Director of Technology

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

Independent Sector (IS) is the nation's membership organization for nonprofits and philanthropy. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.

Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our services. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

Summary

The Director of Technology serves as the senior technology leader for Independent Sector and is responsible for the strategic direction, governance, security, and performance of the organization's technology ecosystem. This position provides enterprise-wide leadership in technology planning, digital transformation, data governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and business intelligence initiatives that advance organizational effectiveness and mission impact.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Technology develops and implements technology strategies that align with Independent Sector's strategic priorities and operational needs. The Director leads the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, ensures the security and integrity of organizational systems and data, and fosters a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible technology stewardship.

This role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and serves as a trusted advisor to organizational leadership on technology investments, opportunities, risks, and trends.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership and Technology Planning

• Develops and executes a comprehensive technology strategy and multi-year technology roadmap aligned with Independent Sector's mission, strategic plan, and operational objectives.
• Serves as the organization's principal advisor on technology, cybersecurity, data management, AI, and digital innovation.
• Partners with the Senior Leadership Team to identify opportunities for technology-enabled improvements in organizational performance, constituent engagement, operational efficiency, and mission impact.
• Advises leadership and the Board on technology trends, investments, risks, and emerging opportunities.
• Leads evaluation and implementation of innovative technologies that strengthen organizational capabilities while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Technology Operations and Infrastructure

• Provides overall leadership and oversight for technology architecture, applications, infrastructure, systems integration, telecommunications, hardware, software, and technology service providers.
• Oversees the administration, maintenance, support, and continuous improvement of enterprise technology systems, including the organization's Salesforce-centered technology environment.
• Ensures reliable, secure, and efficient technology operations that support organizational needs.
• Establishes performance standards and service expectations for technology systems and vendors.
• Leads technology-related project portfolios and ensures successful delivery of strategic initiatives.

Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence

• Develops and maintains enterprise data governance practices that promote data quality, accessibility, security, and effective decision-making.
• Leads organizational efforts to leverage business intelligence, reporting, analytics, and data visualization tools to improve organizational performance.
• Guides the evaluation, deployment, and governance of artificial intelligence and automation technologies across the organization.
• Supports development of policies, standards, and ethical guidelines for the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies.
• Identifies opportunities to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and organizational learning through technology-enabled innovation.

Cybersecurity, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Establishes and maintains a comprehensive cybersecurity and risk management framework designed to protect organizational systems, data, and operations.
• Develops and enforces technology policies, standards, protocols, and controls to mitigate risk and strengthen organizational resilience.
• Oversees cybersecurity monitoring, incident response planning, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities.
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory, contractual, privacy, and security requirements, including PCI, GDPR, and other relevant standards.
• Regularly assesses organizational technology risks and recommends appropriate mitigation strategies.

Leadership and Management

• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for technology staff and consultants.
• Builds a high-performing technology function focused on service, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Establishes departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and performance measures aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversees technology-related vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements.
• Manages the technology budget and technology investments to ensure effective and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, learning, inclusion, accountability, and customer service.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees outsourced technology firm. Supervisory responsibilities may be assigned as additional team capacity is added.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in information technology, digital transformation, enterprise systems, or related functions.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience leading and developing professional staff and teams.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing organizational technology strategies that support mission-driven organizations.
• Experience leading enterprise technology environments, including CRM platforms, cloud-based systems, cybersecurity programs, and data governance initiatives.
• Experience evaluating, implementing, and governing artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
• Experience managing technology budgets, vendors, contracts, and strategic technology investments.

Qualifications:

• Strategic thinker who effectively aligns technology investments and initiatives with organizational goals and mission outcomes.
• Demonstrates executive presence and the ability to influence, advise, and partner with senior leaders and board members.
• Builds trust and collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Leads organizational change and technology adoption efforts with a focus on engagement and successful outcomes.
• Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Develops and empowers staff through coaching, mentoring, delegation, and professional development.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, ethical leadership, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and transparency.
• Drives accountability, continuous improvement, and results across teams and projects.
• Knowledge of technology systems and platforms commonly used by nonprofit organizations, associations, and membership-based organizations.
• Strong understanding enterprise technology architecture, cybersecurity, data governance, cloud technologies, and systems integration.
• Knowledge of AI, machine learning, automation tools, and emerging technology trends.
• Ability to translate organizational needs into practical technology solutions.
• Strong project and portfolio management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution

Work Environment:

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Less than 5% of travel is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000–$150,000. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check.