Manager, Information Technology

Council of Foundations; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Council of Foundations in New York City is seeking a Manager, Information Technology to lead IT for a 19-person staff. The role oversees system and network administration, hands-on support, VoIP, and AV systems, with a co-managed IT services provider and backup help desk coverage.

The ideal candidate will communicate technical concepts to staff and senior managers, enjoy learning, and demonstrate a proactive, service-oriented mindset. This is a hybrid role with on-site requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, MIS, or related field.
• At least 5 years of professional IT experience including hands-on Tier 1–2 support and system and network administration.
• Familiarity with ITIL Best Practices and documenting configurations.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and Windows Server, Active Directory.
• Microsoft 365/Entra ID, VMware, networking, backup systems, VoIP, and audio/video conferencing.
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and prioritization.
• Excellent communication with technical and nontechnical audiences; able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Occasional after-hours maintenance or urgent issue availability and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Administer servers, virtualization (VMware), Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365/Entra ID, and SQL Server.
• Maintain the network, including firewalls, switches, routers, VPN, and core services such as DNS and DHCP.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and licensing using least-privilege principles; conduct access reviews and onboarding/offboarding.
• Manage security tools, including endpoint protection, email filtering, MFA, password management, and SSO.
• Manage backup and disaster recovery plans and testing.
• Support cloud platforms and business apps including AWS, Azure, and accounting system.
• Manage mobile devices, Zoom VoIP, and the custom AV system.
• Maintain IT inventory and current documentation of systems and procedures.

Skills

IT leadership

Tier 1-2 support

System & network administration

IT budgeting & planning

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative work

After-hours readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/MIS or related

Relevant certifications (a plus)

Tools

VMware

Microsoft 365/Entra ID

Active Directory

Networking (firewalls, switches, VPN)

SQL Server

Job description

The Manager, Information Technology is a member of the Finance & Administration Department and reports to the Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration. As the Foundation’s in-house IT lead for a staff of 19, the Manager is responsible for system and network administration, hands-on support for all staff, and the Foundation’s, VoIP, and audio-visual systems. The manager works with the Foundation’s co-managed IT services provider, which supplies specialist expertise for complex projects, and provides backup help desk support when the Manager is out. The manager will also develop the annual IT budget and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, thorough, and service oriented, takes ownership of problems, and can explain technical concepts to senior managers and other staff. A positive attitude and an aptitude for learning are as essential as technical experience.

This is a full-time, exempt position based onsite at the Foundation’s New York City office. This position operates under the Foundation’s hybrid model, with a minimum of three onsite days per week. The role is primarily sedentary, with occasional need to move around the office to convene with other staff and access office machinery and supplies. The Foundation will consider requests for reasonable accommodation on an individual basis in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Responsibilities:

System and Network Administration

• Administer servers, virtualization (VMware), Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365/Entra ID, and SQL Server, including installation, configuration, patching, and performance monitoring.
• Maintain the network, including firewalls, switches, routers, wireless access points and controllers, VPN, and core services such as DNS and DHCP.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and licensing using least-privilege principles; conduct periodic access reviews and run secure, documented onboarding and offboarding.
• Manage security tools, including endpoint protection, email filtering, multi-factor authentication, password management, and single sign-on; monitor alerts and respond to incidents.
• Manage backup and recovery, including regular restore testing, and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Support cloud platforms and business applications, including AWS, Azure, and the accounting system.
• Manage mobile devices through MDM, the Zoom VoIP phone system, and the custom audio-visual system.
• Maintain the IT inventory and equipment lifecycle, along with current documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures.

Hands-On Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for staff technology requests, providing desk-side and remote support for computers, peripherals, Microsoft 365, Zoom, and meetings.
• Track, prioritize, and resolve requests through the ticketing system, keeping staff informed and confirming that issues are resolved.
• Investigate the root causes of recurring or complex problems and triage outages through resolution or escalation.
• Set up and deploy laptops, mobile devices, and accessories, and train staff on equipment and applications.
• Communicate planned maintenance, updates, and downtime, scheduling disruptive work outside core business hours when possible.

Co-Managed Provider, Vendors, and Planning

• Serve as the primary contact for the co-managed IT services provider: assign complex projects and overflow work, coordinate backup help desk coverage during absences, oversee service quality, and track user counts that affect service fees.
• Manage other technology vendors, internet and telecom carriers, and service contracts.
• Develop the annual IT budget and strategic priorities and identify new technology that improves service to staff.
• Develop and maintain IT policies and standards, including acceptable use, cybersecurity and systems architecture.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.
• 2. At least 5 years of experience in a professional including hands-on tiers 1 and 2 support and system and network administration; tier 3 experience a plus.
• 3. Familiarity and understanding of ITIL Best Practices. Experience documenting and maintaining configuration and process information.
• 4. Strong knowledge of Windows and Windows Server, Active Directory,
• 5. Microsoft 365/Entra ID, VMware, networking (firewalls, switches, wireless, VPN), backup systems, VoIP, and audio/video conferencing.
• 6. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• 7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with technical and nontechnical audiences and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• 8. Availability for occasional after-hours maintenance or urgent issues, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.