Tech and Database Associate

Position Overview

The Tech and Database Associate leverages their technical capabilities, communication acumen, and leadership skills to strengthen data systems, improve staff utilization and adoption, and collaboratively shape the future of technology and data at our organization and enable us to build powerful movements for liberation and climate justice. The Tech and Database Associate is part of the Radical Operations team and will report to the Operations Manager.

We understand that to achieve our bold vision of a Just Transition we need to dramatically transform and leverage data and technology with a value-aligned, secure approach to support our members’ innovative work; enable nimble and emergent organizing; support experimentation; and daily manage our complex operations. The Associate, in conjunction with staff and members, will be responsible for collaborating on necessary transformations in our technology and data systems that strategically equip our staff to support members in building power at the grassroots. They are responsible for executing the day-to-day configuration, support, maintenance, and improvements of our internal platforms, database, and technology; supporting our capacity to operate efficiently and securely, and providing support to end-users through ongoing training and technical assistance. They will focus on maximizing the impact of our strategic vision by strengthening the position of the CRM as our one source of data as well as support the development of a culture of information through coordination of all aspects of our technology environment with support from the Managing Director including long-term planning, strategy execution, and change management.

The ideal candidate has a passion for information and technology, enjoys solving complex problems, and seeks to support and deeply collaborate in strong teams and partnerships to carry out impactful projects. They will help develop, conceptualize, and coordinate tech and database platforms, systems, protocols, and maintenance that support CJA internal team goals and needs as well as the members’ strategic vision.

About Climate Justice Alliance

Climate Justice Alliance (CJA) was formed in 2013 to create a new center of gravity in the climate movement by uniting frontline communities and organizations into a formidable force. Our trans-local organizing strategy and mobilizing capacity is building a Just Transition away from extractive systems of production, consumption and political oppression, and towards resilient, regenerative, and equitable economies. We believe that the process of transition must place race, gender, and class at the center of the solutions equation in order to make it a truly Just Transition.

We are a unique alliance of 88 community, frontline, and environmental justice organizations; movement networks; and support organizations at the forefront of climate change. Our members are multicultural, intergenerational, and prioritize leadership among women, gender-oppressed, and persons of color. They come from traditionally underrepresented constituencies, including Indigenous Peoples, African American, Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and low-income white communities, often located near toxic, polluting industries such as oil refineries, fracking wells, coal mines, power plants, and pipelines; rails, ports, and other major transportation corridors; landfills and incinerators; and industrial agriculture.

Core Responsibilities

Maintain and Manage CJA’s Database, Equipment, and Provide IT Support for all Technology Platforms (50%)

• Coordinates provision of IT support, services, and maintenance to all staff. 
• Coordinate password management application and implementation
• Maintain tech inventory with the Rad Operations Manager and develop and implement systems to accurately plan and budget for emergent and planned tech needs.
• Coordinates and maintains relationships with CRM providers and IT contractors.
• Work to build and maintain CJA’s CRM functionality for the organization and each staff team’s specific needs. Coordinate and monitor data entry across all departments of the organization.
• Create and use appropriate audit reports and data quality tools to ensure the high quality of all essential data.
• Oversee regular strategic review of CJA’s CRM implementation (Powerbase and Salesforce) in conjunction with key staff and contractors by gathering requirements from stakeholders, designing and configuring system changes, coordinating appropriate testing, and ultimately launching new and/or enhanced developments with end-users.
• Coordinate data management and internal tech platforms (like Basecamp, Zoom, Miro, etc) 
• Support CJA’s other programs and initiatives, including tracking of participants, events, petitions, phone banking, deliverables, documents, newsletters, scheduling, reporting, virtual meetings, registration forms, and other organizational activities.
• Support and facilitate brainstorming and problem-solving around organizational tech needs.
• Assist in building relationships with vendors, sourcing appropriate technology for our needs, and creating cost-efficient contracts.
• Track and update CJA’s Tech and Software Inventory 
• Create organizational Tech budget and responsible for sourcing and purchasing equipment
• Research tech trends that will impact the sector and work. Recommend updates and upgrades as needed
• Design workflows and systems to streamline communication and our work

Collaborate with Members & Staff to Develop and Maintain Digital Security and Community Safety Plans and Procedures (15%)

• Collaborate with an internal staff (and possibly) members team to develop a draft robust digital security and community safety plan and procedures. 
• Along with our I.T. contractors, monitor the system for security issues, evaluate and oversee timely updates of the software, manage user access, and liaison with IT and vendors on appropriate desktop and mobile tools for monitoring.
• Keep technology policies and organizational use standards up to date with modern trends and in line with organizational goals.
• Stay current on trends and emerging technologies to make proactive recommendations on applications, policies, and practices.
• Responsible for the security of data and technology infrastructure, processes, and practices, including threat assessments and mitigation.
• Review and support organizational data agreements.

