Director of IT Operations & Technology Strategy

10,000 Degrees • San Rafael, CA

8d • $120,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Technology Strategy is the driving force behind the organization’s technological vision, aligning our IT function with our Strategic Plan goals. This role is a critical resource to the organization’s success, managing both strategic initiatives and the entirety of IT operations. This position requires a proactive and strategic problem-solver who can handle day-to-day IT needs while independently directing the long-term technology roadmap. This is an individual contributor role focused on the implementation and administration of systems; this role currently has no direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Sciences, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, or equivalent experience and certifications
• At least 5 years of experience in IT with progressively higher responsibilities
• Advanced knowledge of network architecture, configuration, virtualization, and server management to proactively administer the network, security system, and backups
• Advanced experience with key systems: Microsoft and Google Suite, Salesforce, Zoom, JumpCloud (or similar platforms); familiarity with AI-based customer service systems and Microsoft ERPs preferred
• A strong history of successfully vetting, negotiating, and ongoing monitoring of external vendors and third parties, particularly concerning security policies and implementation
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and maintain cyber security policies and systems and conduct regular risk assessments
• Demonstrated ability to align technology with the strategic plan, including strong analytical skills and a proven track record in project management
• History of effective time management, task prioritization, and consistent follow-through to ensure all assigned deliverables are completed with high quality and on time
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, including those with competing priorities
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and a patient, positive demeanor when troubleshooting urgent IT issues
• Proven ability to produce professional, accessible communications that incorporate visuals, links, and other details helpful to novices, requiring minimal review before distribution
• Experience in leading and communicating effective organizational change related to new technology adoption and implementing training plans
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and initiative for innovation, coupled with resilience and problem-solving skills necessary to maintain focus on long-term objectives while navigating occasional operational roadblocks

Nice To Haves

• Nonprofit experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Strategic Thinking & Planning Develop, maintain, and execute a technology roadmap that aligns with the organizational Strategic Plan, including identifying needed new technologies or upgrades, budget, development, cost-benefit analysis, and implementation timelines for the current 5-year outlook.
• Create a detailed inventory of all current technology and propose management strategies for each.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive training plan for existing and new technology, ensuring execution across the organization.
• Oversee AI initiatives across the organization; identify, construct, implement, and manage appropriate tools and ensure staff receive necessary training
• Lead the development of the organization’s cyber security policy and system and monitor vendor security policies.
• Conduct regular risk assessments of internal and external threats, including creating a monitoring plan with KPIs, and developing a comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
• IT Operations & Accountability Oversee and manage the daily operations and policies for the organization’s IT function, including providing day-to-day helpdesk services.
• Proactively monitor and administer the network, security systems, backups, servers, and workstation operating systems, proposing and implementing adjustments as needed.
• Manage the full IT lifecycle for employees, including onboarding and offboarding from all systems.
• Maintain a current inventory of all company devices and applications.
• Actively manage deadlines for all IT objectives and tasks, consistently utilizing available internal or external resources to ensure timely completion with the required quality and specifications.
• Assist in the development of the annual IT budget, including the schedule for equipment replacement.
• Business Communication & Management Serve as the primary technology liaison, providing consistent status updates and transparent communication on open tickets and projects to the Executive Team.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively translate complex technical issues and plans to non-technical stakeholders.
• Consistently demonstrate strong problem-solving and active listening skills to determine the actual underlying technology need, which may differ from the literal request.
• Manage all communications with vendors and other third parties, ensuring Executive oversight on all key communications.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This position requires some in-person presence (a minimum of 2 days per week) and/or travel within the regions served.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 15 days paid vacation + holidays and paid sick leave
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional development including conferences, seminars, webinars, and directed career advice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director