Director of IT Operations & Technology Strategy

TITLE: Director of IT Operations & Technology Strategy

REGION: San Rafael CA

LOCATION: Hybrid (on-site remote)

REPORTS TO: Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO)

STATUS: Full-time Exempt

OUR MISSION

10000 Degrees is unlocking student success at scale by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success. The most efficient and effective college success non-profit in the U.S. 10000 Degrees mission is to achieve educational equity and to support students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to realize their full potential and positively impact their communities and the world. We envision a world where all students regardless of race ethnicity or socioeconomic background will have the full range of educational opportunities support and resources to realize their potential. Accepting a role at 10000 Degrees implies a personal commitment to this mission.

OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Technology Strategy is the driving force behind the organizations technological vision aligning our IT function with our Strategic Plan goals. This role is a critical resource to the organizations 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.

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 organizations 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 organizations 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors 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
• Nonprofit experience preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical dental vision and life insurance; check out our full benefit options HERE
• 15 days paid vacation holidays and paid sick leave
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional development including conferences seminars webinars and directed career advice

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

To perform the essential functions of this position employees may be required to:

• Sit stand talk hear reach stoop kneel and use hands and fingers to operate a computer telephone and keyboard.
• Have close-vision ability due to computer work.
• Engage in moderate occasional lifting.
• Have a reliable means of transportation to attend regular work as well as other off-site business functions.

Note: Due to the nature and conditions of our work applicants must submit to fingerprinting and must pass a tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment and/or provide a clear tuberculosis (TB) test as part of the background check.

EEO

10000 Degrees is an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another as well as the students families and communities we support. We recruit hire employ train promote and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities.

TO APPLY

For immediate consideration please complete the application on the 10000 Degrees Careers page.