IT Operations & Security Lead

Remote (United States)

Job Details

Location: United States

Workplace: Remote

Experience: 5+ years in IT operations or systems administration, including at least 2 years owning IT operations for an organization or office

Core Areas: IT Operations Management, Systems Administration, Endpoint Management (MDM), Identity and Access Management (IAM), SaaS Administration, IT Security, SOC 2 Compliance, IT Vendor and Budget Management

Compensation: $98,000–$109,000 annually

Schedule: The majority of daily working hours must fall between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern Time.

About the Role

The IT Operations & Security Lead is responsible for managing day-to-day IT operations, maintaining reliable technology systems, and supporting information security and regulatory compliance. This hands-on position oversees employee devices, systems administration, identity and access management, SaaS applications, IT support, technology vendors, software licenses, and IT budgets. The role combines operational ownership with practical technical support and continuous improvement of IT processes.

Approximately 60% of the position focuses on IT operations, while 40% supports security and compliance activities. Working closely with the Director of Security and Compliance, the successful candidate will help maintain SOC 2 audit readiness, strengthen security controls, manage compliance evidence, and support incident response. The role requires practical experience with Windows, macOS, mobile device management, Google Workspace, access controls, and security documentation.

What You'll Do

IT Operations (Approximately 60%)

• Manage the complete employee device lifecycle, including hardware procurement, configuration, onboarding, offboarding, inventory tracking, and equipment retirement.
• Administer Google Workspace and other SaaS applications to maintain reliable access and day-to-day functionality.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, identity and access controls, and employee technology access.
• Oversee endpoint management through MDM solutions, including software patching, device encryption, and configuration standards.
• Provide responsive IT helpdesk support, troubleshoot technical issues, and assist employees with hardware, software, and system access.
• Develop self-service IT documentation and troubleshooting resources to help employees resolve common technical problems independently.
• Manage IT vendors, software licenses, technology expenses, and the IT budget, proactively identifying renewal requirements and cost-related decisions.
• Participate in testing and evaluating technology services, software applications, and potential IT solutions.
• Support operational enhancements, process improvements, and improvements to IT service delivery.

Security and Compliance Support (Approximately 40%)

• Partner with the Director of Security and Compliance to maintain organized, accurate, and audit-ready compliance documentation and evidence.
• Support SOC 2 compliance activities, cybersecurity audits, security assessments, and the operation of established security controls.
• Collaborate with system owners to identify and reduce security vulnerabilities, control weaknesses, and compliance gaps.
• Maintain IT security policies, operating procedures, and documentation that reflect actual technology practices and organizational requirements.
• Support security incident response by reviewing and triaging alerts, escalating incidents appropriately, and documenting findings and outcomes.
• Use AI tools and automation to improve security monitoring, third-party risk management, and incident response processes.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in IT operations or systems administration, including a minimum of 2 years with direct responsibility for managing IT operations for an organization or office.
• Direct experience supporting SOC 2, ISO 27001, or comparable compliance audits, including collecting audit evidence and operating security controls.

Required Skills

• Strong working knowledge of Windows and macOS operating systems, identity and access management platforms, mobile device management (MDM), and SaaS administration.
• Ability to manage employee technology environments, user permissions, endpoint configurations, and day-to-day IT support requirements.
• Experience creating technical documentation, IT policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong prioritization and decision-making skills, including the ability to balance urgent helpdesk requests against time-sensitive security and compliance obligations.
• Clear, patient communication skills when assisting non-technical employees and explaining technology-related issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, data-driven social impact, and mission-aligned technology practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools.
• Professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Google Workspace Administrator, or Microsoft 365 Administrator.
• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems.
• Experience integrating Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) with identity providers (IdP) to automate user provisioning.
• Experience establishing IT processes and operational procedures from scratch in a small or growing organization.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, with 100% of employee premiums and 72% of dependent premiums paid by the employer.
• Flexible paid time off, with a minimum of 20 vacation days encouraged annually.
• Organization-wide recharge days and biweekly meeting-free days.
• Wellness reimbursement program for eligible activities and purchases.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.
• Annual professional development funding, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Flexible remote working arrangements with designated Eastern Time collaboration hours.
• Opportunities for professional connection through conferences, strategic planning gatherings, and an annual staff retreat.