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Operations IT Specialist

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is seeking to hire an Operations IT Specialist.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations IT Specialist (OITS) is a member of the Operations Team and reports to the Associate Vice President of Administrative Operations (AVPOA). The OITS plays an important role in supporting the work of the Operations function as it is critical to the strategic design, implementation and monitoring of technology systems for the Foundation. The position is a multi-faceted role that involves both supporting internal IT operations and the development and improvement of business processes. This role will require a complete understanding of the company’s technological infrastructure while being the main bridge between internal teams and the external Managed Service Providers (MSP). The OITS will help ensure operational excellence of the organization by optimizing the Foundation’s business processes, information technology and systems, as well as ensuring operational support to the Foundation’s Function and Cross-Function Teams. The OITS provides leadership, training and guidance to team members throughout the Foundation for the team to remain up-to-date and effectively utilize the latest business process and IT advancements.

The OITS will work closely with the Associate Vice President of Administrative Operations and the Operations Efficiency Manager to support the Foundation teams in three main areas where operational excellence is desired:

  1. Information and Technology Systems
  2. Business Process Management
  3. Risk Management

For an individual to be successful in the position, they must have experience in all areas. This is especially true with IT support since the technology function is part of the Operations team.

Additionally, The OITS must have excellent organizational skills as they are responsible for several administrative duties across several function and project teams within the Foundation. They must have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment, have excellent interpersonal and communications skills, and be able to assess troubleshooting and solve problems. The OITS is responsible for supporting training and guidance to ensure that all personnel are thoroughly familiar with all policies and procedures, processes, and IT advancements administered by the Operations
team.

This role is critical to the Community Foundation’s mission of connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York and our vision of a vibrant and inclusive Greater Buffalo region with opportunity for all where every individual thrives.

AREAS OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Operations IT Specialist monitors the effectiveness and efficiency of the business systems which allow the Foundation’s teams to implement the organization’s strategy. The Operations function is also responsible for providing the Foundation’s Function and Project Teams with the resources, infrastructure and support needed to perform their roles in a proficient and optimized manner. The OITS systematically provides ongoing monitoring of all the Foundation’s technology policies and procedures to ensure they are functioning as designed.

Business Process Management:

The Operations IT Specialist has a responsibility to design, implement and monitor the Foundation’s business processes in a collaborative manner through cross-function teams. The business processes include developing and documenting policies, procedures and training programs throughout the Foundation.

Information and Technology Systems:

The OITS supports the AVPAO in the management of all information and technology systems in use at the Foundation. These information and technology systems include, but are not limited to, the following: desktops, laptops, local area network, various cloud-based platforms, software, wireless access points, internet, conference room video conferencing equipment and platforms, and telephone. OITS supports the AVPAO to design, implement and monitor the Foundation’s IT processes and associated policies and procedures. The OITS also develops individualized training programs to ensure all Foundation personnel develop deep expertise with the tools and applications necessary to perform their roles.

In this role, the OITS not only supports the AVPAO, but also works closely with the Operations Efficiency Manager, IT consultant, technology providers and Foundation team members to ensure that processes, training, methodologies, procedures and tools are in place that will prevent, detect, document and counter threats to digital and non-digital information in a manner so that the Foundation’s information is kept protected, confidential and available (as needed). As part of this responsibility, the duties include Infrastructure Management, Vendor Liaison, Technical Troubleshooting, System Monitoring, Project Management, Documentation, Training & Support and Continuous Improvement.

Risk Management:
The OITS is an important member of the Foundation’s cross functional risk management team. The oversight and minimization of risk is accomplished through various risk assessments and the reduction of exposure through gap analysis and the Foundation’s control environment. The risk gaps identified are mitigated through various methods, and especially through the effective design and implementation of effective business processes. A critical aspect of the mitigation of risk also includes the implementation and oversight of IT security protocols and controls. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Operations, or a related field required.
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MIS) or certifications (e.g., PMP, CompTIA, Lean Six Sigma, Microsoft 365/Azure) preferred.

Experience

  • 5–7 years of professional IT experience, including user support, systems administration, and hands-on troubleshooting.
  • At least 3 years of experience in business process improvement, IT operations, or organizational change management.
  • Direct experience working with or managing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or similar vendor relationships.
  • Demonstrated experience managing cloud transitions, hybrid environments, and system integrations.
  • Proven track record of leading technology-related training, documentation, and user enablement.

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, Exchange Admin, and related tools.
  • Working knowledge of Windows Server environments, Server and storage management, user account management, and desktop support.
  • Experience with Line of Business application support.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (specifically Microsoft Azure), cybersecurity practices, and network management.
  • Experience with LAN/WAN support (including interface with telecommunication providers).
  • Familiarity with infrastructure application support (Exchange, SharePoint, Citrix, VMWare, etc.).
  • Experience using IT ticketing systems and documenting support processes.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead training, write procedures, and contribute to IT policy development.
  • Preferred: Knowledge of scripting/reporting tools such as PowerShell, SQL Reporting Services, or Crystal Reports.
  • Preferred: Experience with VOIP systems, video conferencing technology (e.g., Zoom Rooms), and telephony integration.

Salary Range: $75,000 – $80,000 Annually

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York Community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Community foundations are designed to grow and evolve as our community’s needs change, and new positions are regularly created as a result. As the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo continues to grow, we’re looking for talented people who want to use their abilities to make a lasting difference. If that is you, then please also send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you would bring to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Click the link below to apply via our applicant tracking system. Applications may also be received by U.S. Postal Service if an electronic medium is not available. No calls please.

Click here to apply: Operations IT Specialist Application

Application deadline: September 15, 2025. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. As such, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is committed to providing a work environment that is free of all forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation.