Senior IT Manager

                                 Senior IT Manager

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org. 

Job Overview:

We are hiring a strategic, hands-on Senior IT Manager to directly manage and support Common Sense Media’s internal IT systems, infrastructure, and staff technology needs. This role is an individual contributor position, focused on the day-to-day execution of IT operations and the delivery of secure, reliable, and well-maintained technology across the organization.

The Senior IT Manager will report to the Senior Director of Data & Technology and will be directly responsible for maintaining office and end-user technology systems, managing software and hardware procurement, developing IT documentation and support processes, and working alongside the technical team to strengthen the organization’s cybersecurity posture through audits and remediation.

Location: San Francisco, California 
Reports to: Sr. Director of Data & Technology
Salary: $111,200–$132,050 per year
Type: Full-time, exempt

What You'll Do:

Systems & Infrastructure Management

• Independently maintain and support internal systems, including servers, office network, and conference room A/V setups.

• Configure and administer secure network infrastructure (firewalls, 802.1x authentication, RADIUS, VPNs, intrusion detection).

• Own and troubleshoot DNS configuration and optimization across corporate environments.

• Ensure staff access to organizational tools and services through reliable system performance.

Security & Risk Management

• Implement and enforce systems security standards and device management protocols.

• Work directly with the Sr. Director of Data & Technology to conduct external cybersecurity audits and carry out remediation.

• Apply and maintain least privilege access principles with role-based access controls.

• Administer SAML & SSO configurations across company applications.

• Perform regular audits and access reviews.

• Develop and execute disaster recovery and backup processes.

• Apply network and access control policies aligned with best practices.

• Continuously monitor traffic and performance, resolving bottlenecks or security issues.

• Lead hands-on incident response during outages or breaches.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting

• Track and evaluate IT system performance and recommend targeted improvements.

• Contribute direct input to IT budgeting and planning, focusing on cost-effective solutions.

IT Operations & Support

• Manage the full lifecycle of users and devices through IDP, MDM, and endpoint protection tools.

• Build and maintain automated provisioning and de-provisioning workflows.

• Deliver IT training programs directly to staff.

• Provide direct daily IT support across all staff levels.

• Coordinate tasks with offshore IT support resource(s) for extended coverage.

• Write and maintain IT documentation and knowledge bases.

• Assist directly in website ITOps monitoring and maintenance.

Vendor & Procurement Management 

• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, software licensing, and contract renewals.

• Research and recommend technology tools and solutions to meet business needs.

• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., CCPA).

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field; and/or 6+ years of experience in IT systems management, support services, and infrastructure.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace, JumpCloud IDP, Jamf MDM.

• Strong understanding of SAML and OpenID Connect authentication, OAuth for authorization, and their applications in SCIM and JIT user provisioning.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex SSO and identity federation issues.

• Demonstrated experience with macOS device management and support.

• Deep understanding of network protocols, architecture, and security concepts.

• Experience supporting in-office technology, including networking and conferencing systems.

• Experience with Ubiquiti's UniFi Enterprise networking equipment is desirable.

• Experience with CloudFlare is a plus.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and audit/remediation workflows.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to manage vendors and external service providers.

• Ability to work on-site and support in-person operations in our San Francisco office.

Our Benefits:

• The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals. 

• A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and other key benefits.

• An organization that offers work/life balance.

• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!

Common Sense Media provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Common Sense Media will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.