources.
  • Assist in the development of data protection policies and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain thorough documentation for network configurations, IT systems, hardware, software, UPS maintenance, and AV systems.
  • Generate regular reports on the status of IT assets, network performance, and ongoing support requests.
  • Create user manuals and instructional guides for staff and students on how to use school technology effectively.
• Collaboration and Training:
  • Work closely with the school’s administration and other departments to ensure IT needs are met and technology initiatives are supported.
  • Provide training sessions for staff and students on the effective use of school technology and educational tools.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of technology policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and safe use of IT resources.
• Fulfil other duties as required by the Information Systems Manager / Vice Principal / Principal.
• Support KIS guiding principles

Secondary Responsibilities as needed

• Classroom and Educational Technology Support:
  • Assist with the installation and management of classroom technology tools, such as interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and classroom management software.
  • Provide support for the use of online learning platforms and tools.
  • Ensure that classrooms are equipped with the necessary technology for both in-person and remote learning.
  • Assist in the integration of educational technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
• Technical Support and Help Desk:
  • Act as a point of contact for technical support within the school, responding to help desk requests from staff, students, and administrators.
  • Troubleshoot issues with computers, printers, AV equipment, network connectivity, and software.
  • Provide on-site, phone, and remote support to resolve technical issues promptly.
  • Document and track all support requests, resolutions, and incidents for future reference.
• Workstation and Device Support:
  • Install, configure, and maintain desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other devices used by staff, students, and administrators.
  • Provide technical support for faculty, staff, and students, troubleshooting software and hardware issues.
  • Ensure all devices have the latest software updates and security patches.
  • Assist with the setup of classrooms with appropriate hardware (e.g., desktops, laptops, interactive whiteboards, printers).
• Network Support and Maintenance:
  • Set up, configure, and maintain wired and wireless network infrastructure across the school.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues, network disruptions, and hardware malfunctions.
  • Manage network security, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
  • Monitor the performance of the network, ensuring it operates efficiently and securely.
  • Perform routine network upgrades, firmware updates, and security patches.
• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Management:
  • Install, configure, and maintain UPS devices to ensure reliable power backup for critical systems, including servers, network equipment, and workstations.
  • Regularly test and monitor UPS devices to ensure they provide uninterrupted power during outages.
  • Manage UPS maintenance schedules, including battery replacements and preventative checkups.
  • Maintain proper documentation of UPS devices and ensure assets are properly tracked.
• Audiovisual (AV) System Setup and Support:
  • Oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of audiovisual systems, including projectors, microphones, sound systems, interactive whiteboards, and smartboards.
  • Provide technical support during classroom lessons, assemblies, and school events, ensuring AV equipment functions correctly.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve AV issues, including connectivity problems, equipment malfunctions, and system failures.
  • Collaborate with teachers and administrators to plan and implement AV setups for special events, presentations, and school functions.
  • Train staff on the effective use of AV equipment and educational technology.
• Asset and Inventory Management:
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of all IT assets, including computers, networking equipment, AV devices, UPS systems, and peripherals.
  • Assist with the procurement, installation, and decommissioning of technology hardware.
  • Track and label all school-owned technology equipment to ensure proper asset management.
  • Ensure all technology equipment is functioning properly and arrange for repairs or replacements when necessary.

School Community
A KIS staff member is expected to support the holistic development of the child. The teacher: 

• Understands and supports the diversity of the school community and students’ backgrounds;
• Works in a positive, cooperative and supportive way with students, parents, co-workers and other stakeholders;
• Communicates regularly with students, residential parents and students’ parents on matters of school business;
• Engages in and supports activities that help promote school spirit and sense of community;
• Promotes opportunities for developing community involvement throughout the wider community;
• Recognizes the importance of service learning to our community and promotes this with students and the wider community;
• Support the residential life of the school by chaperoning activities, clubs, field trips, camp, long weekend field day and other activities and serves as an advisor to a group of students.

Other

• Supports, promotes, and enforces the ethos of KIS as defined in the mission and vision statements, guiding principles, and strategic plans;
• Promotes a positive attitude about the school with all members of the school community;
• Implement decisions made in department- and school-committee meetings, as relevant to the department;
• Follow the guidelines of the school’s protective behavior policies and protocols and personal data protection policies and procedures, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees, and reporting any personal data breach.
• To respect the confidential nature of discussions at staff meetings and other contexts in which sensitive information is likely to be communicated, particularly in terms of interaction with students.
• The teacher is expected to perform other appropriate duties as assigned by the subject chair, coordinator, Vice Principal, or Principal. 

Application Process:

1. Download Application Form >> KIS Administrative Position Application Form
2. Fill-in the required information
3. Use the form below to submit your application along with your resume

Please note that applications that do not include the application form and a resume will not be considered.