Support the Development of a Culture of Values Aligned Information Technology (15%)

• Work with the CJA Operations Manager to develop a collaborative process to develop and implement a successful information and technology management strategy that addresses the organization’s need for enhanced data usage, governance, security, and fluency. The plan should deliver solutions that fulfill the organizations’ information needs to achieve our strategic plan.
• Develop, adopt, and implement new technology tools and practices, while improving upon existing systems. Create and implement best practices.
• Innovate and provide expertise and guidance around new technology tools and experiments.
• Update and train staff on protocols for data entry, monitoring, and updating. Provide ongoing training, tutorial support, produce documentation and in other ways support the independence and self-reliance of CJA staff.
• Research and advise leadership and cross-functional teams on technology strategy, technology implications of CJA’s organizational objectives, and CRM requirements relative to network, web, and other technology areas. 
• Empower and educate staff to better manage and understand data to support them in their existing projects and programs by:
• Supporting cross-functional collaboration through the use of information systems, technology tools, and efficient workflows to bridge across systems and teams. 
• Anticipating new requirements, developing them with CJA teams, and ensuring their implementation, including working with designated outside consulting support.
• Providing strategic support to each CJA team to identify their core information technology needs, how to log/track them in our current systems, and how to pull reports/analyses to support their team goals. 

Support Tech Design and Implementation for CJA Events (10%)

• In partnership with the Logistics Associate, the Tech and Database Associate will support, design and implement virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. The Tech and Database Associate is responsible for the following:
• Tech Budget: The Tech and Database Associate will compile a tech budget for all equipment and/or contracting needed for events.
• Tech set-up and break-down: Responsible for event setup whether it’s management of contractors or CJA staff. This includes sound systems, projectors and screens, microphones, computers, and lighting.

Build Organizational Work Culture and Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Along with all other staff, this position contributes to CJA’s culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. They work diligently to collaborate and support each other within and across teams and excel in an environment where every member takes care of their own basic administrative needs.

Supervisory Responsibility

Oversees rotating digital security and IT consultants as assigned and needed. Currently does not supervise other employees. 

Expected hours of work

Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day agreed upon in consultation with the supervisor.

Travel

 Infrequent domestic travel (1-4 times per year for member events or all-staff gatherings) would be required for this position. 

Physical duties of this role: Ability to work at a computer and participate in video conferencing, speaking, and typing for extended periods. 

Occasional physical duties: Responsible for logistics during travel which includes lifting items (not in excess of 25 lbs.), coordinating meals/catering, and driving. (CJA is willing and able to make reasonable accommodations for candidates who may not be able to fulfill these tasks). 

These tasks represent baseline responsibilities for this position. As CJA grows, there will be possibilities (and sometimes the need to) to move into new accountabilities and areas of work.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• At least 4-6 years experience in I.T. support, programming, or systems administration at a nonprofit or similar organization
• Familiar with or eager to learn Salesforce, Okta, and Google Workspace
• Proven track record of strong project management and organizational skills, including attention to detail, ability to effectively prioritize tasks with little supervision, and work independently to accomplish assignments and projects.
• Demonstrated solution-oriented approach, high emotional intelligence, and ability to listen deeply to, provide support to, and follow the lead of frontline, community-based leaders.
• Commitment to social justice; agreement with and commitment to CJA’s mission and values.
• Excellent analytical, research, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills, with technical and nontechnical audiences.Must be able to understand staff needs so as to accurately translate their requests into effective queries and reports. Skill in making presentations and training individuals in software applications. 
• Database management skills with contemporary relational databases, including administrative configuration, security, backup, reporting, dashboards, and data quality skills. 
• Proficiency in CRM administration, including prospect and constituent management, data quality, and developing reports as well as a good understanding of nonprofit fundraising processes, donor cultivation, nonprofit marketing, related financial requirements, and project management and grants management software systems to support CJA programs, initiatives, and re-grants. 
• Ability to launch a new system, and co-lead or support a culture change process towards a new way of doing things. 
• Strong experience with MS Office, Google Drive, Project Management Platforms, Salesforce, Apple, and other typical software systems. Understand general web concepts (HTML, Javascript, and authentication) in order to liaise with the web team for online forms and integration

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Self-starter with a combined 2-5 years experience (work, volunteer, and/or academic) in writing, communications, journalism, policy, political science, and/or a related field. 
• Experience working with frontline communities. 
• Creative mind who is not afraid to present ideas and take initiative.
• Knowledge of the national landscape of climate/environmental justice and ability to think strategically and long-term.
• Software development background is useful but not required.

 Position Type and Compensation

• 100% FTE, non-exempt position compensated at $36.06 per hour ($75,000 expected compensation divided by 2,080 normal working hours per year). 
• Overtime may be required occasionally and is paid at 1.5 the hourly rate.
• Possibility for $5,000 additional annual pay based on meeting equity factors.
• Annual COLA adjustments in excess of the Social Security Administration’s annual assessment (Calendar 2025 will be 2.5%) and to be determined by the HR Director, Financial Controller and Executive Director. Applicable from January 1st of each calendar year for all roles.
• CJA’s 100% FTE benefits package includes:
• 20 days vacation leave per year;
• 15 standard holidays per year;
• 12 sick days per year;
• 1 month of paid parental leave during the first year; eligible for an additional 2 months of paid parental leave in the second year of employment, up to 3 months;
• 3-month sabbatical leave after 5 years of continuous Full-Time Employment 
•  Medical, vision, and dental for employees and dependents;
• 100% employer-sponsored basic life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance coverage;
• Access to FSA Benefits.
• Access to employer-sponsored HRA,
• Access to an employer-sponsored retirement account with annual employer contributions that vest immediately. 

Climate Justice Alliance is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. BIPOC and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Application deadline is November 25, 2024. Please use our application portal to share a resume, three references, and a brief cover letter that includes specific examples of how you meet the requirements of the position. Any questions about the position or application process can be directed to jobs@climatejusticealliance.org.

Accommodations

If you have an access need in order to participate in the application and hiring process, please contact Veronica via veronica@climatejusticealliance.org.