Job Opportunity: IT Director, Marijuana Policy Project

The Marijuana Policy Project, a fast-paced, well-respected lobbying organization, is seeking an IT Manager for MPP's Washington, DC headquarters.

The IT Manager manages a three-person IT department, which handles all of MPP's networking infrastructure, data management, and Web development.

QUALIFICATIONS: The IT Manager must be able to perform exceptionally in an extremely fast-paced campaign environment. The position requires an ease with juggling multiple projects simultaneously and quickly; the ability to translate technical issues into plain English for non-technical staff; and a proven track record of successful project management in a deadline-driven environment. MPP is a heavily Apple-based organization, so extensive experience with Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server is essential. Candidates should be comfortable working in both the graphical user environment and at the command line level, as well as generally familiar with and comfortable using UNIX or Linux and Microsoft Windows XP. Experience managing Linux/UNIX servers and/or experience with Windows-based networking is a plus. Expertise in data management and/or Web development is a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The IT Manager manages one Network and Systems Analyst and one Web Developer, while serving as a back-up for the services and functions they provide. Specifically:

• Data Management: Oversee the work of the Network and Systems Analyst, who is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of MPP's in-house databases and database servers; perform general database management and development using FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server, and MySQL; help MPP's staff to develop and debug database queries and reports; and work with outside vendors to ensure integrity of MPP's internal database, including NCOA, Telematch, district matching, and other matching services or methods.

• Networking and Systems: Oversee the day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting of all IT infrastructure, such as desktop and laptop computers, network devices, servers, back-up system, VPN, telephones, and other associated peripherals; and research and recommend new technologies, services, software, and hardware that will improve MPP's ability to execute its mission.
• Web: Oversee the work of MPP's Web Developer, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of MPP's web sites and development of new web sites; oversee the transition of MPP's main web site from its current provider to a new provider, as well as the transition of MPP's remaining web sites from hand-edited sites to one or more content management systems, and oversee the training of MPP staff in their usage; and when the Web Developer is unavailable, make web site updates as needed.
• Department Management: Manage a high-volume incoming workload for the department, ensuring jobs are prioritized and executed; and effectively manage the department staff.

The IT Manager reports to the Executive Director. In addition to a competitive salary, the position includes full health insurance and an optional retirement package. Please see http://www.mpp.org/jobs/process.html to apply for the IT Manager position. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible, as MPP is seeking to fill the position quickly.

MPP has 33 staffers -- 23 staffers in MPP's DC headquarters, three in California, four in Minneapolis, one in Massachusetts, one in Michigan, and one in New Hampshire. With more than 23,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, MPP is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana -- both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit its use -- and believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment. For more information about the organization, please visit http://www.mpp.org.