Position Description
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Position Title: Technology Infrastructure Manager
Reports To: Director of Information Systems & Technology (IST)
FLSA Status: Regular Full-Time, 1.0 FTE, Exempt
Work Location: Grand Rapids, MN Hybrid Work Arrangement (3 days in office)
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About Us:
Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a mission to connect, fund, and advocate for ideas and people to inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward. The Foundation partners with people, organizations, and communities to build hope and opportunity by investing in the places and people who make rural Minnesota strong.
Position Purpose:
The Technology Infrastructure Manager leads the Foundation's technology infrastructure and technology operations, ensuring secure, reliable, and effective technology services that support the Foundation's mission, organizational priorities, and day-to-day operations. This includes network infrastructure, cloud services, Microsoft systems, cybersecurity, identity and access management, endpoint management, telecommunications, audiovisual systems, artificial intelligence platforms and technical controls, and related technology services.
This position is responsible for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and continuously improving the Foundation's technology environment. Serving as the Foundation's primary technical lead for infrastructure operations, this position directs and validates work performed by managed service providers and other technology partners including Foundation-approved AI platforms, are securely configured, effectively integrated, and operated in accordance with Foundation standards, data protection requirements, and approved use policies.
The Technology Infrastructure Manager collaborates with staff, vendors, and technology partners to strengthen security, optimize system performance, maintain operational resilience, and ensure the Foundation’s technology environment continues to support its mission and evolving organizational needs.
Essential Accountabilities:
Technology Infrastructure & Operations
Lead the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Foundation's technology infrastructure to ensure secure, reliable, and effective technology services.
Lead the lifecycle of the Foundation's technology infrastructure, including network services, cloud and server environments, endpoint computing, audiovisual systems, telecommunications, and related technology systems.
Establish and maintain technology infrastructure standards, technical configurations, AI governance guardrails, that support organizational needs and long-term sustainability.
Monitor infrastructure performance, availability, and capacity, proactively identifying opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and user experience.
Develop and maintain infrastructure documentation, system architecture, inventories, and technical standards to support operational continuity and effective technology management.
Evaluate infrastructure technologies and recommend enhancements that improve performance, scalability, resilience, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Support the secure implementation, integration, and operation of Foundation-approved AI platforms, including appropriate access controls monitoring, data protection, and technical documentation.
Network & Security Operations
Lead the Foundation's network and security operations, ensuring technology systems, infrastructure, and services are secure, resilient, and available to support organizational operations.
Oversee cybersecurity practices, including security monitoring, vulnerability management, patch management, endpoint protection, and incident response to reduce technology risks and protect Foundation information assets.
Manage identity and access controls, ensuring appropriate user authentication, authorization, and administrative access practices that support security, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Ensure technology backup, recovery, and continuity plans are developed, maintained, tested, and capable of supporting organizational resilience through the timely restoration of critical technology systems and Foundation operations following cybersecurity incidents, system failures, or other significant disruptions.
Monitor the health, performance, and security of the Foundation's technology environment, proactively identifying and addressing infrastructure and security issues while coordinating appropriate response and resolution.
Evaluate evolving cybersecurity threats, technologies, and industry best practices, recommending and implementing improvements that strengthen the Foundation's security posture and operational resilience.
Assess and manage technical risks associated with Foundation-approved AI platforms, including data protection, access controls, third-party integrations, vendor security, and appropriate use of Foundation information.
Managed Technology Services & Vendor Partnership
Lead the Foundation's managed technology services and vendor partnerships, ensuring technology services are delivered effectively, aligned with organizational priorities, and support secure, reliable day-to-day operations.
Serve as the Foundation's primary technical liaison with managed service providers (MSPs), technology vendors, and service partners, establishing technical expectations, validating recommendations, and ensuring services align with Foundation standards, security requirements, and operational needs.
Establish, monitor, and evaluate technology service levels, vendor performance, and contractual obligations to promote service quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to plan, coordinate, and implement infrastructure projects, technology changes, and operational initiatives with minimal disruption to Foundation operations.
Evaluate vendor solutions, technology recommendations, and emerging service offerings to support informed decision-making, responsible technology investments, and long-term organizational needs.
Serve an internal technical resource for escalated support issues, onboarding and offboarding activities, troubleshooting coordination, and situations requiring organizational knowledge or technical judgment to ensure timely, effective resolution of technology needs.
Evaluate the technical architecture, security, privacy, and contractual commitments of all vendors, including AI platforms, before implementation or renewal.
