Hi, We're Protect Democracy!

Protect Democracy seeks an IT Specialist to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll support and improve upon the technology infrastructure that safeguards and enables our high-impact work defending democracy. You will collaborate closely with our IT Manager and our external Managed Service Provider (MSP) to administer, secure, and enhance our internal systems while also identifying opportunities for innovation and improved functionality.

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At Protect Democracy, we anchor all of our work in service of a singular mission: to prevent American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. Our mission is non-partisan and it is our north star—whether tackling high-stakes litigation, policy advocacy, or ensuring our internal operations are equipped with secure, reliable, and impactful technology.

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This role is ideal for an experienced, self-motivated IT professional with strong systems administration skills, a deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices, and a passion for optimizing internal systems and user experience. You’ll play a key role in ensuring a secure, efficient, and mission-motivated computing environment for a fully remote team. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. We will consider applicants from almost anywhere in the United States.* Final candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-offer background check.

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The IT Specialist will:

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• Administer, support, and enhance our workspace environments, ensuring optimal security and functionality across systems;

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• Create auditing and reporting mechanisms within Google Workspace, using external tools to ensure compliance and identify risk areas;

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• Maintain, monitor, and enhance Protect Democracy’s IT security posture, including identity and access controls and vulnerability management;

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• Manage and maintain the organization’s internal intranet, ensuring uptime, access, and content integrity;

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• Collaborate with third-party vendors and service providers, particularly around website security, certificates, updates and incident response;

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• Partner with the IT Manager to translate strategic initiatives into technical execution;

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• Play a lead role in testing and implementation of new products;

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• Provide escalated technical support to staff, ensuring timely resolutions;

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• Maintain system documentation and process records to support transparency and continuity;

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• Proactively identify opportunities to optimize IT operations, improve user experience, and reduce risk.

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Job requirements

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• 7+ years of hands-on experience administering an organization’s Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 environment(s);

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• Strong understanding of IT security principles and best practices across systems;

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• Demonstrated ability to manage technical consultants and service providers;

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• Proficiency with maintaining and updating internal intranet platforms;

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• Comfort using and supporting Apple products and mobile device management (MDM) systems;

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• Experience supporting or leading IT projects, including software rollouts, system integrations, and user acceptance testing;

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• Ability to work independently and manage tasks across multiple priorities, while collaborating closely with a small, distributed team;

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• The ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;

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• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;

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• Passion for protecting and improving our democracy.

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Pluses, but not requirements:

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• Google Workspace Administrator certification or Microsoft equivalent;

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• CompTIA certifications (e.g. Security+ or Network+).

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Compensation

The starting salary range for this role is $112,200 - $125,000, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment with internal equity.

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About Protect Democracy

• *Flexible location. We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the US and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. We are established for remote work in many states across the country, and while candidates based anywhere in the United States are welcome to apply, we may not be able to offer employment in your current location. If you proceed in the hiring process, we will discuss where you currently live and what is possible in our initial interview. All staff are also required to travel at least two times per year to team retreats, and this role also requires periodic travel. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.) 
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthens our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes generous sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately. Additionally, we cover employee medical premiums at 100% (with up to 95% coverage for dependents depending on plan selection), and employee and dependent’s dental/vision at 100%. All employees have access to long-term disability and life insurance, fertility benefits, a home office stipend, and bonuses at the discretion of the Executive Director.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

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To apply for this position, please complete the application linked below. You will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter as PDFs — in your cover letter, please highlight your interest in and alignment with Protect Democracy’s mission and any skills or experiences that make you a strong fit for this position. Applications missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. We will begin interviews when we reach the application deadline.

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Important Notes

• Contact hiring@protectdemocracy.org if you require specific accommodations at any point in the hiring process.
• Keep an eye on your promotions/spam folders to avoid missed communication.
• We are unable to provide status updates for each application we receive. If you reach out and do not hear back, please know it is not for lack of appreciation or interest, but simply for lack of staff capacity to respond to individual inquiries.
• The application will include a voluntary EEO survey so that we can monitor the applicant pool as a whole for representation and equal employment opportunities, and to evaluate our progress as an organization toward a diverse and inclusive workforce, which we believe is a pillar of a thriving democracy. The categories used by the EEO survey are limited and may not reflect your lived experience; please feel free to opt out of any of the questions. Your responses to this survey are entirely separate from your application materials, are not accessible to those responsible for hiring decisions, and will not affect your candidacy in any way.