IT Operations & Security Lead

DataKind; United States; Remote; USD 98,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility & time off

Wellness benefits

Professional development

401(k) match

In-person events

Job summary

DataKind, a remote-friendly nonprofit using data science for social impact, seeks an IT Operations & Security Lead to own day-to-day IT operations and partner on SOC 2 compliance. You will manage device lifecycle, SaaS administration, IAM, and security monitoring; you’ll triage incidents, document procedures, and help prepare audit evidence.

This role is remote in the United States with hours largely between 8am–6pm ET; salary $98k–$109k with base on experience and internal equity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in IT operations or systems administration
• Direct experience supporting a SOC 2 audit or similar
• Strong working knowledge of operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux) and IAM platforms
• Clear, patient communication with non-technical colleagues
• Experience creating documentation and SOPs

Responsibilities

• Own the employee device lifecycle: procurement, setup, onboarding and offboarding
• Administer Google Workspace and other SaaS apps
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls
• Manage endpoints through MDM: patching, encryption, configuration standards
• Provide responsive helpdesk support and build self-service docs
• Manage IT vendors, licenses, and IT budget, flag renewals early
• Assist with testing and evaluation of technology services
• Support process improvements and operational enhancements
• Maintain organized, audit-ready compliance evidence with Security & Compliance Director
• Support security incident response and incident documentation
• Leverage AI tools and automation to improve security monitoring

Skills

IT operations

SOC 2

Windows

MacOS

Linux

IAM

Tools

GRC tools

Job description

DataKind is looking for an IT Operations & Security Lead!

Location

This is a remote position that can be based anywhere in the U.S. and requires the majority of working hours each day to fall between 8am and 6pm Eastern Time.

Compensation

$98,000 - $109,000 annual salary

Final salary within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience and internal equity with team members in similar roles.

Overview

We’re looking for a hands‑on IT Manager to own day‑to‑day IT operations for our office and team. You’ll also be a key partner to our Compliance & Security Director in maintaining our SOC 2 program. This role suits someone who is just as comfortable setting up a new hire’s laptop as preparing evidence for an auditor, and who understands that good IT hygiene and good compliance are the same work. You’ll be the go‑to person for how our systems run, how they’re secured, and how we prove it.

What you’ll do

IT operations (about 60%)

• Own the employee device lifecycle: procurement, setup, onboarding and offboarding, inventory, and retirement
• Administer Google Workspace and other SaaS applications
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls
• Manage endpoints through MDM including patching, encryption, and configuration standards
• Provide responsive helpdesk support and build self‑service documentation so the team can solve common issues on their own
• Manage IT vendors, licenses, and the IT budget, and flag renewal and cost decisions early
• Assist with testing and evaluation of technology services, and applications
• Support process improvements and operational enhancements as needed

Security and compliance support (about 40%)

• Partner with the Director of Security and Compliance to maintain organized and audit‑ready compliance evidence.
• Support cybersecurity audit and assessments
• Collaborate with system owners to reduce vulnerabilities and compliance gaps
• Maintain IT policies and procedures and keep them consistent with how the team actually works
• Support security incident response by triaging alerts, escalating appropriately, and documenting outcomes
• Leverage AI tools and automation to improve security monitoring, third‑party risk management and incident response

Qualifications

Required

• Deep alignment with DataKind's mission and values, and demonstrated commitment to educational equity and data‑driven social impact
• 5+ years in IT operations or systems administration, with at least 2 years owning IT for an organization or office
• Direct experience supporting a SOC 2 audit (or ISO 27001 or similar), including evidence collection and operating controls
• Strong working knowledge of operating systems (required: Windows, MacOs, preferred: Linux) identity and access management platforms, MDM, and SaaS administration
• Clear, patient communication with non‑technical colleagues
• The judgment to prioritize between an urgent helpdesk ticket and a compliance deadline, and to say so when both can’t happen at once
• Experience creating documentation and standard operating procedures

Preferred

• Hands‑on experience with GRC tools.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Google Workspace Administrator, or Microsoft 365 Administrator
• Experience with HRIS‑to‑IdP integrations for automated provisioning
• Experience in a small or growing organization where you built processes from scratch

About DataKind

At DataKind, we believe in the transformative power of data science and AI to create a more promising future. Since our founding in 2012, we've been at the forefront of designing scalable, data‑driven tools that address some of the world's toughest challenges—ranging from frontline health, humanitarian action, climate and enviroment, economic opportunity, education, and more. As both a product innovator and a movement catalyst, we set new standards in the social sector, empowering organizations to harness the full potential of data science and AI while putting communities first.

Why Work with DataKind

At DataKind, we believe that people are the most important asset to delivering on our mission. As a people‑first remote organization, we offer the following for all our employees:

Flexibility and time off. Enjoy genuine flexibility that goes beyond adjustable hours. We build in shared time off, organization‑wide recharge days, bi‑weekly meeting‑free days, and flexible PTO (with a minimum of 20 vacation days encouraged annually).

Comprehensive Wellness Support. We care for your total wellbeing with 100% employer‑paid medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees (72% for dependents), a wellness reimbursement program for the activities and purchases that matter to you, and 12 weeks paid parental leave when you need it most.

A Culture of Growth. Every team member receives professional development funding each year, alongside mentorship and advancement opportunities. We invest in your future with a 401(k) plan with 5% employer matching.

Meaningful Connection. Despite being distributed across time zones, we value being able to come together in person for conferences, strategic planning, and at our annual staff retreat.

Living our Values. DataKind is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment in our day‑to‑day work and via special initiatives driven by our DEI Steering Committee.

DataKind is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DataKind is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. DataKind does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected category.

Applicants must have a U.S.-based permanent address and currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis indefinitely without employer visa sponsorship.