IT Specialist

Protect Democracy seeks an IT Specialist to join our team. In this newly created role, you will work closely with the IT Manager and our external Managed Service Provider (MSP) to administer, support, and troubleshoot existing technology solutions to advance Protect Democracy’s programmatic and operational objectives, while also proposing and implementing tech and cyber security innovations. 

At Protect Democracy, we anchor all of our work in service of our mission: to prevent American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. Our mission is the foundation of our team, be it litigation, advocacy, or ensuring that our organization has the best-in-class technology to continue to meet the urgency of the moment and the importance of this movement.

We are a growing organization driven by a deep, shared commitment to mission. This is an excellent opportunity for an information technology professional eager to support users and implement systems and processes to ensure a safe and stress-free computing environment. Experience working with Apple products and Google Workspace is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will have some help-desk and systems administration experience. Commitment to our mission and a passion for defending and strengthening our democracy are essential. 

We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. We will consider applicants from anywhere in the United States, but preference will be given to candidates based in the Washington, DC metro area. Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-offer background check.*

The IT Specialist will:

• Provide direct-to-user support as needed, and monitor our MSP’s help desk system to ensure optimal support for staff;
• Purchase and manage inventory of technology assets and accessories for staff and the organization at large;
• Ensure all devices are logged into and managed by our Mobile Device Management application;
• Ensure all software updates are applied expeditiously and monitor hardware and software security and critical events;
• Manage the user on- and offboarding process by creating and deleting accounts in all technology platforms;
• Assist with systems administration in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 and other applications to make our work more efficient, effective, and secure;
• Assist with technology initiatives and training as needed, including deployment of cyber security trainings and phishing and smishing tests;
• Assist with special projects, including where IT expertise is needed in implementations.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• 3+ years of IT experience in a help desk or systems administration capacity, ideally in a remote environment;
• Experience administering an organization’s Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 instances;
• Comfort using and supporting Apple products;
• A security-first mindset;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for solving technology problems for people with varying levels of expertise;
• Comfort with multitasking projects and priorities; 
• A detail-oriented approach while being able to see the big picture;
• The ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
• Passion for protecting and improving our democracy.

Pluses, but not requirements:

• IT experience in a non-profit or legal environment;
• IT certifications like Google IT Support, CompTIA+ etc.

Compensation

The starting salary range for this role is $71,144 - $96,254, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities, and skills, and in alignment with internal equity.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location. We will consider applicants from anywhere in the United States, but preference will be given to candidates based in the Washington, DC metro area. All staff are required to travel at least two times per year to internal team retreats. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.)  We currently have staff in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. We offer shared workspaces in many of these locations for staff members who enjoy working in an office environment.
• Commitment to a diverse workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer by choice. Our culture principles emphasize that there is strength in diversity as we believe diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes unlimited sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

To apply for this position, please complete the application linked below. As part of your application, you will be asked to upload PDFs of your resume and cover letter. (Applications missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed.) Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 20th to be considered.

*More information regarding the background check: Candidates who reach the final stage of the hiring process will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-offer background check. This will include identity verification, past employment and education verification, social media history, bankruptcy and civil court records, criminal records, and any other elements deemed relevant to the role and the security of the organization. 

Notes for applicants: 

• Contact hiring@protectdemocracy.org if you require accommodations at any point in the application process.
• Please keep an eye on your promotions/spam folders to avoid missed communication. 
• We are unable to provide status updates for each application we receive; if you reach out and do not hear back, please know it is not for lack of appreciation or interest, but simply for lack of staff capacity to respond to individual inquiries.

Our benefits package includes unlimited sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.