Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summa ry:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director, Technology & Systems provides strategic leadership for KnowledgeWorks’ technology infrastructure, enterprise systems, and digital transformation efforts. This role is responsible for defining and executing technology strategies that drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and support the organization’s long-term strategic objectives.

The Senior Director leads a small IT team and serves as a proactive, cross-functional partner, advancing the organization’s mission through the ethical and effective use of innovative technologies, including AI and automation. This position ensures that IT systems enable staff to work efficiently, securely, and collaboratively, while maintaining compliance and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. The Senior Director also provides strategic technology guidance and insights across program initiatives and organizational teams, ensuring that systems and data infrastructure are scalable, integrated, and aligned with KnowledgeWorks’ mission.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with organizational priorities
• Create a holistic technology roadmap that supports current needs and anticipates future growth
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and digital transformation across teams
• Identify and recommend emerging technologies that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate technology into strategic planning, program delivery and core operations

Innovation and Data Integration

• Act as a strategic advisor to teams across the organization on technology solutions and opportunities
• Evaluate and implement tools, including AI and automation, that improve efficiency and impact
• Stay ahead of technological trends and translate them into actionable insights
• Ensure systems are interoperable, scalable, and aligned with data governance standards

Technology Operations and Infrastructure

• Oversee IT infrastructure including cloud services, networks, storage, and applications
• Ensure high-quality technical support and system reliability for all staff
• Lead technology projects with clear communication, accountability, and budget discipline
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements
• Establish and maintain IT policies, standards, and best practices

Team Leadership and Development

• Manage and mentor the IT team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment
• Set clear goals, provide coaching, and support professional development
• Build strategic partnerships with external vendors and consultants to enhance capabilities

Budget and Vendor Management

• Oversee the IT budget and optimize resource allocation
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and service agreements
• Monitor vendor performance and maintain cost-effective partnerships
• Leverage external relationships to deliver strategic technology solutions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of progressive IT leadership, including strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration
• Experience with IT governance, compliance, and risk management
• Familiarity with AI tools, data privacy, and security best practices
• Experience in nonprofit or K–12 education environments is a plus

Within Your First Two Months, You Will:

• Review and refine existing assessments of IT infrastructure, systems, and vendor relationships to validate findings, identify immediate risks, and highlight improvement opportunities.
• Build relationships across departments to understand organizational needs and how technology can support strategic goals.
• Review the organization's strategic plan to assess alignment of current and planned IT initiatives, identifying areas where further development or clarification may be needed.
• Establish a consistent communication cadence with the COO and IT team to ensure transparency, alignment, and responsiveness.
• Assess IT policies and procedures for compliance, security, and effectiveness, identifying quick wins and areas for targeted enhancements.

Within Your First Year, You Will:

• Strengthen and expand the technology roadmap, ensuring it supports scalability, integration, and alignment with the organization’s evolving needs.
• Advance digital transformation initiatives, building on existing efforts and integrating ethical AI and automation to improve efficiency.
• Improve data infrastructure and interoperability, aligning systems with governance, privacy, and performance standards.
• Develop and empower a high-performing IT team, providing mentorship, professional development, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Optimize vendor partnerships and IT budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and strategic alignment with organizational goals.

What KnowledgeWorks Can Offer You:

• Flexible Schedule
• Cell Phone Stipend
• 401K Match Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matching Gifts Program

If you don’t meet every single requirement listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. Studies have shown that candidates with diverse and backgrounds and experiences are less likely to apply to postings where they don’t meet every qualification exactly as written. KnowledgeWorks is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that fuels our innovation.

KnowledgeWorks prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, KnowledgeWorks takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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