Nonprofit HR

Head of Information Technology

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Head of Information Technology to lead our Information Technology team. The Folger is preparing to reopen in June 2024 after a four-year building renovation, which includes an expanded footprint and redeveloped digital infrastructure. The Head of Information Technology will be expected to develop and implement a vision and strategy for the Folger’s IT resources, in conjunction with stakeholders across the institution. Under the supervision of the Director of Operations, they will supervise a team of 2-3 full-time staff, plus contract help, to manage the organization’s technology systems and provide excellent customer service to around 160 end users. 

The ideal candidate for the Head of Information Technology role at The Folger Shakespeare Library should be prepared to spearhead the development and execution of a multi-year IT strategy aligned with organizational goals, in collaboration with stakeholders across the institution. The selected candidate should be ready to assess and prioritize long-range technology priorities, map out system lifetimes, and plan for upgrades and replacements as needed. Additionally, they should be prepared to stay updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements, while effectively managing budgets and promoting a culture of innovation and resilience within the IT team. The ideal candidate possesses formal training in network administration, extensive experience in managing staff and administering network environments, and proficiency in articulating and addressing complex technology issues while keeping abreast of emerging technologies and best practices.

This standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm, which is a 35-hour work week with an hour unpaid lunch daily. This position works primarily onsite with the ability for occasional telework. May be required to respond outside of normal working hours in cases of emergency. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date. 

Health & safety: The health and well-being of all staff, contractors, and visitors is our top priority. While the Folger no longer requires masks or vaccinations (except for AEA spaces), we support and encourage individuals to take the safety precautions they are most comfortable with, and we ask that individual choices are respected. The Folger offers organization-funded healthcare plans for full-time staff and extensive leave options to all staff in the case of any health issues that arise. 

Compensation: 

• This is a monthly-paid salary position with a pay range of $120,000-$140,000 annually.
• Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including a generous 403b contribution and match, outlined at https://www.folger.edu/employee-benefits. 

Duties: 

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a multi-year IT strategy for the Folger aligned with organizational mission and goals, utilizing strategy as the basis for resource allocation, personnel and IT related decision-making.
• Requires demonstrated proficiency in overseeing and coordinating contracted personnel and external vendors.
• Works with Folger leadership and other designated staff to identify and implement long-range technology priorities that enable staff , visitors, and students to work effectively on premise and in hybrid working conditions and ensure Folger data systems and infrastructure function at an optimal level.
• Map out system lifetimes and create roadmap for upgrades and replacements.

Department and Organization Priorities

• Assumes full responsibility for the computer operations of the Folger, which include the infrastructure, systems, hardware, operational and office operations software, data security, backup, and protection of data assets. 
• Facilitates the strategy for threat detection, response and recovery across the Folger's IT and digital infrastructure.
• Supports department specific software and systems including working with the Collections department in administering servers for the Folger’s ILS and digital preservation systems. 
• Supports division specific software and systems and provides technical support to the institution’s web sites, ensuring best practices are followed in the administration of the Folger’s cloud environment.
• Analyzes requests for projects to identify scope, complexity, resources, and feasibility. Identifies how each department’s use of the system impacts other departments; educates users and facilitates communication between departments as relates to technology.
• Liaises with Visitor Experience and Marketing & Communications teams on servers, additions, or migrations for digital signage.
• Evaluates, maintains, and oversees improvements to the BARD2 Intranet site to facilitate staff communication, productivity, and education.
• Administers Wi-Fi network and access points for staff, contractors, and the public. 
• Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect the organization's data. Stay updated on industry best practices and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Departmental Management

• Supervises the Systems Engineer in maintaining the integrity of the computer infrastructure, including wiring and connections, shared software and files, switches, hubs, and configuration design. 
• Oversees all network troubleshooting and problem resolution and upgrades and updates. Maintains a dependable Internet connection and VPN connections.
• Explores new technologies and industry trends and identifies ways the Folger can enhance and grow operations of the IT team.
• Develops and manages team budgets to ensure technology needs of the institution are met and expanded. Analyzes budget to actuals. Develops strategies for increasing and reducing expenses in support of institutional priorities. Works with other departments in understanding the impact of IT costs.
• Develops and updates IT best practices and procedures and complies with regulatory requirements such as PCI compliance and record retention. Responsible for documentation of all IT procedures and promoting IT policy transparency to the rest of the institution. Plans and implements a program of business continuity and vital records disaster mitigation and recovery. 
• Nurtures a high-performing, flexible IT Infrastructure team through effective recruitment, training, and mentoring. Promotes a culture of innovation and resilience, enabling the team to respond adeptly to the evolving infrastructure needs.
• Tracks work portfolios for all IT staff to ensure that ownership of functions is clearly defined, that no area is unstaffed, and that workload is equitable across the IT staff.
• Works closely with staff to ensure a high level of customer service focused on education and collaboration.

Supervisory Duties: 

• This role will immediately supervise a team of two, including a Systems Engineer and an IT Systems and Support Specialist. Other supervisory duties may include overseeing additional contracted support.

Education and Certifications:

• Formal training or certification in network administration required.
• Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General; Computer Science; Information Science/Studies; or Management Information Systems desired. 

Experience:

• Five to eight years’ experience managing a staff and administering a network environment of at least 100 or more users.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing strategic initiatives in information technology in complex environments.
• Progressive experience managing a computer department staff and administering a network in a hybrid cloud environment, with both PCs and Macs. 
• Experience in providing computing support in a library, archive, museum, or other cultural heritage environment desired. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Able to handle multiple priorities within a complex environment with an eye towards future technologies. 
• Commitment to remaining at the forefront of IT innovation, actively engaging in continuous learning, and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Must be able to develop, write and maintain procedures and manuals.
• Knowledge of web-based technologies and database administration a plus. 
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communication and organizational proficiency required. 
• Able to articulate and explain complex technology issues clearly, manage budgets and participate in pan-institutional decision-making on technology issues.
• Extensive knowledge with internet and other voice/data communications, hardware components, and how to conduct trouble-shooting routines and diagnostics.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Nonprofit HR is committed to fostering and maintaining a work environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fully integrated into everything we do for the benefit of our employees and the clients that we serve. To fully realize our goal, we prioritize our understanding of the complexities of DEI within our workforce to inform our approach to talent management. We believe that this guides how we do our work, advise our clients to operationalize DEI and position our content and educational opportunities help strengthen the talent management capacity of the social impact sector.

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