Senior Director, Data & Technology

ExtensisHR•Arlington, VA

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Director, Data & Technology, sets the strategic vision and direction for the organization’s data, systems, and technology infrastructure. This role is responsible for advancing data-informed decision-making, strengthening technology operations, and enabling organizational effectiveness in the service of mission impact. Reporting to the VP, People, Operations, and Technology, the Senior Director partners cross-functionally with leaders and teams across the organization to assess needs, prioritize investments, and co-create scalable solutions that improve outcomes, drive equity, and enhance operational sustainability. The role offers a strong balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, well-suited to a small nonprofit environment. The Senior Director oversees enterprise data strategy, analytics, and governance, ensuring the organization has reliable, accessible, and actionable data to support learning, performance management, and strategic planning. This includes leading advanced data analysis, developing dashboards and insights, and building internal capacity for self-service data use. This role also serves as the organization’s lead for core systems architecture and administration, including oversight of CRM systems, data integrations, and workflow optimization. The Senior Director is accountable for data integrity, system performance, reporting infrastructure, and continuous improvement of tools that support programmatic and operational goals. In addition, the Senior Director provides leadership over managed IT services and external technology vendors, ensuring strong service delivery, security, and alignment with organizational priorities. This includes overseeing vendor relationships, managing system access and cybersecurity practices, and guiding technology roadmap decisions within budget constraints. Working closely with the broader People, Operations, and Technology team, the Senior Director ensures alignment across systems, processes, and people strategies, driving efficient, equitable, and sustainable operations. This leader fosters a culture of data literacy, continuous improvement, and shared accountability, equipping staff at all levels to effectively use data and technology in their work.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, technology, or information systems, with increasing responsibility for enterprise strategy, data architecture, and system oversight.
7+ years of people and/or team leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and leading through influence in small or matrixed teams.
Demonstrated experience in setting and executing an enterprise data and technology strategy, including aligning systems, analytics, and infrastructure to organizational priorities and measurable outcomes.
Strong background in data analysis and insights generation, including translating complex business questions into analytic approaches, models, and actionable recommendations for senior leaders.
Experience overseeing CRM and enterprise systems (e.g., Salesforce), including system architecture, data models, integrations, reporting, and user governance.
Proven experience managing managed IT service providers and technology vendors, including service delivery oversight, cybersecurity coordination, and performance management.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence decision-making across a diverse set of stakeholders in a mission-driven, resource-constrained environment.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts and data insights into clear, actionable information for executive and non-technical audiences.
Experience establishing and maintaining data governance practices, including data quality, access controls, documentation, and compliance.
Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
Comfort operating in ambiguity, with the ability to bring structure, clarity, and forward momentum in evolving environments.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), including integrating equitable practices into data, technology, and decision-making processes.
Commitment to the National Board’s mission and values, including advancing equity and excellence in education.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in data science, public policy, education, or a related field.
Understanding of the National Board Certification process.
Experience in the nonprofit or education sector.
Experience implementing data governance frameworks and equity-focused evaluation practices.
Experience with Microsoft SQL.
Experience with Tableau or other data visualization systems.
Salesforce certification (e.g., Certified Administrator or Advanced Administrator).
Proficiency with Smartsheet or similar project and task management platforms.

Responsibilities

Set and drive the enterprise vision, roadmap, and multi-year strategy for data, technology, and analytics in alignment with the National Board’s mission, strategic priorities, and operating realities of a small nonprofit environment.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), translating complex data, technology, and operational insights into clear recommendations, decision frameworks, and executive briefings that inform organizational direction.
Lead cross-functional alignment across teams and external partners to embed data literacy, analytics, and technology into core business processes, enabling more consistent, equitable, and data-informed decision-making.
Identify and assess emerging trends in data analytics, AI, and technology infrastructure, advising on opportunities that balance innovation with sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and organizational capacity.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across data and technology functions; evaluate progress against strategic goals and guide adaptive decision-making using an equity-centered (DEIB) lens.
Direct and lead the Data & Technology team; setting clear expectations, delivering regular coaching and feedback, and ensuring rigorous performance management.
Build and maintain a team culture of accountability, excellence, belonging, and continuous improvement with inclusive practices that build team cohesion and trust.
Establish and reinforce shared accountability systems, goal tracking, and adaptive planning practices that drive clarity, alignment with organizational priorities, and results.
Promote cross-functional collaboration across the organization to ensure effective business partnering.
Champion DEIB principles across all team efforts, ensuring that policies, practices, and procedures are implemented consistently and equitably.
Lead the design, evolution, and oversight of the organization’s data and technology ecosystem, including CRM (e.g., Salesforce), data architecture, integrations, and enterprise systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and alignment with business needs.
Serve as the organization’s senior authority on data analytics, advancing the use of descriptive, diagnostic, and, where appropriate, predictive analytics to inform strategy, operations, and program effectiveness.
Translate complex business questions into analytic approaches, models, and tools; synthesize findings into actionable insights for executive and non-technical audiences.
Oversee and hold accountable managed IT service providers and technology vendors, ensuring high-quality service delivery, system performance, cybersecurity compliance, and alignment with organizational priorities and service-level expectations.
Guide system architecture and data model design to ensure interoperability, efficient data flows, and reduced manual processes across platforms.
Lead the development and governance of dashboards, reporting frameworks, and data products that provide timely, accurate, and accessible insights across the organization.
Establish and enforce data governance practices, including data quality standards, access controls, documentation, and lifecycle management to ensure integrity, security, and compliance.
Champion responsible and strategic use of AI and emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with organizational values, ethical standards, and practical use cases.
Partner with cross-functional leaders to prioritize and implement technology and analytics initiatives that improve operational efficiency, stakeholder experience, and equitable outcomes.
Operate as a “leader-doer” in a small nonprofit setting—balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution across analytics, systems administration, vendor coordination, and problem-solving.
Build organizational capacity for data use through training, tools, and support systems that enable staff to confidently access, interpret, and apply data in their roles.
Develop scalable processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures to improve consistency, reduce risk, and ensure continuity across systems and workflows.
Oversee the accuracy, timeliness, and alignment of all internal and external reporting, including dashboards, funder reporting, and operational metrics.
Continuously assess and improve data and technology policies, practices, and systems to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Manage and prioritize a portfolio of data and technology initiatives, balancing competing demands, resource constraints, and organizational impact.
Other Duties As Assigned