Director of Technology - Center for Effective Philanthropy

Center for Effective Philanthropy is currently seeking a Manager/Director of Technology in the Cambridge, Ma location.

This is a hybrid role – two days a week!

As a key technical leader, the Manager/Director of Technology guides the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s (CEP) IT strategy and technological approach. The Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing projects that optimize technologies and allow CEP to advance its mission.

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 to improve tech experiences across the organization. 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.

The Director will also have oversight of CEP’s IT systems, infrastructure, and technologies including CRM, and websites. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leaders across the organization and leverage technical expertise in impactful, mission-driven initiatives.

As a Manager/Director of Technology you will:

• Supervise and mentor two Data System Engineers, including conducting performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
• Manage relationship with CEP’s external IT provider to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and support that align with organizational goals.
• 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.
• Annually review and adjust the IT budget to align with changing business priorities, centering cost-benefit analysis while maximizing impact.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manage technology vendor relationships. Activities include negotiating contracts, setting service level agreements when applicable, maintaining regular communications to ensure alignment, and evaluating vendor performance.
• Enhance communication and collaboration with key stakeholders at various levels across the organization. Regularly update stakeholders on project progress and solicit feedback.
• In collaboration with the IT 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, SQL, Postgres, a custom data visualization application (development managed by a third party, hosting on AWS and built with Ruby on Rails), 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 8 years’ experience in technology.
• 5 plus years of experience in people and project management as well as the development and implementation of technology strategies.
• Experience leading a team of Software Engineers
• Experience managing an IT teams
• Proven track record of successfully implementing organizational-wide technology initiatives.
• Experience managing and directing the technical aspects of a CRM system, preferably Salesforce.
• 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.
• 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.