IT Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Information Technology Lead

Hours : 36 hours per week 

Location: primarily on-site at Santa Fe office with some remote possibility 

Reports to : Chief of Staff

About the Role

The Information Technology Lead is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the Academy for the Love of Learning’s (ALL) technical infrastructure. They will maintain the network, hardware, software, and stack of digital platforms that ALL relies on for its operations and programmatic work and will ensure seamless functionality for both in-person and remote staff. The IT Lead will work with the management team to understand ALL’s current and future technical needs and will proactively develop strategies to meet them.

About Us

The Academy for the Love of Learning is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, focused on reimagining the ways we approach learning and dedicated to nurturing the natural love of learning in individuals of all ages and locations. We seek to encourage and cultivate the powers of critical thought, imagination, curiosity, an innate sense of purpose, wonder and inspiration, and an ongoing awakening of the heart. The overarching intent of our work is to help stimulate and support the rebirth and renewal of learning in America. 

The heart of our work is creating space for transformation. Whether through in-depth programming with in-person groups or guided practices available online, our work remains centered on the unleashing of the love of learning no matter who or where you are. The organization aims to inspire young people and adults by fostering a learning environment rooted in compassion, awareness, freedom, and discovery. Our work is centered around creating engaging experiences for learners of all ages, encouraging them to explore their unique potential and connect deeply with the process of learning. For more information about our history, programs, and mission, please see our website.

Responsibilities

Network & Infrastructure: The IT Lead will maintain and optimize secure and reliable networks, localized servers, Wi-Fi systems on ALL’s Santa Fe campus. They will also maintain and optimize a secure and reliable cloud environment and manage remote access protocols to ensure staff stay connected securely from anywhere. This will include managing ALL’s Google Workspace account and systems for email, calendar, file-sharing, messaging, and other team-wide digital tools. They will oversee the full lifecycle of all technical hardware issued to staff (laptops, tablets, mobile devices), including coordinating physical repairs and provisioning for new onsite or remote hires. 

Security & Compliance: The IT Lead will be responsible for identifying and implementing robust security protocols for ALL networks, systems, and machines. This may include protocols for MFA, encryption, use of personal devices, and other cybersecurity protocols. They will also be responsible for data privacy and will support web developers and other consultants as needed to ensure privacy compliance.

Campus Technology: The IT Lead will be responsible for maintaining technical systems related to the operations of ALL’s Santa Fe campus, including its internal security cameras, audio/video systems, meeting room systems, and printers. They will maintain the conference room A/V systems and provide live technical support for important internal programmatic events, presentations, and/or hybrid meetings. In collaboration with other operational staff, the IT Lead will work with external vendors who provide internet, phones, security, and other essential operational services that integrate with ALL’s technical systems. 

Strategy, Budget & Project Management: The IT Lead will work with management to understand ALL’s vision for programmatic work and will develop a 1-3 year technology roadmap to ensure that ALL has appropriate and reliable systems in place to implement that work. This may include offering virtual or hybrid programs or developing an online learning community environment. They will create and manage annual budgets for IT needs, tracking monthly expenses and working with the Finance Director to reconcile the annual budget. They will create and manage project plans for any repairs or upgrades to digital systems, working with the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Operations Team to ensure smooth ongoing operations. 

Staff Support: The IT Lead will act as primary point of contact for technical issues, providing patient support to a hybrid team with varying technical needs levels of familiarity with different tech systems. They will create and maintain “how-to” guides for hybrid workflows and for campus equipment to empower staff to solve common issues independently. 

Other Duties: The IT Lead will participate as a member of the Operations Team. As a member of ALL staff, they will participate in regular staff meetings and periodic staff retreats, support ALL events where appropriate, and communicate updates to colleagues.

Qualifications

Required

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in IT management or senior systems administration
• Expert knowledge of IT best practices, policies, and regulations 
• Demonstrated experience managing cloud ecosystems (Google/MS365) and Mobile Device Management tools
• Expert proficiency with Mac operating systems and standard office technology
• Proficiency with client/server technology and network architecture
• Proficiency with Video Conferencing hardware and software
• Proficiency with Audio/Video systems
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage shifting priorities and handle multiple projects and deadlines, both in the physical office and in a remote environment 
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, proactively problem-solve, and analytically make decisions
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a supportive team member
• Flexibility regarding work schedule; ability to respond to unexpected urgent situations
• Ability to drive a vehicle (current driver’s license);
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds;

Qualities we seek

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Interpersonal skill and the ability build professional relationships with warmth and enthusiasm;
• Willingness and enthusiasm for problem-solving and troubleshooting;
• Comfort with uncertainty and willingness to adapt;
• Open to new ideas, feels a connection with ALL's mission, and willing to explore pedagogy;
• Collaborative approach and the ability to work across functions and within a team;
• Desire and ability to communicate and work with racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender diverse communities;
• Willingness to hold themselves and others accountable while being sensitive to diverse perspectives
• The capacity for self-reflection
• A ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to pitch in where needed

Academy for the Love of Learning is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection of candidates for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, military service, family medical history, legal source of income, gender identity, political affiliation, or family leave obligations.

This role description is not a contract of employment. Employment is at-will and otherwise subject to the terms of the Academy’s Employee Manual. Academy for the Love of Learning has a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, health and dental insurance, an employer-sponsored retirement plan, and more.