Senior Director of Enterprise IT

Description

The Cato Institute is seeking a highly capable Senior Director of Enterprise IT to lead and manage core IT operations and Salesforce-based digital services for our 200-person organization. The ideal candidate must possess strong expertise in the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem, SharePoint, Teams, Azure Active Directory, and related Microsoft cloud services. Experience managing Microsoft licensing, configurations, and enterprise deployments is essential. Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices is preferred. 

The Senior Director will oversee a team of eight hybrid and remote staff and coordinate with external vendors. This individual will be responsible for advancing the Institute’s technology infrastructure, enhancing enterprise productivity through Microsoft systems, and ensuring secure, efficient delivery of IT services.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategic IT oversight, infrastructure management, and cross-departmental collaboration, with an emphasis on team development, service excellence, IT training, and operational reliability.

This role offers the opportunity to lead enterprise IT operations at one of the country’s most influential think tanks. You’ll support and enable Cato’s mission by delivering secure, scalable, and well-managed technology systems that power research, fundraising, education, and outreach.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. Occasional availability required for after-hours system maintenance.

The projected salary range for this role is $110,000 - $185,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

About Cato

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Department Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative, hybrid, and full-time remote team supporting infrastructure, user support, CRM, and enterprise applications.
• Set clear, measurable objectives for individuals and the team, aligning them with broader organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement by modeling integrity, curiosity, and a service-oriented mindset.
• Provide regular coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities to nurture team growth and retain top talent.
• Act as a liaison between technical staff and non-technical departments, translating needs and solutions in accessible, collaborative ways.
• Help manage change effectively by preparing team members for new technologies, processes, or organizational shifts, while maintaining stability and morale.

IT Operations & Infrastructure Oversight

• Manage Cato’s Microsoft-centric IT environment, including Office 365, Azure Active Directory, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Oversee hardware provisioning, software licensing, network performance, device management, patch management, and helpdesk operations.
• Lead IT budgeting, procurement, and vendor contract negotiations.
• Develop system documentation, business continuity procedures, and lifecycle upgrade plans.
• Oversee system maintenance and upgrades, and ensure responsive user support.
• Establish and maintain internal control infrastructure across IT systems, ensuring compliance with security, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and enforce segregation of duties within IT operations to minimize risks, prevent conflicts of interest, and strengthen accountability.

Salesforce & Digital Services Oversight

• Provide oversight for the Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud ecosystem.
• Supervise team members responsible for Salesforce operations and Account Engagement (Pardot).
• Monitor data integrity and system effectiveness across digital platforms, in coordination with leadership.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Align IT initiatives with organizational strategy and evolving departmental needs, including supporting the Institute’s goals for responsible adoption and integration of AI technologies.
• Stay informed on Microsoft product roadmaps and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Design and deliver institute-wide and departmental training programs on enterprise applications and IT best practices, fostering digital literacy, user adoption, and continuous learning across the organization.

Requirements

Education/ Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3 years in a management or senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing a Microsoft 365 environment, including Azure AD, Teams, Exchange Online, and SharePoint.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud and experience supervising teams managing Salesforce and related digital systems.
• Experience with IT budgeting, vendor management, and enterprise software licensing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, including identity management, data protection, risk assessment, and incident response planning.
• Experience supporting organizational AI initiatives, such as ensuring responsible use and integrating AI capabilities into enterprise systems.
• Familiarity with nonprofit, mission-driven, or educational institutions is a plus.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills; experience directly managing IT professionals.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage team and stakeholder expectations and coach them on industry best practices.
• Ability to problem-solve, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain professional composure under pressure.
• Strong executive presence and ability to interact with all levels of management within the organization, as well as experience working directly with C-Level/senior leadership.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits 
• Pet discount plan