Senior Director, Information Technology, Infrastructure

POSITION SUMMARY (Hybrid, minimum of 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA – core hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

We are seeking a seasoned and innovative Senior Director of IT Infrastructure to lead our team in overseeing and enhancing the organization’s IT infrastructure. This pivotal role requires extensive experience in managing onsite and cloud-based systems, network operations, and support teams. The Senior Director will be responsible for designing and implementing infrastructure strategies that ensure operational excellence, security, and scalability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing robust information security measures, modern identity solutions, and optimizing a fully SaaS environment (email, calendaring, Microsoft 0365). This role requires a visionary leader who can drive digital transformation initiatives while ensuring the highest level of service and reliability

This is a senior-level position requiring a high degree of autonomy supporting the office of the CTO. The Senior Director will regularly interact with senior executives and other department heads, ensuring the seamless operation of the organization’s infrastructure. The role demands strategic thinking and an ability to balance long-term planning along with effective day-to-day management of IT Infrastructure and operations. The ideal candidate is expected to have a proactive approach, solving operational issues before they escalate and also routinely inspecting the network infrastructure while proactively looking for issues, and working to improve the organization's Infrastructure and network performance.

This senior-level role demands a dynamic and forward and strategic thinking leader capable of driving transformational IT infrastructure initiatives. The Senior Director of IT Infrastructure will work closely with the Chief Technology Officer and other senior executives, providing strategic direction and ensuring that IT infrastructure supports business growth, operational efficiency, and security. The ideal candidate will be able to balance strategic vision with the technical expertise needed to oversee day-to-day operations, deliver high-impact projects, and ensure business continuity

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

An individual must be able to perform each duty listed below at a satisfactory level:  

• Develop, lead, and implement the strategic planning and execution of all IT infrastructure initiatives, including cloud services, network operations, data center, telecommunications, and the help desk team. 
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure systems, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and security. Including the management and optimization of cloud-based server infrastructure. Ability to assess the need for new equipment and software. 
• Manage relationships with cloud service providers and ensure effective utilization of services. 
• Manage cross-functional IT team responsible for infrastructure, cloud operations, and network management, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
• Develop and implement IT infrastructure policies, procedures, and best practices that align with industry standards and organizational goals.
• Ensure robust and secure network operations, including monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Oversee the helpdesk team to ensure prompt and effective support for all IT-related issues.
• Implement and manage ITIL processes for incident, problem, and change management.
• Drive innovation by identifying and adopting emerging technologies, including modern identity solutions and advanced cloud services, to support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with the Data Privacy & Date Security team to implement and monitor comprehensive cybersecurity measures, ensuring data integrity and protection.
• Lead efforts to modernize legacy systems and transition the company to a fully SaaS-based infrastructure.
• Develop and lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning ensuring that it is robust, tested, and effective for all critical systems.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring performance metrics are met.
• Develop and manage the IT infrastructure budget, ensuring cost efficiency while meeting the needs of the organizational needs and objectives of the business.
• Oversee daily IT Infrastructure operations, including maintenance, and security services, ensuring efficiency and safety. 
• Develop and manage the organization’s technology Infrastructure annual budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and adherence to financial targets. Ensuring that all invoices relating to the infrastructure and services are routed and paid in on-time. Coordinate efforts with the Finance budget team to create and manage the capital budget planning and execution. 
• Ensure timely submission of all contracts to the Business Review Process, including Legal Sufficiency review. 
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for senior leadership regarding all IT Infrastructure and help desk needs. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

• Supervise IT Infrastructure and help desk staff and oversee their work schedules, training, and performance.
• Monitor and maintain all IT Infrastructure systems, including telecommunications, network, and email systems. 
• Provide leadership and mentorship to IT infrastructure and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Oversee cloud migration strategies and the ongoing management of cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Ensure high availability and disaster recovery solutions are in place for critical infrastructure services.
• Monitor the performance of IT infrastructure and make recommendations for improvements to meet business requirements.
• Stay updated on the latest trends in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Partner with stakeholders across the business to understand their needs and ensure infrastructure solutions support overall business objectives. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to facility management and report on progress to senior leadership.
• And other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in managing cloud-based environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and a deep understanding of SaaS architectures, including hands-on experience with email.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing network infrastructure, data centers, and IT operations in a nonprofit environment.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity best practices and experience working closely with security teams to ensure infrastructure security.
• Experience with identity management and access control systems such as SSO, MFA, and other modern identity solutions.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to mentor and lead high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

 This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered. 

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $ 145,000 to $ 155,000 per year.  Salary is determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, ­­­skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

COMPETENCIES

An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:

Accountability/Results Orientation - Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned team. Participates in the articulation of and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Assists in identifying work quality standards and training team members and accepts responsibility for the team's achieved outcomes. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and statue to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action. Contributes own assessment of risks and implications of decisions in team decision-making efforts. Develops and proposes effective alternative solutions. Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making. Knows when to shift decision-making upwards.

Teamwork Collaboration - Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed on a regular basis. Ensures that processes, systems and resources are available and direct them properly to enable the team to efficiently accomplish its goals and objectives. Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Able to focus on assignments during periods of change and/or uncertainty.

Relationship Management - Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organization goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way movement and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications - Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.

Innovation/Creativity - Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the Group. Has a plan to meet Group vision and contribute to overall success. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate into specific, effective action/solutions.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail Victoria.Privett@uww.unitedway.org or call 703 -836-7112 and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

We take the broadest possible view of diversity. 

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

LIVE UNITED.