Director of Technology

About the Role

The Director of Technology provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for NDI’s  technology environment, ensuring that our systems, tools, data and digital capabilities are  secure, advancing our mission and supporting an effective, connected, global workforce. 

NDI is transforming  to meet historic challenges to democratic freedom worldwide and adapting to dramatic shifts around the world. We are looking for a technology leader who will develop and execute a forward-looking technology strategy, maintain a secure and reliable IT environment, strengthen organizational capabilities and partner with colleagues across the organization to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.  The Director will also help guide NDI’s thoughtful exploration and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other emerging technology. 

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director of Technology will lead an eight-person IT team and partner with global program teams to align  organizational priorities with modern, scalable, and secure technological  solutions across infrastructure, digital tools, systems, and platforms. 

We are seeking an entrepreneurial, mission-driven leader with strong technical judgment, business acumen, and exceptional communication skills who can translate complex technology issues into practical solutions for diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring experience working within a global, cross-cultural organization across multiple time zones, along with a firm grounding in the ethical, legal, and fiduciary responsibilities of a nonpartisan, federally funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the technology supporting NDI’s work to advance freedom, democracy and dignity for all.

Your Purpose and Impact: 

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year technology strategy aligned with organizational priorities, NDI’s mission, and resources.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of eight ITprofessionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Advise executive leadership on technology priorities, investments, emerging opportunities and risks; and provide timely, relevant data and technical advice to the Executive Management Team, Board of Directors, and close institutional partners, as appropriate.

Global Infrastructure, Cloud and Collaboration

• Oversee the architecture, security, and optimization of NDI’s enterprise AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Oversee  the administration, governance, and effective use of the Google Workspace ecosystem, driving collaboration and communication across global teams.
• Ensure the reliability and  performance of  all global networks, cloud resources, and connectivity hubs.
• Design and implement robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Oversee the web development for intranet and extranet facing communication platforms and services

Budget and Vendor Management 

• Manage the annual IT operating  and capital  budgets, ensuring that spending supports NDI’s organizational priorities and makes efficient use of our resources. 
• Lead contract development, negotiation, and vendor management for global software licenses, cloud spend (AWS), ISPs, hardware procurement, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
• Implement cost-control and regularly review cloud services and subscriptions for cost, usage and organizational need. 

Cybersecurity and Data Protection 

• Lead NDI’s cybersecurity program to address threats from state and non-state actors. Monitor systems and compliance to mitigate cyberintrusion risks and protect sensitive institutional data.
• Keep a close eye on relevant threat trends, threat data, and security tools and training, including through collaboration with close institutional partners.
• Drive global information security initiatives, enforcing Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Identity and Access Management (IAM), endpoint security, and data loss prevention (DLP).
• Maintain compliance with global data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and security frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001).
• Standardize global IT Support Desk operations to meet strict SLA and customer satisfaction targets.
• Optimize the enterprise SaaS portfolio by managing secure integrations, single sign-on (SSO), provisioning, and automated offboarding.

AI Integration and Technical Innovation

• Maintain practical, current knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including generative AI, common workplace applications, automation, and relevant emerging technologies and trends.
• Evaluate AI tools and vendors for usefulness, cost, integration, accessibility, scalability, and alignment with organizational needs.  
• Establish secure AI practices and usage policies that address data privacy, confidentiality, cybersecurity, accuracy, bias, transparency, intellectual property and human oversight. 
• Develop an approach to AI adoption that balances innovation with appropriate safeguards, measures results, and scales successful applications.
• Monitor developments in AI and advise leadership on emerging opportunities, limitations, risks, and implications for the organization’s mission and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 10+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 5+ years in a technology leadership or director-level role.
• Demonstrated experience and success managing and cultivating IT talent.
• Technical Ecosystem: Deep, hands-on experience managing enterprise-scale AWS environments and the full Google Workspace suite.
•  Proven experience managing multi-million dollar IT budgets and leading complex technical contract development and negotiations.
• Strong foundation in modern cybersecurity practices and a proven track record of implementing and governing AI tools in an enterprise environment.
• Experience supporting a global footprint, including managing remote teams and international IT logistics.

Preferred Certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator
• Google Workspace Professional Administrator
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CISM
• ITIL Foundation or higher

What We Offer:

NDI is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, generous paid time off , flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement plan.

The  anticipated salary range for this position is  approximately $149,600.00 - $194,500.00.

Additional Information: 

The position may offer a hybrid work environment.  To comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.  Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!