We’re Hiring: Lead Technologist

Lynx Employer Resources is proud to support Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) in its search for a Lead Technologist!

At CFSC, our team is made up of people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for investing in the promise of Sonoma County. We are deliberate, intentional, and purposeful about the kind of culturally diverse team we are building.

If this resonates with you, we encourage you to read on to learn more!

If you’re someone who…

• Thrives at the intersection of technology and mission, using IT to strengthen operations, data integrity, and CFSC’s impact across Sonoma County
• Enjoys translating complex technical concepts into practical solutions that colleagues and leadership can understand and adopt
• Leads projects, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and manages budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships to deliver results
• Combines creativity with the ability to operationalize a vision,
• Is energized to lead people, assess and build technology infrastructure, and strengthen an evolving tech stack for a fast-moving organization
• Supervises and mentors staff, fostering confidence and skill development in the use of digital tools
• Stays curious about emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and systems improvements, while seeking opportunities to level-up the organization
• Balances multiple priorities with attention to detail, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit
• Approaches challenges with empathy, accountability, and a focus on supporting both staff and the broader community

… then we have an exciting and rewarding opportunity for you!

About Community Foundation:

Community Foundation Sonoma County is a nonprofit organization established in 1983 and based in Santa Rosa, California. Led by a diverse board and a dedicated staff of 17, we manage charitable funds, lead grantmaking, and bring donors, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders together to address community needs across Sonoma County. Since our founding, the Community Foundation and our donors have awarded more than $325 million in grants.

Our Vision: A vibrant, just, and inclusive community for all.

Our Mission: We advance the power of people, ideas, and resources to solve Sonoma County’s most pressing problems.

Our Core Values:

• Leadership – We lead with courage and compassion, approach challenges with empathy and humility, and ensure that diverse community voices and perspectives are included in decision-making
• Equity – Fairness and belonging are the lens through which we address pressing issues and disparities in our community, ensuring everyone feels valued, that their voice matters, and that they have what they need to thrive
• Community – We are made for and by community—donors, nonprofits, and community members—enriched by the diversity of Sonoma County. We foster community through meaningful relationships; sharing resources and power, we cultivate transparency, accountability, and trust

About the Role:

The Lead Technologist is a strategic, hands-on role responsible for shaping and implementing information technology infrastructure of Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC). This position is a critical voice in planning how technology enables operations, strengthens data integrity, and supports innovation. The Lead Technologist reports to the Chief Financial Officer and collaborates across departments and with leadership to ensure systems are secure, user-centered, future-ready, and aligned with the Foundation’s mission. This role supervises the Office & Technology Manager and is responsible for leading key initiatives related to digital tools, information systems, AI, and data governance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following reflects the essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Leadership may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other reasons.

Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Lead development and implementation of a Foundation-wide technology strategy, including the adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, balancing innovation with practicality and risk mitigation.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate current and future tech needs, building roadmaps that prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and mission alignment.
• Analyze organizational workflows and recommend appropriate technology tools to automate, streamline, and integrate.
• Translate organizational goals into clear digital priorities; provide guidance to departments to align tools and practices accordingly.

Systems Integration & Oversight

• Oversee the Foundation’s technology ecosystem, identifying opportunities to consolidate systems and ensure cohesive, secure, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Guide cross-functional adoption of CRM, grants management, finance, and productivity tools to enhance collaboration and performance.
• Maintain awareness of emerging platforms and tools relevant to the nonprofit sector, particularly in philanthropy and fund management.

Data Governance & Cybersecurity

• Lead and implement best practices in digital security, data privacy, and access control in collaboration with staff and outsourced IT support.
• Develop and enforce IT and data management policies; lead regular reviews and system audits.
• Provide oversight of data assurance processes and ensure systems are secure and aligned with compliance and reporting standards.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Lead the development and management of the foundation’s technology budget.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving new systems, upgrades, or integrations; define timelines, success criteria, and training needs.
• Act as primary point of contact for technical vendors, consultants, and IT support.
• Regularly share technology updates, insights, and performance dashboards with senior leadership and staff.

Staff Engagement & Leadership

• Supervise the Office & Technology Manager and manage broader IT operations in partnership with this role.
• Provide high-level guidance and mentorship across departments in tech-related decision-making.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and user empowerment in the use of digital tools.
• Design and deliver trainings and partner with vendors to support staff development.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises the Office & Technology Manager.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, recommending hires, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Skills and Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Qualifications include:

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing technology plans at the organizational level.
• Familiarity with core nonprofit platforms such as CRM, donor databases, finance/accounting software, and productivity tools.
• Experience supervising direct reports.
• Experience leading cross-functional tech projects and collaborating with executive and front-line teams alike.
• Strong understanding of data management principles, privacy laws, and cybersecurity practices.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
• High emotional intelligence, collaborative spirit, and adaptability to dynamic organizational needs.
• Oral and written English proficiency.
• Strong project management skills to balance technical execution with timelines and deliverables.

Experience:

Minimum three years of progressively responsible experience in IT operations, technology strategy, or digital systems integration-preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations. Supervisory experience required.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field or equivalent experience required. Certifications in cybersecurity, project management, or cloud systems preferred.

Working Conditions:

This is a full time, hybrid position with three days a week in office and two days remote. General office conditions apply. The noise level in work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Work indoors performing administrative duties. 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Movement within an office environment.
• Ability to write by hand and use keyboard extensively to perform general office functions.
• Manual dexterity to operate keyboard, mouse, technical tools or testing equipment.
• Ability to communicate by speech and hearing continuously.
• Visual acuity needed for close detail work and extensive computer use.
• Ability to sit for extensive periods of time.
• Ability to bend, stoop and pick up items occasionally.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds occasionally.
• Quiet to moderate noise environment.

Salary Range:

$105,000 – $117,000

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Community Foundation Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates may submit a resume and cover letter (with “CFSC – Lead Technologist” in the subject line) to recruit@lynx-er.com by January 16, 2026. Early submission is encouraged. The anticipated start date for this position is early March 2026

Please refrain from contacting CFSC directly; all inquiries should be directed to recruit@lynx-er.com.