Technology Director

The Technology Director (TD) will lead and develop the Center for Constitutional Rights’ technology to advance our mission and align with our long-term strategic goals. The TD will lead the organization’s internal IT team in managing the day-to-day IT operations, as well as plan and execute new technology projects and initiatives. The TD will supervise, train, and mentor the IT team.

The organization’s website and databases are primarily administered by other departments, and the TD will provide advice and support to them as needed.

The TD is a strategic systems thinker who can also provide hands-on technical leadership when needed. As a self-motivated learner with exceptional communication skills, they are dedicated to achieving technological excellence that enhances and supports our organizational mission. The TD will be skilled and enthusiastic about translating complex technical concepts for all Center for Constitutional Rights staff, regardless of their technical background or level of expertise. They ensure all technology decisions and implementations are based on responsible data practices, strong information security, privacy protection, and ethical principles.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure efficient, effective, and responsive daily IT operations
• Oversee directly or through delegation, all hardware, software, accounts, technology budget, inventories, and IT help desk
• Oversee data infrastructure, record-keeping systems, and other back-end infrastructure to support data security and privacy, operational efficiency, and programmatic impact
• Hire, supervise, train, mentor, evaluate, and support IT staff (currently three people)
• With the Chief Operating Officer (COO), assess technology needs and solutions through a lens of efficiency, functionality, security, privacy, and ethics
• With COO, lead technology planning driven by the Center for Constitutional Rights’ strategic goals
• Design and implement technology changes and improvements with a user-centered approach
• Coordinate with the Communications and Development teams on issues of website and database development and maintenance, and multimedia needs
• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with IT documentation, policies, and procedures
• Continually monitor, assess, and improve systems, practices, policies, and solutions related to technology
• Monitor and stay abreast of developments in relevant technology and digital security, and keep staff apprised of relevant developments
• Lead cybersecurity infrastructure, technology, training, and key initiatives for the organization
• Oversee data infrastructure, record-keeping systems, and other back-end infrastructure to support data security and privacy, operational efficiency, and programmatic impact
• Develop and strengthen training materials, curricula, and learning goals and opportunities for all staff
• Help staff develop digital security plans and mitigation strategies for travel, events, and other risk scenarios
• Oversee the Technology budget in conjunction with the COO
• Manage external technology vendor contracts and relationships
• Work with the COO on implementing information and data management projects and solutions

Current and 1-2 Year Priorities

• Support and create solutions for a geographically dispersed workforce
• Develop better integration of technology cross-organizationally
• Strengthen digital and cyber security
• Strengthen staff comfort and competence with technology through training and support
• Develop written IT documentation, policies, and schematics
• Support the planning and design of IT needs for new office space
• Support internal data management projects

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience using technology to transform organizational effectiveness and goals
• Familiarity with enterprise-level platforms including VMWare, Windows Server (2019 onward), Azure environments, Windows 10/11, G Suite/Google Workspace, and Active Directory
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts appropriately to non-technical audiences
• Proficiency with digital security concepts and applications; experience assessing risks and proactively developing and implementing security incident response
• Ability to take initiative in driving strategies and solving problems
• Strong analytical skills and orientation
• Demonstrated effectiveness in supervising staff in a collaborative environment
• Extensive expertise in desktop and server operating systems, enterprise applications, and hybrid infrastructure environments, including on-premises and cloud-based server architectures
• Commitment to innovation and a strong understanding of the use of technology to enhance organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and user experience
• Experience developing integrated systems and processes in a complex environment
• Demonstrated effectiveness in project management; proven ability to inspire change and lead others through transition
• Demonstrated effectiveness in supervising staff in a collaborative environment
• Experience/aptitude/facility in training both technical and non-technical staff; enthusiasm for helping others improve their tech knowledge and comfort level
• Multi-cultural competence and comfort – ability to work with a diverse team and to work across differences at all levels
• Strong analytical skills and orientation
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong social justice orientation; a belief in and commitment to the Center for Constitutional Rights
• Define and track key performance indicators for IT performance, user satisfaction, and project success
• Promote ongoing professional development and certifications for IT staff
• Background/experience leading or applying technology in a social justice organization or context is strongly preferred

Location: New York City; Hybrid; 2-3 days a week onsite

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Direct reports: Technology Manager, Technology Support Manager, IT and Facilities Associate

Benefits include employer contribution to 401K plan and flexible spending account, vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and 100 percent organization-paid health benefits including medical, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.