[Hiring] IT Operations & Security Lead @DataKind

Role Description

DataKind is looking for an IT Operations & Security Lead! 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.

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

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• Flexibility and time off: Enjoy genuine flexibility that goes beyond adjustable hours, including 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: 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees (72% for dependents), a wellness reimbursement program, and 12 weeks paid parental leave
• A Culture of Growth: Professional development funding each year, alongside mentorship and advancement opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with 5% employer matching
• Meaningful Connection: Opportunities to come together in person for conferences, strategic planning, and at our annual staff retreat
• Living our Values: Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment

Company Description

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 environment, economic opportunity, education, and more.