About The Role
We’re seeking a proactive and versatile IT Lead to improve our IT infrastructure, supporting staff and users in a fast-paced research environment. You will manage our enterprise network, office technology, and cloud services. You’ll also troubleshoot complex issues and teach other team members to solve common IT needs.
Our multi-floor workspace in downtown Berkeley operates more like a high-growth startup than a nonprofit, hosting numerous research organizations, members, and visitors. As the backbone of our IT operations and InfoSec, you’ll balance day-to-day troubleshooting with strategic projects and security governance.
You will collaborate closely with the Operations team on facilities, AV, physical security, and event logistics. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with leading AI safety experts. This is a full-time, on-site role in Berkeley, CA, with core hours from 9 AM to 5 PM and occasional off-hours for upgrades or urgent issues.
Responsibilities
Network & Infrastructure Management
- Maintain and optimize our enterprise WiFi network (Ubiquiti preferred)
- Administer staff IT systems, accounts, and cloud services
- Manage and secure office devices (staff laptops, guest kiosks, room reservation tablets, etc.)
IT Strategy, Projects & Vendor Management
- Develop and execute a roadmap for IT improvements and updates
- Plan and implement IT infrastructure projects (e.g., upgrading guest sign-in kiosks)
- Select and manage IT vendors and service providers
Information Security & Compliance
- Lead IT security program including risk assessment, vulnerability management, and incident response
- Conduct security audits, penetration testing coordination, and threat monitoring
- Implement and enforce policies on endpoint protection, data security, access control, and device management
- Maintain IT documentation: network diagrams, system configurations, SOPs, and security policies
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory or contractual security requirements
End-User Support & Training
- Provide technical support escalation for researchers, visitors, and staff
- Train other team members to solve common user IT needs
- Lead IT onboarding, training, and offboarding for staff, including security awareness training
Collaboration & Communication
- Work cross-functionally with Operations on facilities, AV, physical security, and event logistics
- Communicate technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Skills & Experience
- Experience managing and troubleshooting enterprise WiFi networks (Ubiquiti strongly preferred)
- Expertise in enterprise Google Workspace administration
- Strong background in IT security best practices: endpoint protection, device management, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and ITSM principles
- Experience conducting security audits, implementing security policies, and managing compliance
- Proven ability to balance urgent requests with long-term strategic initiatives
- Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
- Clear, concise communication skills, both written and verbal
- Hands-on technical support experience with highly technical users
- Strong customer-oriented mindset focused on improving user experience
- Vendor and partner management experience
You might be a good fit if you:
- Care deeply about AI safety and researcher productivity
- Enjoy helping users one-on-one
- Thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
- Can juggle and prioritize multiple competing requests effectively
- Take proactive ownership of your work, including gray areas
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation will depend on experience and will likely be $133,000 - $173,000.
