As a key technical leader, the Director of Technology guides the Center for Effective Philanthropy's (CEP) technology roadmap, software development, and IT infrastructure. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, Operations, and Technology, the Director partners with Data Systems Engineers and other internal and external stakeholders to design and develop systems that underpin CEP's assessment tools for foundation leaders and YouthTruth's student survey reports for schools, districts, and networks. This role is instrumental in identifying and driving process efficiencies, maintaining and improving upon existing technical systems, planning for the future, and collaborating with staff. The Director will also have oversight of CEP's technical infrastructure and applications including CRM, a proprietary online reporting system, and websites. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leaders across the organization and leverage technical expertise in impactful, mission-driven initiatives.
This position is available in our Cambridge, MA office.
Key Responsibilities :
Strategic Leadership :
- Lead initiatives related to digital transformation, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing to drive business impact and efficiency.
- Oversee the development, maintenance, and enhancement of CEP's proprietary software and systems, including the Online Reporting System (ORS), which serves as the backbone of CEP's survey tool and a critical driver of earned revenue. Develop and maintain a technology roadmap that aligns with the organization's overall strategy and departmental needs, ensuring adaptability to future needs.
Resource Management :
Supervise and mentor two Data System Engineers, including conducting performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.Foster a collaborative environment within the Technology team and across departments to ensure alignment on projects and initiatives while promoting a culture of teamwork and innovation.Evaluate proposed technology applications, systems, and expenditures to ensure coordination, mission alignment, and to meet agreed upon thresholds for return on investment and operational impact.Manage relationship with CEP's external IT provider to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and support that align with organizational goals.Annually review and adjust the IT budget to align with changing business priorities, centering cost-benefit analysis while maximizing impact.Technical and Project Management :
Assign duties, schedule work, and prioritize projects based on organizational needs, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with the organization's goals.Develop project plans and processes with focus on continual improvement of the efficiency and success of technology projects.Enhance communication and collaboration with key stakeholders at various levels across the organization. Regularly update stakeholders on project progress and solicit feedback.Lead the planning, development, and coordination of the organization's technology systems, including implementing quality assurance processes, and ensuring the security and effective management of organizational data and websites.Manage technology vendor relationships. Activities include negotiating contracts, setting service level agreements when applicable, maintaining regular communications to ensure alignment, and evaluating vendor performance.In collaboration with the IT managed service provider, establish and oversee a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy - including regular audits, vulnerability assessments, and response plans to mitigate potential security risk- and technology-related disaster recovery procedures.Overview of CEP's Technical Environment
CEP's IT infrastructure is cloud-based. Critical operations run on Hybrid-Azure AD and AWS for cloud hosting, with key applications including Office 365, macOS, Salesforce, and QuickBooks Online for ERP. We use Cisco Meraki for network management and maintain robust cybersecurity measures across all layers.Current technology stack includes Windows and Linux servers, OKTA, and Fortinet Firewalls.The Ideal Candidate
You can effectively cultivate a productive working relationship with senior leadership and also support your data and client analyst colleagues in a fast-paced environment while being thorough and results-oriented.You are organized, collaborative, and excited to work cross-functionally while building relationships and generating influence across the company.You exhibit excellent judgment and an understanding of change management practices.You have exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. You are a strong and persuasive writer who is able to develop well-written memos and briefs that can be understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.You bring an aptitude for - and strong commitment to - continuous improvement within processes and disciplines, helping to evolve from the current state into leveraging new mindsets and approaches.You have an understanding of the ambiguity and uncertainty of working with technology on unique problems and have the desire to create structures, evolve systems, and build new capabilities to better serve our customers.You take pride in your work and take the necessary steps to ensure the projects you manage are high-quality.You are enthusiastic about CEP's mission and values.Your Background, Experience, and Interests
At least 10 years' experience in technology, with at least 5 years' experience in people and project management as well as the development and implementation of technology strategies.Proven track record of successfully implementing organizational-wide technology initiatives.A strong understanding of cloud architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure) and their applications within a data-driven environment, including experience with cloud deployment, scaling, and management.Significant experience with data management and warehousing.Experience with code management and review tools such as Github, fostering a collaborative and transparent development environment.Familiarity with SaaS based software and SSO, SAML Integration and Integration through APIs.Experience managing and directing the technical aspects of a CRM system, preferably Salesforce.Familiarity with Software Life Cycle, Disaster Recovery Plans, and DevOps management.A degree (or related practical experience) in computer programming or related field a plus.Benefits
Our nonprofit model is central to our identity : our bottom line is impact, not profit. Yet even as a nonprofit, we successfully compete for top talent across both the public and private sectors and offer competitive compensation and benefits, including :
A commitment to pay parity and salary equity. The annual base salary for this position is $183,000. In addition, this role is eligible for a competitive Performance Based Incentive Compensation.Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.Generous paid time off plan, including three weeks of annually accrued vacation, up to 15 holidays, plus an end-of-year break.401(k) plan with a 1 : 1 Employer Match up to 5% of total compensationGenerous annual personal professional development allowance.Health savings, flexible spending and dependent care tax free savings plans.Life insurance covered 100% by the organization.We strive to balance in-person time with flexibility and the needs of each person, their team, and the larger organization. We believeculture, collaboration, communication, trust- and relationship-building, training, and certain kinds of creative work benefit from in-office interactions - and we believe that the flexibility of remote work also has many advantages. We expect staff to be in the office at least two days per week, and more frequently during new staff introduction periods to support a robust orientation. Everyone will enjoy the option to work fully remotely from anywhere four weeks per year.
Location
We have offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. The YouthTruth team resides alongside staff in other departments at The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), YouthTruth's parent nonprofit. This role is based in our Cambridge, MA office.
Our Process
Our rolling process includes three interview rounds : an initial phone conversation, a skills assessment, and a team interview round. Our process also includes the checking of references in the final stages. Check out CEP's careers page to learn more about how we hire.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Salary : $183,000
