Rainforest Action Network

Information Technology Director

ABOUT RAN

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, peaceful direct action, grassroots organizing, strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop their destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt policies that reduce their contributions to climate change. With a budget of approximately $13 million and an international staff of approximately 65 (based in San Francisco to New York to London to Asia), RAN works toward a world where the rights and dignity of all communities are respected and where healthy forests, a stable climate, and wild biodiversity are protected and celebrated.

RACIAL JUSTICE

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work, which includes bringing an intentional racial justice analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this ongoing process and work with us to create a just and inclusive work environment and world.

RAN values diversity in race, class, gender, culture, and religion, and implements programs internally to ensure that staff, board, and activists understand and adopt anti-oppression principles. For more information about RAN’s history, culture, and philosophy, please visit RAN’s website.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented IT Director to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in supporting our global IT infrastructure, implementing solutions, and providing day-to-day support to meet the needs of a geographically dispersed team of over 60 staff across more than 12 countries. Responsibilities encompass a blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role reports directly to the CFO and works collaboratively across departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

IT Services

  • Manage Information technology onboarding and offboarding of staff, ensuring seamless integration into the IT ecosystem,
  • Provide including but not limited to providing:
    • day-to-day staff support and troubleshooting.
    • Staff training in software and hardware solutions.
    • End-user support for laptops, mobile devices and equipment in the office.

Vendor Management and Collaboration

  • Collaborate with third-party vendors and consultants to identify and evaluate potential solutions, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon service levels.
  • Recommend vendors based on organizational needs, budget constraints, and security best practices (in consultation with the CFO).
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Development, Finance) to implement and maintain new technologies and systems that align with departmental goals.
  • Identify, deploy, and support improved remote collaboration solutions and hybrid meetings.

System Management and Operations

  • In collaboration with CFO, oversee the management and optimization of the IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, network, and cloud services.
  • Analyze existing software and platforms to identify opportunities for improvement, efficiency gains, security vulnerabilities, and alignment with current business needs.
  • Evaluate current IT services for performance, scalability, security, and user experience (including infrastructure, vendor management, security measures, and help desk support).
  • Make recommendations to the CFO for new software and platforms based on organizational needs, budget constraints, and security best practices.
  • Develop and implement data migration plans for transitioning to new platforms from legacy systems, to ensure data integrity and to minimize downtime, disruption, and burden for staff.
  • Provide training and support to users during and after system migrations.

Maintenance & Security

  • Lead and execute IT projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets are met (in collaboration with the CFO).
  • Generate reports on IT infrastructure and support metrics (application downtime, security incidents, repeated end-user requests, opportunities for training and infrastructure improvements, etc.) for the CFO, management, and stakeholders.
  • Develop, implement, and enforce robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard organizational data and systems, including but not limited to:
  • Backup systems for critical data, including resilient disaster recovery.
  • Multi-factor authentication, password management, hardware tokens, and passkeys.
  • Timely software updates.
  • VPN policy.
  • Comprehensive incident response plan
  • Work with the CFO to develop and deploy criteria for preserving documents as exceptions to Data Hygiene Policies and develop/revise relevant Policies as needed.
  • Manage and administer various solutions (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Nextcloud) for optimal performance and security.
  • Explore potential for open-source alternatives for productivity tools (e.g. Mattermost).
    Maintain detailed and up-to-date IT documentation, including asset tracker, system configurations, procedures, security protocols, and user guides for all tools.
  • Conduct ongoing education and periodic testing against spear phishing and other cyberattacks against staff.
  • Establish and enforce clear policies for data protection, access control, and acceptable use of IT resources.
  • Stay abreast of the latest trends, vulnerabilities, and best practices in information security, and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
  • Educate staff on best practices to secure their personal devices and accounts.

Reporting & Analysis

  • Analyze organizational and departmental objectives and needs and recommend technology solutions to boost productivity, efficiency, and security.
  • Continually analyze processes, technologies, and vendors to find areas for improvement and cost savings, translating findings into actionable recommendations for the CFO, including:
  • Upgrades to existing hardware or software to improve performance and scalability.
  • Implementation of new technologies to automate tasks and streamline workflows.
  • Consolidation of vendors to reduce costs and improve manageability.
  • Outsourcing of specific IT functions to free up internal resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics and qualifications:

  • A minimum of 10 years of work experience in Information Technology, preferably including cybersecurity, is required.
  • Strong understanding of LAN/WAN administration, cybersecurity best practices, and service contracts.
  • Previous experience in:
    • International non-profit environment preferred.
    • Creating IT infrastructure policies and building and implementing new systems.
    • Evaluating security and usability of privacy-focused apps and platforms.
    • Data Hygiene policy development, planning and implementation (including automated systems in e.g. Google Suite, Slack, Zoom).
    • Public Key Cryptography -- training and key management e.g. for PGP/GPG.
    • Tor infrastructure for security/privacy goals (e.g. Tor Browser, TAILS, OnionShare).
    • Deploying and managing secure desktop environments (including: QubesOS; TAILS; MacOS Lockdown mode, Advanced Data Encryption and Contact Key Verification).
    • Managing and optimizing for usability enhanced security options for mobile devices (e.g. GrapheneOS, iOS Lockdown Mode).
    • Tech security for partners and organizations in hostile network and political environments.
  • Experience with evaluating and using private/secure Machine Learning/AI/LLM.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations, and commitment to RAN’s values.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
  • Willingness to adapt to emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Ability and willingness to work outside of typical work hours (i.e. early mornings and/or late evenings) to connect with global staff.

LOCATION

This position is remote, however, occasional travel to RAN’s headquarters in San Francisco and other in person events is required. Because this is a highly collaborative position that works with every member of our staff, candidates should expect to be available with regard to time zones including all US time zones, as well as time zones in Europe, Australia, and SE Asia.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with an anticipated starting salary range of $105,000-$120,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits include 100% RAN-paid health, dental and vision insurance for the staff person and their partner/family, four weeks PTO (increases to five weeks after two years) as well as a paid winter break, and a retirement plan with a 3% employer match. Additionally, after every five years of service, staff are eligible for a 12-week fully paid sabbatical.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

RAN is a union workplace; our staff are represented by RAN Alliance for Workers’ Rights (RAWR) via CWA 9415. This position is excluded from the unit.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS

RAN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing all people with equal access to employment and volunteer opportunities. If you need assistance with accommodations during our interview or employment process, please contact HR@ ran.org. We encourage applicants of color and from other historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter. For optimal consideration, please apply by November 10, 2024.

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