JOB SUMMARYThe Operations IT Specialist (OITS) is a member of the Operations Team and reports to the AssociateVice President of Administrative Operations (AVPOA). The OITS plays an important role in supportingthe work of the Operations function as it is critical to the strategic design, implementation andmonitoring of technology systems for the Foundation. The position is a multi-faceted role that involvesboth 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 whilebeing 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’sbusiness processes, information technology and systems, as well as ensuring operational support tothe Foundation’s Function and Cross-Function Teams. The OITS provides leadership, training andguidance to team members throughout the Foundation for the team to remain up-to-date andeffectively utilize the latest business process and IT advancements.The OITS will work closely with the Associate Vice President of Administrative Operations and theOperations Efficiency Manager to support the Foundation teams in three main areas where operationalexcellence is desired:1) Information and Technology Systems2) Business Process Management3) Risk ManagementFor an individual to be successful in the position, they must have experience in all areas. This isespecially 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 severaladministrative duties across several function and project teams within the Foundation. They must havethe ability to work both independently and in a team environment, have excellent interpersonal andcommunications skills, and be able to assess troubleshooting and solve problems. The OITS isresponsible for supporting training and guidance to ensure that all personnel are thoroughly familiarwith all policies and procedures, processes, and IT advancements administered by the Operationsteam.This role is critical to the Community Foundation’s mission of connecting people, ideas and resourcesto improve lives in Western New York and our vision of a vibrant and inclusive Greater Buffalo regionwith opportunity for all where every individual thrives.AREAS OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Operations IT Specialist monitors the effectiveness and efficiency of the business systems whichallow the Foundation’s teams to implement the organization’s strategy. The Operations function isalso 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. TheOITS systematically provides ongoing monitoring of all the Foundation’s technology policies andprocedures to ensure they are functioning as designed.Business Process Management:The Operations IT Specialist has a responsibility to design, implement and monitor the Foundation’sbusiness processes in a collaborative manner through cross-function teams. The business processesinclude developing and documenting policies, procedures and training programs throughout theFoundation.Information and Technology Systems:The OITS supports the AVPAO in the management of all information and technology systems in use atthe Foundation. These information and technology systems include, but are not limited to, thefollowing: desktops, laptops, local area network, various cloud-based platforms, software, wirelessaccess points, internet, conference room video conferencing equipment and platforms, andtelephone. OITS supports the AVPAO to design, implement and monitor the Foundation’s ITprocesses and associated policies and procedures. The OITS also develops individualized trainingprograms to ensure all Foundation personnel develop deep expertise with the tools and applicationsnecessary to perform their roles.In this role, the OITS not only supports the AVPAO, but also works closely with the OperationsEfficiency Manager, IT consultant, technology providers and Foundation team members to ensurethat 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 theFoundation’s information is kept protected, confidential and available (as needed). As part of thisresponsibility, the duties include Infrastructure Management, Vendor Liaison, TechnicalTroubleshooting, System Monitoring, Project Management, Documentation, Training & Support andContinuous ImprovementRisk Management:The OITS is an important member of the Foundation’s cross functional risk management team. Theoversight and minimization of risk is accomplished through various risk assessments and thereduction of exposure through gap analysis and the Foundation’s control environment. The risk gapsidentified are mitigated through various methods, and especially through the effective design andimplementation of effective business processes. A critical aspect of the mitigation of risk alsoincludes the implementation and oversight of IT security protocols and controls.Additional responsibilities as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSEducation & 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 - $80,000ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced andencouraged 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 inWestern New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of thegenerosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to theCommunity Foundation’s care.APPLICATION PROCEDURECommunity foundations are designed to grow and evolve as our community’s needs change, and newpositions are regularly created as a result. As the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalocontinues to grow, we’re looking for talented people who want to use their abilities to make a lastingdifference. If that is you, then please also attach a cover letter explaining your interest in this position andwhat you would bring to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.Application deadline: September 15, 2025. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, onlythose selected for an interview will be contacted. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is anequal opportunity employer that values diversity, practices inclusion and works to advance equity