Infrastructure Technology Planning & Continuous Improvement
Lead infrastructure technology planning efforts that support the Foundation's strategic priorities, operational needs, and long-term technology roadmap.
Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI capabilities, infrastructure trends, and industry best practices, recommending solutions that improve security, efficiency, scalability, and user experience.
Develop and maintain technology lifecycle plans for infrastructure, hardware, software, and related technology assets to support sustainable operations and informed investment decisions.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve technology services, infrastructure performance, and technology operations through continuous evaluation, innovation, and process improvement.
Partner with Foundation leadership to anticipate future technology needs, assess organizational impacts, and recommend technology strategies that support evolving business requirements.
Promote continuous improvement by evaluating technology performance, incorporating lessons learned, and implementing enhancements that strengthen technology services and organizational effectiveness.
Leadership & Collaboration
Provide technical leadership and guidance across the Foundation, serving as a trusted advisor on technology infrastructure, security, and operational best practices.
Partner with Foundation leadership and departments to understand technology needs, communicate technical concepts, and recommend solutions that support organizational priorities.
Lead or contribute to cross-functional technology initiatives, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and successful implementation of technology changes.
Promote a culture of service, continuous learning, innovation, and accountability within Information Systems & Technology and across the Foundation.
Build effective working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and technology partners to support organizational success and continuous improvement.
Provide technical guidance to staff regarding the secure and effective use of Foundation technology, including Foundation-approved AI platforms and related technologies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but provides leadership through cross-functional collaboration, project leadership, technical expertise, and organizational partnership.
Organizational Expectations
In addition to performing the responsibilities of this position, all employees are expected to contribute to a workplace culture that reflects the Blandin Foundation's mission, values, and commitment to continuous learning, growth, and collaboration. Employees are expected to:
Demonstrate the Foundation's values in daily work and interactions.
Engage in continuous learning, professional growth, and the development of new knowledge and skills.
Share expertise, seek feedback, and contribute to a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Build respectful, collaborative relationships that strengthen trust and organizational effectiveness.
Support the Foundation's commitment to equity.
Qualifications
The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform this position may be acquired through a variety of educational and professional experiences. The qualifications below reflect the experiences and capabilities that support success in this role.
Required Qualifications
Equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and progressively responsible experience in information technology, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience supporting and managing enterprise technology infrastructure, network operations, cybersecurity, or related technology environments.
Demonstrated experience planning, implementing, and supporting enterprise technology infrastructure, including cloud services, network systems, endpoint management, identity and access management, technology security practices, including cloud technologies and AI platforms.
Experience leading technology projects and managing managed service providers (MSPs), vendors, or other technology partners.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical solutions, solve complex problems, and make sound technology recommendations aligned with organizational needs.
Strong project management, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Industry certifications relevant to infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, or project management (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, ISC², ITIL, PMP, or similar).
Experience supporting enterprise cloud, network, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and identity management environments.
Experience working in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Technology Infrastructure & Security
Knowledge of enterprise technology infrastructure, including networking, cloud services, servers, endpoint management, identity and access management, telecommunications, and cybersecurity principles.
Knowledge of technology operations, infrastructure lifecycle management, system monitoring, backup and recovery practices, and business continuity planning.
Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, technical solutions, and vendor recommendations to support secure, reliable, and effective technology services.
Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues, analyze risks, and develop practical solutions that support organizational priorities.
Ability to balance security, reliability, user experience, and operational efficiency when evaluating technology solutions and making technology decisions.
Knowledge of technical, cyber security, privacy, data protection, identity management, integration, and vendor considerations associated with AI platforms and AI-enabled technologies.
Communication & Collaboration
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with Foundation staff, leadership, managed service providers (MSPs), technology vendors, and external partners.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to understand organizational needs and deliver responsive technology solutions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and adapt effectively in a dynamic environment.
Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
Ability to provide technical leadership, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions that support organizational goals.
Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Ability to lead change, promote collaboration, and contribute positively to the Foundation's culture and mission.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion when working with sensitive information and technology systems.
Physical Requirements
Frequently works at a computer for extended periods.
Occasionally moves, installs, or repositions technology equipment and supplies.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull technology equipment, using appropriate equipment or assistance when needed.
May work in server rooms, mechanical spaces, or other technology environments.
Occasional travel.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time, exempt position
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Generous paid time off — vacation, sick, bereavement, and more
