Director of Information Technology at Search for Common Ground

Location: Washington, DC
Last Date: July 16, 2010
Email: employment@sfcg.org

SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

Director of Information Technology
Based in Washington, DC

Job Description

The Organisation
Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organisation that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG¡¦s mission is to transform how individuals, organisations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 400 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 28 offices in 20 countries, including in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Africa.

Summary of Position
The IT Director is responsible for ensuring that SFCG¡¦s headquarters and field offices have the technology and support needed to meet organizational objectives. The IT Director discerns, recommends, and implements the best and most appropriate technology solutions for the organization. The IT Director will lead IT planning while ensuring daily execution of projects; manage internal and external resources to provide excellent training and support; oversee the enhancement and maintenance of infrastructure; and lead development and integration of information systems. This position, which reports to the Executive Vice President, works closely with other functions to provide organization-wide operational leadership. This is a senior-level position.

Work Environment
Search for Common Ground has a great work environment with a mission of peace-building in the world, hard-working and friendly co-workers, team-building opportunities, and involvement in staff events. The organisation has won numerous awards.

Responsibilities
„X Lead technology planning that is in line with organizational priorities, including consulting with field staff and departments, facilitating meetings, developing and managing an IT budget, and facilitating decision processes.
„X Analyze information and technology needs from a strategic and operational perspective; determine requirements and resources; make recommendations.
„X Develop information systems that meet organization-wide needs and priorities, in consultation with relevant staff and departments. Analyze, recommend, and implement improvements to related work processes. Monitor agreed metrics to assess return on investment.
„X Select, implement, and maintain new technology and information systems, serving as a point of contact and liaison with consultants and vendors, ensuring appropriate investment.
„X Lead and support the field offices in establishing improved and aligned computer networks.
„X Oversee the development and support for SFCG¡¦s IT infrastructure, including: servers, internet, backups, security, email, workstations, and software applications and licenses.
„X Supervise IT staff, including ensuring responsive, customer-service oriented helpdesk support and user administration.
„X Manage IT purchasing and relationships with IT vendors.
„X Assess possible technology solutions to advance SFCG¡¦s knowledge management initiative, including the development of an information management plan.
„X Create and communicate IT plans, policies, and technology initiatives throughout the organization, while ensuring compliance with SFCG policies.
„X Ensure the maintenance of proper documentation of IT systems and procedures.
„X Contribute to fundraising for technology, including in-kind donations and special projects.
„X Update job knowledge by tracking and understanding emerging information technology practices and standards; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
„X Be engaged in the continuing development of the organization, its mission and its staff, through the sharing of experience and knowledge, particularly contributing to its Institutional Learning initiative.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position-holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications
„X Education: A Bachelor¡¦s level degree in Information Technology, engineering, or other relevant field. Additional qualifications in business administration or similar field strongly preferred.
„X Experience: At least 7-10 years of experience in the IT field, including management of a team; effective support of remote stakeholders and users; ability to define and implement changes in business processes; excellent training and communication skills.
„X Proficiency with Microsoft systems infrastructure and end-user technologies, including operating systems, installation, configuration, and management, required.
„X Professional experience in areas such as IT operations, IT security, project management, business process management, and change management.
„X Experience in developing information systems
„X Experience working in an international context
„X Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative and follow-through and the capacity to think creatively and strategically.
„X Demonstrated ability to remain focused and perform well in a fast-paced environment with changing and competing priorities.
„X Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; other languages, especially French, a plus. Ability to translate technical information to non-technical audiences is important.
„X Strong vendor and consultant management skills and experience.
„X Experience in project management
„X Strong leadership skills
„X Strong organisational skills.
„X Help desk management experience, including remote support
„X Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a globally diverse team
„X Ability to travel to global locations upon request
„X Flexibility; and
„X A sense of humour.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education, with excellent benefits

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and current resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to 001 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading: Director of Information Technology. Please be sure to include salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. Please note position title in the subject line of your e-mail. Please note that there will be no visa sponsorship for this position. Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site at www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.