IT Director

A little about us… Kidango (kidango.org) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.

About The Role

The IT Director is responsible for leading the organization's IT strategy and operations, ensuring that technology systems, infrastructure, and processes align with Kidango’s mission. This leadership role will manage all technology initiatives, including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, software solutions, and support services. Under the direction of the Vice President of Impact, the IT Director will oversee the IT department, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure that technology investments support Kidango’s goals, maximize operational efficiency, and enhance program delivery.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Co-develop and implement IT strategy, ensuring technology initiatives align with Kidango’s mission and goals; set priorities and drive key IT initiatives.
• Lead and manage the IT team, ensuring the team is well trained, prepared, and engaged to deliver programs and services that meet Kidango’s technological needs.
• Manage the IT department budget, ensuring cost-effective management of resources, including hardware, software, services, and personnel.
• Oversee design, implementation, and maintenance of Kidango’s IT infrastructure, including network, servers, data storage, cloud services, and security protocols.
• Ensure reliability, scalability, and security of technology systems, supporting daily operations and long-term growth.
• Lead integration and management of software platforms, including identity management and communication tools.
• Lead efforts to secure IT infrastructure and data; ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for data privacy (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA).
• Implement and oversee cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, encryption, antivirus solutions, and incident response protocols.
• Establish and maintain IT governance frameworks to ensure secure access, protection, retention, and efficient management of data, resources, risk, and compliance.
• Make recommendations for technology investments that support both current needs and future growth, balancing innovation with budget constraints.
• Lead IT projects, ensuring successful execution of system upgrades, migrations, and new technology implementations with minimal disruption to operations.
• Ensure technology solutions are deployed on time, meet functional requirements, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective and timely support for staff and end-users, providing guidance on best practices and troubleshooting for technology systems.
• Drive adoption of new technologies that enhance learning experiences, improve program delivery, and increase overall operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and vendors to support Kidango’s technology needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in IT leadership roles, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior or director-level position.
• Proven experience in managing complex IT systems, infrastructure, and teams, ideally within nonprofit organizations or educational settings.
• Strong experience with managing cloud-based technologies, cybersecurity strategies, and enterprise software solutions.
• Extensive knowledge of network architecture, IT security protocols, server, and cloud management (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure).
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and data analytics tools.
• Experience with data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA, GDPR) and implementing compliance initiatives.
• Knowledge of IT project management methodologies and frameworks, such as Agile or ITI