Manager of IT and Digital Infrastructure

Company Description

The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) is an organization that aims to build participatory mechanisms for private-public-planet actions to mitigate risks and make smarter decisions towards more resilient, democratic, and prosperous communities. Our mission is to create a unique nexus where civil society meets and engages the academy, industry, and government to collectively achieve our goals. We envision a world of harmony, equity, and justice for all on a sustainable planet, nurtured by innovation, open collaboration, and engaged citizenry.

Role Description

The Manager of IT and Digital Infrastructure at GCRI is responsible for overseeing and guiding the organization’s technological direction, ensuring that all systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with GCRI’s mission and objectives. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the organization’s digital assets and infrastructure support its research, collaboration, and outreach activities efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic IT Planning:
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with GCRI’s goals and future growth.
   • Stay updated with the latest technological trends and innovations to ensure GCRI remains at the forefront of its field.
2. Infrastructure Management:
   • Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of GCRI’s digital infrastructure, including servers, networks, and cloud services.
   • Ensure high availability and optimal performance of IT systems and applications.
3. Security and Compliance:
   • Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect GCRI’s data and digital assets.
   • Ensure all IT practices comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
4. Team Leadership and Development:
   • Lead the IT team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
   • Provide training and resources to ensure the team stays updated with the latest IT skills and knowledge.
5. Vendor and Resource Management:
   • Evaluate and select IT vendors, ensuring quality services and products at competitive prices.
   • Manage IT budgets and ensure cost-effective allocation of resources.
6. Digital Transformation:
   • Drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance GCRI’s operational efficiency and user experience.
   • Collaborate with various departments to understand their IT needs and implement solutions.
7. Support and Troubleshooting:
   • Oversee the IT support team to ensure timely resolution of issues and minimal downtime.
   • Implement proactive measures to reduce system vulnerabilities and potential issues.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT management, with a proven track record of leading IT projects and teams. Experience in a nonprofit or research-oriented organization is advantageous.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Familiarity with relevant tools, platforms, and programming languages.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and mentor a diverse IT team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex IT challenges and derive actionable solutions.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capability to explain complex IT concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Forward-thinking and proactive approach to IT challenges and opportunities, with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.

 

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: This position is primarily on a volunteer basis, underscoring the dedication and enthusiasm for GCRI’s overarching mission and goals.

Performance-Based Incentives: Despite its volunteer nature, GCRI provides incentives for outstanding achievements. These are granted for:

• Achieving specific IT milestones that align with GCRI’s strategic objectives.
• Successfully implementing and maintaining critical digital infrastructure projects.

Non-Monetary Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to training sessions, workshops, and industry conferences, all facilitated by GCRI.
• Networking Opportunities: Receive invitations to premier events, seminars, and symposiums, broadening your professional connections.
• Recognition: Exceptional performance doesn’t go unnoticed at GCRI. Noteworthy contributions to IT and digital infrastructure will receive public commendation, elevating your professional profile.

Reimbursements: GCRI ensures coverage for all role-related expenditures, encompassing:

• Travel costs for official responsibilities.
• Dining expenses during professional meetings.
• Essential software or tools vital for the role’s efficacy.

Contractual Provisions: Our contractual agreement will distinctly outline:

• The benchmarks and scenarios for incentive allocation, such as the successful deployment of a significant IT project.
• Clauses that guarantee the compensation framework adheres rigorously to nonprofit regulations, particularly regarding performance-based incentives.

 

Policies and Opportunities

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: At GCRI, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Our equal opportunity ethos ensures that all managerial appointments and decisions are anchored in qualifications, merit, and organizational requirements, without regard to race, gender, religion, age, or any other protected status.

Internal Growth and Advancement: GCRI cherishes its team members and often looks within its ranks when filling positions. The commitment, insights, and passion our managers bring position them as prime candidates for elevated roles within our structure.

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination and Harassment: GCRI is a sanctuary of respect and safety. We strictly prohibit any form of harassment or discrimination, ensuring every team member feels valued and secure.

Continuous Professional Enhancement: At GCRI, managerial roles aren’t just positions; they’re avenues for continuous growth. We facilitate a plethora of seminars, workshops, and courses aimed at equipping our managers with future-ready skills, enhancing their current roles and priming them for elevated positions within GCRI.

Balancing Professional Commitments: Recognizing the multifaceted responsibilities our managers might shoulder, GCRI offers adaptable work schedules and options for remote engagement, ensuring effective contribution without compromising on personal well-being.

Open Dialogue and Evolution: Transparent communication is the cornerstone of our growth. GCRI values feedback from its managerial cadre, ensuring we evolve in sync with their insights. Periodic reviews and open discussions ensure every perspective is considered, valued, and integrated.

Upholding Data Integrity and Confidentiality: The confidence our managers place in us is sacred. GCRI is committed to the highest standards of data protection, ensuring all personal information is safeguarded with utmost diligence and accessed only by authorized individuals.

Engagement Beyond Boundaries: GCRI’s aspirations transcend our immediate confines. We empower our managers to interact with the larger community, providing a platform to effect meaningful global change.

Navigating the Future Landscape: With the future teeming with prospects, GCRI stands at the cusp of this transformation. Our managers gain unparalleled insights into the paradigms shaping the future, ensuring they’re not just ready but ahead of the curve. This foresight, coupled with our dedication to professional development, guarantees our managers are primed for the myriad opportunities on the horizon.

 

Workflow & Structure

At the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), we’ve cultivated a unique organizational model that emphasizes collaboration, integration, and collective intelligence. Here’s a breakdown of our managerial workflow and the role of committees within the GCRI structure:

1. Managerial Roles:

Centralized Communication Hub: All managerial roles, regardless of their specific domain, operate through a centralized communication hub. This hub serves as the nexus for:

• Real-time performance reviews by directors.
• Day-to-day communications, ensuring alignment and swift decision-making.
• Knowledge sharing, promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Management Board Participation: Every manager is a member of the Management Board, ensuring they are not only leaders in their respective domains but also key decision-makers for the organization at large.

2. Committee-Centric Operations:

Unified Vision: Managers participate in various committees, ensuring they’re always aligned with GCRI’s broader goals. This participation ensures that while they have domain-specific responsibilities, they’re also attuned to the organization’s overarching mission.

Inter-departmental Collaboration: The committee structure is designed to foster collaboration. Managers bring their domain-specific insights to these committees, ensuring that strategies and solutions are holistic, considering all facets of a challenge.

Breaking Down Silos: The committee-centric model ensures no department operates in isolation. This structure promotes a seamless flow of ideas, resources, and innovations across all departments.

3. GCRI’s Holistic Structure:

Director of Committees: All managers report to the Director of Committees. This role is pivotal in overseeing the seamless integration of all managerial functions, ensuring that the committee-centric model operates efficiently.

Committee Operations: Committees are the operational backbone of GCRI. They ensure:

• A unified approach to problem-solving.
• Streamlined resource allocation.
• Continuous feedback loops, promoting iterative improvements.

Managerial Integration: While managers have specific responsibilities, their active participation in committees ensures they’re always working in harmony with other departments, driving collective success.