Fractional Chief Technology Officer / Technology Advisor

Position Summary

Just A Start is seeking a fractional Chief Technology Officer / Technology Advisor to provide strategic technology leadership, vendor oversight, and internal guidance as the organization continues to strengthen its technology infrastructure, cybersecurity practices, and systems planning.

This role is intended to serve as Just A Start’s internal technology expert and “owner’s representative,” helping the organization evaluate technology needs, assess vendor recommendations, oversee implementation of key technology projects, and develop a thoughtful, practical IT strategy aligned with organizational goals.

The Fractional CTO / Technology Advisor will work closely with Just A Start’s leadership team and external IT provider, InSource, to ensure that technology decisions are well-informed, cost-effective, secure, and responsive to the needs of staff and programs.

This is a part-time, fractional role and may be structured as an independent contractor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Assess Just A Start’s current technology environment, systems, infrastructure, and vendor relationships.
• Develop and recommend a practical technology roadmap that supports organizational operations, program delivery, cybersecurity, and long-term growth.
• Advise leadership on technology priorities, risks, investments, and opportunities for improvement.
• Help translate technical issues and recommendations into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical leaders.
• Participate in the annual review of our IT service provider InSource’s proposed IT budget, providing strategic guidance and recommendations to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, security requirements, and anticipated technology needs.

IT Vendor Oversight and Partnership Management

• Serve as Just A Start’s internal point of expertise in working with our IT service provider InSource and other technology vendors.
• Review and evaluate vendor recommendations, proposals, project plans, and service levels.
• Help determine whether proposed technology solutions are appropriate, necessary, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational needs.
• Assess the effectiveness of the current IT support model and help leadership determine whether InSource remains the right long-term partner.
• Support clear communication, accountability, and follow-through between Just A Start and external IT providers.

Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Provide oversight and guidance related to cybersecurity practices, data protection, access controls, and organizational technology risk.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of Just A Start’s Written Information Security Program, Device Security Plan, AI Policy, and related technology policies.
• Help ensure that technology practices are consistent with nonprofit best practices and applicable compliance expectations.
• Identify vulnerabilities or gaps in current systems, processes, or vendor support and recommend practical steps to address them.

Internal Consulting and Staff Support

• Serve as an internal consultant and liaison for technology-related questions, planning, and decision-making.
• Partner with leadership and staff to understand operational pain points and identify technology solutions that improve efficiency, communication, and effectiveness.
• Provide guidance on technology tools, systems integration, device management, security practices, and staff adoption.
• Support organizational change management related to new systems, tools, or technology processes.

Project Oversight

• Provide high-level oversight for technology projects, including upgrades, system changes, cybersecurity initiatives, vendor transitions, or infrastructure improvements.
• Help define project scope, timelines, responsibilities, and success measures.
• Monitor progress and help ensure that projects are completed effectively, on time, and with appropriate communication to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in IT leadership, technology strategy, systems management, cybersecurity, or related fields.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Experience advising senior leadership on technology strategy, vendor management, cybersecurity, and systems planning.
• Strong ability to evaluate IT vendor recommendations, contracts, service levels, and project proposals.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, data privacy, device management, and organizational risk management.
• Practical, hands‑on orientation with the ability to balance strategy with operational realities.
• Experience working with nonprofits, mission‑driven organizations, or small to mid‑sized organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, cloud‑based systems, endpoint/device management, and IT governance practices required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, practical technology leader who can serve as a trusted advisor to Just A Start’s leadership team. They bring strong technical judgment, vendor‑management experience, and the ability to help a mission‑driven organization make sound, strategic, and cost‑conscious technology decisions.

They are not expected to provide day‑to‑day help desk support, but rather to guide the organization at a strategic and operational level, helping ensure that Just A Start has the right technology partners, systems, safeguards, and plans in place.

Engagement Structure

This is envisioned as a fractional, part‑time role, paid on an hourly basis. The scope, schedule, and structure will be determined based on organizational needs and candidate availability. The role may be structured as an independent contractor engagement.

The Fractional CTO / Technology Advisor will report to the Director of Finance and Administration and will work closely with program leaders, Finance, HR, and external IT vendors.

Application Instructions

Please submit a résumé, brief statement of interest, general availability, and your proposed hourly rate.

Please note that the hourly rate listed is a placeholder only. This is envisioned as a contractor role, and the final rate will be negotiated based on the agreed‑upon scope of work and the contractor’s availability.

Work Conditions

This role can be performed primarily remotely, with occasional onsite meetings or technology assessments at Just A Start’s offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Just A Start is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.