Director, IT

About the Role

Cynch AI, a Series A company experiencing rapid revenue growth, is seeking a Senior Manager of IT to lead the development of a streamlined IT practice. This hybrid role, based out of either the Pleasanton or Cupertino office, requires a hands-on leader to manage a diverse set of systems and processes. You will be responsible for building a robust IT foundation focused on security, ease of use, and durability, acting as the sole IT expert initially with the potential to build a team as the company scales.

Responsibilities

Build the IT Function:

• Consolidate IT operations across the company under a unified function.
• Establish clear ownership and accountability for IT processes and systems.
• Reduce shadow IT and standardize tools and processes for efficiency and security.
• Determine the optimal scaling strategy for IT (internal hires, MSPs, or hybrid).
• Hire and manage IT staff as the company grows.
• Define and own the company's IT roadmap and strategic direction.

Modernize Technical Infrastructure:

• Consolidate and manage the company's identity platform.
• Implement and manage device management for both Mac and Windows environments.
• Oversee desktop, SaaS, and virtual applications (hosted on Azure).
• Manage and optimize vendor relationships.
• Enhance the employee IT experience during onboarding and offboarding.
• Ensure reliable IT support for both remote and in-office employees.

Security and Compliance:

• Improve identity, access management, and endpoint security measures.
• Implement practical security controls and policies.
• Collaborate with engineering and leadership on security best practices.
• Prepare the company for SOC 2 compliance.

What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)

• Complete a gap analysis for SOC 2 readiness.
• Select and implement a unified identity platform across the company.
• Document IT onboarding and offboarding processes for all employee types (remote, onsite, hybrid).
• Implement automated SCIM provisioning.
• Reduce shadow IT by auditing SaaS tools and establishing a clear procurement process.
• Define additional priorities in collaboration with executive leadership.

Work Model

• Initially onsite, transitioning to approximately 3 days per week hybrid, with flexibility based on tax season demands and technical needs.

Salary Range

• California: $160,000 - $180,000

About You

• Approximately 10+ years of IT experience, including at least 3 years in a management capacity, preferably within a startup or high-growth environment.
• Comfortable with both strategic design and hands-on execution, from help desk tasks to high-level IT strategy and compliance.
• Experience implementing identity platforms (e.g., JumpCloud, Okta, Entra ID, Google Workspace).
• Proficient in Azure beyond Entra ID, particularly in securing and deploying applications.
• Experience managing Mac and Windows fleets using MDM tools (e.g., Jamf, Kandji, Intune).
• Expertise in deploying and managing SSO, MFA, SCIM provisioning, RBAC, and access lifecycle management.
• Proven experience preparing companies for SOC 2 compliance.
• Experience managing SaaS systems, vendors, and actively reducing shadow IT.
• Ability to automate workflows and integrations.
• Demonstrated ability to bring order to fragmented environments by standardizing systems, documenting practices, and building durable IT infrastructure.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability.