Network Infrastructure Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Position Description

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Position Title: Technology InfrastructureManager

Reports To: Director of Information Systems & Technology (IST)

FLSA Status: Regular Full-Time, 1.0 FTE, Exempt

Work Location: Grand Rapids, MN Hybrid Work Arrangement (3 days in office)

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About Us:

Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a mission to connect, fund, and advocate for ideas and people to inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward. The Foundation partners with people, organizations, and communities to build hope and opportunity by investing in the places and people who make rural Minnesota strong.

Position Purpose:

The Technology Infrastructure Manager leads the Foundation's technology infrastructure andtechnology operations, ensuring secure, reliable, and effective technology services that support the Foundation's mission, organizational priorities, and day-to-day operations.This includes network infrastructure, cloud services, Microsoft systems, cybersecurity, identity and access management, endpoint management, telecommunications, audiovisual systems,artificial intelligence platforms and technical controls,and related technology services.

This positionis responsible for the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and continuouslyimproving theFoundation's technologyenvironment.Serving as the Foundation's primary technical lead for infrastructure operations, this position directs and validates work performed by managed service providers and other technology partnersincluding Foundation-approved AI platforms,are securely configured,effectively integrated, and operated in accordance with Foundation standards, data protection requirements, and approved use policies.

The Technology Infrastructure Manager collaborates with staff, vendors, and technology partners to strengthen security, optimize system performance, maintain operational resilience, andensure theFoundation'stechnologyenvironmentcontinues to support its mission and evolving organizational needs.

Essential Accountabilities:

Technology Infrastructure & Operations

• Lead the planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Foundation's technology infrastructure to ensure secure, reliable, and effective technology services.

• Leadthe lifecycle of the Foundation's technology infrastructure, including network services, cloud and server environments, endpoint computing,audiovisualsystems,telecommunications, and related technology systems.

• Establish and maintain technology infrastructure standards,technicalconfigurations,AIgovernanceguardrails,that support organizational needs and long-term sustainability.

• Monitor infrastructure performance, availability, and capacity, proactively identifying opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and user experience.

• Develop and maintain infrastructure documentation, system architecture, inventories, and technical standards to support operational continuity and effective technology management.

• Evaluate infrastructure technologies and recommend enhancements that improve performance, scalability, resilience, and alignment with organizational priorities.

• Support the secure implementation, integration,and operation of Foundation-approved AI platforms, includingappropriateaccess controls monitoring, data protection, and technical documentation.

Network & Security Operations

• Lead the Foundation's network and security operations, ensuring technology systems, infrastructure, and services are secure, resilient, and available to support organizational operations.

• Oversee cybersecurity practices, including security monitoring, vulnerability management, patch management, endpoint protection, and incident response to reduce technology risks and protect Foundation information assets.

• Manage identity and access controls, ensuring appropriate user authentication, authorization, and administrative access practices that support security, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

• Ensure technology backup, recovery, and continuity plans are developed, maintained, tested, and capable of supporting organizational resiliencethroughthe timely restoration of critical technology systems and Foundation operations following cybersecurity incidents, system failures, or other significant disruptions.

• Monitor the health, performance, and security of the Foundation's technology environment, proactively identifying and addressing infrastructure and security issues while coordinating appropriate response and resolution.

• Evaluate evolving cybersecurity threats, technologies, and industry best practices, recommending and implementing improvements that strengthen the Foundation's security posture and operational resilience.

• Assess and manage technical risks associated withFoundation-approvedAI platforms, including dataprotection, access controls,third-partyintegrations,vendor security, and appropriate use of Foundation information.

Managed Technology Services & Vendor Partnership

• Lead the Foundation's managed technology services and vendor partnerships, ensuring technology services are delivered effectively, alignedwith organizational priorities, and supportsecure,reliable day-to-day operations.

• Serve as the Foundation's primary technical liaison with managed service providers (MSPs), technology vendors, and service partners, establishing technical expectations, validating recommendations, and ensuring services align with Foundation standards, security requirements, and operational needs.

• Establish, monitor, and evaluate technology service levels, vendor performance, and contractual obligations to promote service quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to plan, coordinate, and implement infrastructure projects, technology changes, and operational initiatives with minimal disruption to Foundation operations.

