Manager of Technology and Innovation
Optima Office, Inc.
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Optima Office, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Manager of Technology and Innovation to lead IT strategy, security, and digital transformation. The role oversees enterprise IT environment, AI tools, AMS/CRM, and platform integrations, reporting to Finance & Operations. Hybrid work with quarterly in-office collaboration.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in agile delivery, cybersecurity, and cross-functional leadership, with 5+ years in related roles and a degree in a tech or business field.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business, Data Science, or other related field and 5 years of experience in technology innovation, digital transformation, product management, security operations, cybersecurity compliance or R&D program leadership to include 1 year at a manager level leading innovation or cross-functional tech programs; OR 8 years of experience in technology innovation, digital transformation, product management, security operations, cybersecurity compliance or R&D program leadership to include 3 years at a manager level leading innovation or cross-functional tech programs
- Proficiency with agile. Project delivery methods (scrum, PMP-level planning) or proven experience in project management (planning projects, Gannt charts, meeting deadlines)
- Safe driving record and successful completion of a background check.
- Foundational cybersecurity literacy; working knowledge of risk assessment, compliance frameworks and secure technology evaluation
- Working experience with generative AI; practical exposure to LLM tools, AI Integration, or AI-driven process improvement, including awareness of ethics, data privacy, and governance
- Self-starter, ability to identify needs and execute
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives from concept through pilot or operations deployment
- Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and collaborative, and have good interpersonal skills. Excellent ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Additional qualifications include good time management, problem solving skills and strong project management, with ability to manage concurrent projects. Ability to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s enterprise IT strategy and roadmap aligned with organizational goals.
- Work with staff to optimize service delivery, operational efficiency, staff experience, and member experience.
- Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; evaluate and budget solutions for security and scalability.
- Oversee administration, availability, performance, and security of networks, endpoints, and cloud services with IT partner.
- Ensure proper access controls, identity management, and staff training to prevent unauthorized access.
- Plan disaster recovery, business continuity, data backup, and restoration procedures.
- Manage mobile devices, email, spam filtering, antivirus, and endpoint protection.
- Ensure high availability of systems for internal staff and external users.
- Lead staff training and cybersecurity awareness initiatives; ensure regulatory compliance.
- Develop and support internal websites and platforms (Board portals, CMS, LMS, AMS).
- Administer Zoom enterprise platform and external technology stack.
- Provide IT support, software training, and ensure quality end-user service.
- Maintain documentation for IT infrastructure, configurations, licenses, and procedures.
- Liaise with IT vendors and manage contracts and SLAs.
- Support external online technology stack for member experience.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Our client, located in San Diego, is seeking a Full-Time Manager of Technology and Innovation. Founded in 1964, our client is the leading professional association for marriage and family therapists in California, advancing the profession and supporting thousands of mental health professionals statewide. Our client offers a rare combination of meaningful, mission-driven work and exceptional work-life balance. The full-time schedule is just 35 hours per week, giving you more time to rest, recharge, and thrive—without sacrificing your career growth or impact. Our client has a collaborative, supportive team dedicated to making a difference. The staff enjoys a culture of trust, respect, and connection, where contributions are valued, and employees are empowered to do their best work.
The Manager of Technology and Innovation will be responsible for providing leadership, operational oversight, and management of our client's information technology environment. This role ensures that all technology systems, infrastructure, applications, AI, and services are secure, reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with our client’s mission and business objectives. This includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft 365, various AI tools, the AMS (association management system, which includes a CRM), project management software, the external website, and platform integrations within the overall technology stack. This position will report to the Director of Finance and Operations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the organizations enterprise IT strategy and roadmap aligned with organizational goals.
- Work with staff to develop strategies to optimize service delivery, operational efficiency, staff experience, and member experience.
- Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices; evaluates and recommends solutions and budget for meeting business, security, and scalability requirements.
- Work with external IT service provider, overseeing the administration, availability, performance, and security of all networks, endpoint, and cloud-based services.
- Ensure proper user access controls, identity management, security configurations, and staff training to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.
- Develop, plan, and oversee systems for disaster recovery, business continuity, data backup, and restoration procedures.
- Manage mobile device services, email systems, spam filtering, antivirus, and endpoint protection solutions.
- Ensure high availability and reliability of systems supporting both internal staff and external users.
- Work with the IT partner, establishing information security policies, standards, and best practices to protect the organizations data and systems.
- Monitor cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities; coordinate remediation, patching, and incident response activities.
- Lead staff training and awareness initiatives related to cybersecurity, data protection, and acceptable technology use.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual technology requirements.
- Work with staff and consultants to identify and implement software solutions that support business processes.
- Develop, maintain and support internal websites and platforms (e.g., Board portals, internal systems, and databases).
- Develop, maintain, and support the organization’s business intelligence platform.
- Administer the Zoom enterprise collaboration and communication platforms.
- Oversee day-to-day IT support services, including hardware, software, and system issues submitted through Tech Support.
- Provide and coordinate training for staff on software, systems, and IT procedures.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality customer service for internal users and timely resolution of technical issues.
- Develop, maintain, and support the external online technology stack (web hosting, CMS, LMS, AMS member portal, email and social marketing platforms), working with the team to optimize the member experience.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for IT infrastructure, systems, configurations, procedures, assets, licenses, and credentials.
- Establish standard operating procedures and best practices for IT operations and end users.
- Serve as the primary liaison with IT vendors, contractors, and service providers.
- Manage and monitor vendor contracts and service-level agreements.
- Satisfactory attendance.
- Other duties, as needed.
- N/A
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business, Data Science, or other related field and 5 years of experience in technology innovation, digital transformation, product management, security operations, cybersecurity compliance or R&D program leadership to include 1 year at a manager level leading innovation or cross-functional tech programs; OR 8 years of experience in technology innovation, digital transformation, product management, security operations, cybersecurity compliance or R&D program leadership to include 3 years at a manager level leading innovation or cross-functional tech programs
- Proficiency with agile. Project delivery methods (scrum, PMP-level planning) or proven experience in project management (planning projects, Gannt charts, meeting deadlines)
- Safe driving record and successful completion of a background check.
- Foundational cybersecurity literacy; working knowledge of risk assessment, compliance frameworks and secure technology evaluation
- Working experience with generative AI; practical exposure to LLM tools, AI Integration, or AI-driven process improvement, including awareness of ethics, data privacy, and governance
- Self-starter, ability to identify needs and execute
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives from concept through pilot or operations deployment
- Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and collaborative, and have good interpersonal skills. Excellent ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Additional qualifications include good time management, problem solving skills and strong project management, with ability to manage concurrent projects. Ability to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Familiarity working with an association or non-profit
- Master’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business, Data Science, or other related field.
- Manager-level Certifications (PMP PMI-ACP, CSM, SAFe Agilist, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, ITIL 4 Foundation or Change Management)
- Certification in Security+
- Certification in Design Thinking or Human-Centered Design
- Experience scaling innovation in a hybrid/remote environment with rotational in-office collaboration
The position is primarily remote/hybrid, with in-office attendance required 4 times per year.
This role operates in a modern, newly appointed office environment with quiet cube settings. The workspace is configured as hoteling office space, with technology equipment available on-site. Staff presence is rotational; typically, 3–5 employees are in the office at any given time.
The physical demands for this role include:
- Frequently sitting
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, up to 30 lbs.
Our client offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Aflac supplemental insurance options
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Monthly phone and internet stipend – would provide laptop
- Staff appreciation perks, including food provided at monthly staff meetings
- Organization-sponsored benefits are available to employees in regular, full-time, permanent positions unless otherwise specified.
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