Director of IT

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.

Job Overview:

We are hiring a strategic, hands-on Director of IT to lead and manage all aspects of Common Sense Media's internal IT systems, infrastructure, and support services. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that our staff have access to secure, reliable, and well-maintained technology across the organization.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Data & Technology, the Director of IT will be responsible for overseeing office and end-user technology systems, managing software and hardware procurement, maintaining IT documentation and support processes, and collaborating with the technical team to enhance the organization's cybersecurity posture through audits and remediation.

Location: San Francisco, California

Reports to: Sr. Director of Data & Technology

Salary: $111,200–$132,050 per year

Type: Full-time, exempt

What You'll Do:

Systems & Infrastructure Management

• Maintain and support all internal systems, including servers, office network, and conference room A/V setups.
• Design and manage secure network infrastructure, including firewalls, 802.1x authentication, RADIUS, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
• Manage DNS configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization across corporate environments.
• Ensure secure and consistent access to organizational tools and services.

Security & Risk Management

• Implement and maintain systems security standards and device management protocols.
• Partner with the Sr. Director of Data & Technology to conduct external cybersecurity audits and remediation.
• Enforce least privilege access principles through role-based access controls.
• Manage SAML & SSO for all company applications.
• Audit and review access permissions on a regular schedule.
• Support the development and maintenance of disaster recovery and backup plans.
• Implement network and access control policies based on security best practices.
• Monitor network traffic patterns and performance, addressing bottlenecks and security concerns.
• Lead incident response for network-related outages or security breaches.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting

• Monitor IT systems performance and recommend improvements in operations and infrastructure.
• Contribute to IT budgeting and planning processes, ensuring cost-effective investments.

IT Operations & Support

• User and device lifecycle management using IDP, MDM, and endpoint protection policies and solutions.
• Develop and maintain automated user provisioning and de-provisioning workflows.
• Develop and deliver IT training programs for staff.
• Oversee daily IT support operations and manage offshore IT support resource(s).
• Ensure timely and professional service to staff across all levels.
• Maintain IT documentation and knowledge bases.
• Assist in website ITOps, monitoring, and maintenance.

Vendor & Procurement Management

• Manage vendor relationships, software licensing, hardware procurement, and contract renewals.
• Evaluate and recommend technology tools and solutions to meet business needs.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (CCPA).

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field; and/or 6+ years of experience in IT systems management, support services, and infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace, JumpCloud IDP, Jamf MDM.
• Strong understanding of SAML and OpenID Connect authentication, OAuth for authorization, and their applications in SCIM and JIT user provisioning.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex SSO and identity federation issues.
• Demonstrated experience with macOS device management and support.
• Deep understanding of network protocols, architecture, and security concepts.
• Experience supporting in-office technology, including networking and conferencing systems.
• Experience with Ubiquiti's UniFi Enterprise networking equipment is desirable.
• Experience with CloudFlare is a plus.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and audit/remediation workflows.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage vendors and external service providers.
• Ability to work on-site and support in-person operations in our San Francisco office.

Our Benefits:

• The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals.
• A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and other key benefits.
• An organization that offers work/life balance.
• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!

Common Sense Media provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Common Sense Media will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.