• Evaluate vendor solutions, technology recommendations, and emerging service offerings to support informed decision-making, responsible technology investments, and long-term organizational needs.

• Serve an internal technical resource for escalated support issues, onboarding and offboarding activities, troubleshooting coordination, and situations requiring organizational knowledge or technical judgment to ensure timely, effective resolution of technology needs.

• Evaluate the technical architecture, security, privacy, and contractual commitments ofallvendors,includingAIplatforms,before implementation or renewal.

InfrastructureTechnology Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Leadinfrastructuretechnology planning efforts that support the Foundation's strategic priorities, operational needs, and long-term technology roadmap.

• Evaluate emerging technologies,including AI capabilities,infrastructure trends,and industry best practices, recommending solutions that improve security, efficiency, scalability, and user experience.

• Develop and maintain technology lifecycle plans for infrastructure, hardware, software, and related technology assets to support sustainable operations and informed investment decisions.

• Identifyand implementopportunities to improve technology services,infrastructure performance, andtechnology operationsthrough continuous evaluation, innovation, and process improvement.

• Partner with Foundation leadership to anticipate future technology needs, assess organizational impacts, and recommend technology strategies that support evolving business requirements.

• Promote continuous improvement by evaluating technology performance, incorporating lessons learned, and implementing enhancements that strengthen technology services and organizational effectiveness.

Leadership &Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and guidance across the Foundation, serving as a trusted advisor on technology infrastructure, security, and operational best practices.

• Partner with Foundation leadership and departments to understand technology needs, communicate technical concepts, and recommend solutions that support organizational priorities.

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional technology initiatives, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and successful implementation of technology changes.

• Promote a culture of service, continuous learning, innovation, and accountability within Information Systems & Technology and across the Foundation.

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and technology partners to support organizational success and continuous improvement.

• Providetechnical guidance to staff regarding the secure and effective use of Foundation technology, including Foundation-approved AI platforms and related technologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but provides leadership through cross-functional collaboration, project leadership,technical expertise, and organizational partnership.

Organizational Expectations

In addition to performing the responsibilities of this position, all employees are expected to contribute to a workplace culture that reflects the Blandin Foundation's mission, values, and commitment to continuous learning, growth, and collaboration. Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate the Foundation's values in daily work and interactions.

• Engage in continuous learning, professional growth, and the development of new knowledge and skills.

• Share expertise, seek feedback, and contribute to a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Build respectful, collaborative relationships that strengthen trust and organizational effectiveness.

• Support the Foundation's commitment to equity.

Qualifications

The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform this position may be acquired through a variety of educational and professional experiences. The qualifications below reflect the experiences and capabilities that support success in this role.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and progressively responsible experience in information technology, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Five years of progressively responsible experience supporting and managing enterprise technology infrastructure, network operations, cybersecurity, or related technology environments.

• Demonstrated experience planning, implementing, and supporting enterprise technology infrastructure, including cloud services, network systems, endpoint management, identity and access management,technology security practices,includingcloudtechnologiesandAIplatforms.

• Experience leading technology projects and managing managed service providers (MSPs), vendors, or other technology partners.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical solutions, solve complex problems, and make sound technology recommendations aligned with organizational needs.

• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Industry certifications relevant to infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, or project management (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, ISC, ITIL, PMP, or similar).

• Experience supporting enterprise cloud, network, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and identity management environments.

• Experience working in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Technology Infrastructure & Security

• Knowledge of enterprise technology infrastructure, including networking, cloud services, servers, endpoint management, identity and access management, telecommunications, and cybersecurity principles.

• Knowledge of technology operations, infrastructure lifecycle management, system monitoring, backup and recovery practices, and business continuity planning.

• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, technical solutions, and vendor recommendations to support secure, reliable, and effective technology services.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues, analyze risks, and develop practical solutions that support organizational priorities.

• Ability to balance security, reliability, user experience, and operational efficiency when evaluating technology solutions and making technology decisions.

• Knowledge of technical, cyber security, privacy, data protection, identitymanagement, integration, and vendor considerations associated withAIplatforms and AI-enabled technologies.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships with Foundation staff, leadership, managed service providers (MSPs), technology vendors, and external partners.

• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to understand organizational needs and deliver responsive technology solutions.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and adapt effectively in a dynamic environment.

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