PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

This is a hands-on leadership position for the information technology (IT) department at IFES and is responsible for all aspects of the IT infrastructure for approximately 140 people at headquarters, and support advisory services for almost 45 field offices. The Director is responsible for ensuring that the IT Department is directly aligned with IFES’ culture and strategic plan, as well as its designs for future growth. The Director of IT reports to the Chief Financial Officer and serves on the senior leadership team as a strategic partner in envisioning the growth and development of IFES’s “next chapter” with a specific emphasis on information technology as a key strategic component for success in the future. The position is based on-site in Arlington, VA.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Design, progressively update and manage the overall IT system configuration in a manner that enhances organizational, team and individual productivity. 
• Oversee all aspects of IFES’ information technology infrastructure and maintain business continuity for all systems. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Maintain IFES computer and hosted phone systems at all times to ensure HQ and field offices have uninterrupted services. 
• Design and maintain e-mail and phone communications systems and provide redundancy to facilitate 24/7/365 availability.
• Maintain and improve an information sharing/collaboration platform for IFES to house working documentation in an effective manner. This includes access to field personnel and access for HQ from anywhere in the world.

• Provide IFES with a reliable and high-performing knowledge management system.

• Integration of disparate IFES systems into a one-stop shop where IFES personnel can find information easily without having to access different systems. Bring corporate information to the desktop.
• Associate various information resources (video, audio, documents, presentations, pictures) to provide IFES with all relevant data relating to projects in a central location.

• Support the organization’s multimedia capacity to include webcast, web meetings, and podcasts.
• Provide security for all IFES systems through firewall, virus protection, spam filters and policies.
• Support field personnel with regard to office setup and provide guidance for whatever procurement and policies are necessary for them to be effective and secure.
• Advise Program teams on ICT procurements for election management bodies (EMBs) and other IFES partners.
• Provide direct project assistance to Program teams when applicable.

• In he IT Department has skills in network security, design, implementation, and procurement that have been utilized by the Programs teams in the past for direct billable projects.

• Hire, manage, develop, and coach IT staff, encouraging continuous growth and development.

• Seamlessly manage external vendors and contractors.

• Develop and manage the departmental budget and demonstrate sound fiduciary stewardship in the management of the department’s financial resources by finding ways to maximize the value of every dollar spent while minimizing costs and streamlining processes when possible.

• Other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor and Executive leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required in information technology, computer science or a related discipline. Master’s degree in relevant discipline preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 10 years of progressive experience managing a team of IT professionals.
•  Proven experience in strategic planning and execution, IT infrastructure (including the installation, customization, maintenance and monitoring of Windows Servers), setup and management of VMware Virtual servers, disaster recovery, network administration, systems migration/upgrade, knowledge of Virtual Private Networks, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet network configurations, planning and development, project management, and policy development. 
•  Extensive experience with Microsoft Office 365 products including Azure Active Directory, SharePoint, Teams, Advanced Threat Protection, InTune, Compliance, and Power Apps. Familiarity with AWS a plus.
• Experience with Compliance issues and GDPR policies to protect Corporate data as well as Personal Identifiable Information (PII).
• Experience with systems design and development, from business requirements analysis through to day-to-day management.
• Knowledge of programming languages, database administration, web development, and business intelligence.

RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills and a capacity to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership, management and team mentoring skills.
• Excellent negotiating skills.
• Experience with both Headquarters and Field offices.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  English required.
TRAVEL:  Travel may be required up to 20%.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Monthly Benefit Allowance paid directly to all employees
• Employer paid life and AD&D insurance at 3x base salary
• 401(k) retirement plan with 1:1 employer match up to 6%
• Employer paid Short and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Generous vacation (starting at 3 weeks and increasing with time of service), sick leave, and personal leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program

APPLY TODAY!