Director of Information Technology

Description:

About the Role:

The Director of Information Technology provides strategic leadership and oversight of IT operations and infrastructure for a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This role aligns technology strategy with organizational goals, manages budgets and vendor relationships, ensures system security and reliability, and leads IT staff. Serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director offers insight on technology investments, risks, and emerging trends that advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Success in this role requires adaptability, flexibility, and a collaborative approach—balancing strategic leadership with hands-on engagement to ensure technology solutions effectively support the organization’s evolving needs.

Requirements:

• IT Strategy & Leadership
  • Identify, develop, ensure, and execute an IT strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and goals as well as evolving business objectives and operational needs.
  • Align technology initiatives with regional economic development priorities and partner collaboration.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies for relevance and operational and cost-effectiveness.
  • Assess all technology equipment and software needs and administer a plan to enhance inventory and utilization.
  • Advise executive leadership on IT investments, trends, efficiencies, and risks.
• IT Operations & Infrastructure Management
  • Oversee and ensure the reliability, security, and performance of the organization's IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud services, data storage, and telecommunications.
  • Manage hardware and software lifecycles—ensure all systems are updated, patched, and reliable.
  • Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery systems are in place and regularly tested.
  • Lead or provide strategic oversight on cross-functional technology initiatives (e.g., CRM upgrades).
• Cybersecurity & Data Management
  • Oversee IT governance, security protocols, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Implement cybersecurity policies and best practices to protect organizational data.
  • Maintain data redundancy, security, and retention systems, including backup and recovery procedures.
  • Monitor IT risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard business operations.
  • Ensure compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and any federal/state grant or agency requirements.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and security audits.
• End-User Support & Training
  • Oversee IT support services to ensure timely and effective resolution of technical issues.
  • Supervise and support the IT Helpdesk Technician in providing first-line technical assistance.
  • Drive organizational adoption and proficiency in IT systems, new technologies, and cybersecurity best practices through targeted training and development.
• Vendor & Budget Management
  • Evaluate, select, and manage vendor relationships for hardware, software, and IT services.
  • Oversee IT budget planning, resource allocation, and long-term financial forecasting to optimize technology investments.
  • Negotiate contracts and service agreements to optimize technology investments.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Supervise and mentor the IT Helpdesk Technician, ensuring high-quality IT support services.
  • Foster a collaborative and service-oriented IT culture within the organization.
  • Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and best practices to optimize performance and security.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, or a related field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible IT experience, including 1–3 years in a leadership or supervisory role managing staff, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment is strongly preferred, with a demonstrated ability to align technology solutions with organizational goals and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise applications.
• Proven experience managing IT budgets, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
• Ability to lead IT projects from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, networking, virtualization, cybersecurity, and AI tools is a plus.
• Preferred Certifications (not required but advantageous):
  • ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Certification
  • CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
  • PMP (Project Management Professional)
  • AWS/Azure Certified Solutions Architect
  • CompTIA Security+