Cybersecurity and AI Lead (part-time)

OVERVIEW Are you a digital do-gooder who’s passionate about exploring ways that new technology can safely and responsibly help scale the impact of nonprofits? Are you looking for a flexible, high-impact consulting role that enables you to use your IT and cybersecurity expertise to help fight poverty, racism, and climate change? Do you love the idea of working from home for a justice-driven organization where you’ll help shape how nonprofits approach cybersecurity and AI? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then read on! This is an exciting opportunity to partner with The CANOE Collective (CANOE), a creative start-up organization that’s filling a critical need in the nonprofit sector. We’re seeking a strategic, systems-minded Cybersecurity & AI Lead to help design the high-impact IT and AI advisory services we offer our partners, as well as the systems and policies we deploy internally. Our ideal candidate thoroughly understands cybersecurity fundamentals, thinks proactively about risk mitigation, and recognizes AI’s potential but is deeply concerned about the environmental, labor, privacy, and equity implications of these new systems. You’re organized, disciplined, responsive, and very comfortable working independently to draft a strategy and execute the plan. You’ll be a contractor to start, working anywhere from 5 to 15 hours per week at a rate of $82/hour. The number of hours may increase depending on the strength of our collaboration and the growth of our partnerships with nonprofits. Bonus points if you are interested in working for us full-time one day! This is a virtual position, and you can work from home from anywhere in the United States. ABOUT CANOE CANOE is a collective of operations professionals who fiercely believe that nonprofits must be strong from the inside out in order to make a significant impact on the world. We partner with around 30 nonprofits on building the equitable and inclusive processes, infrastructure, and systems necessary to grow and thrive. Our small but mighty team provides both day-to-day operations support and big-picture consulting services in the areas of HR, IT, financial management, governance and compliance. The following values are the compass that shapes our relationships, decisions, and day-to-day practices. They are the ground we stand on as we walk alongside organizations committed to justice and lasting impact. Transformative strength: We approach organizational challenges with curiosity and compassion, supporting the development of transformative strategies that build strength from within. We champion strong foundations and internal infrastructure as core necessities for positive change in the world. We strive to build and continuously improve sustainable systems that both address current challenges and prepare for the needs of tomorrow. Justice Centered: We uphold the principles of equity, anti-oppression, and accountability in all our actions and decisions, promoting a just, fair, and ethical world for everyone. We stand with all people subject to abusive systems of power and privilege. Dedication: We are dedicated to the missions of the partners we serve and deliver high quality operations work that enables partners to focus on impact. People First: We place people at the center of everything we do. We prioritize the well-being and development of individuals and build inclusive, accessible, and empowering environments where everyone can thrive. Community: We foster a culture of mutual respect and strong connections where different identities are welcomed, and collaboration is encouraged to achieve common goals. We aim to advance the improvement of nonprofit operations by connecting operations-focused professionals through knowledge sharing and learning. Collaborative Leadership: Our leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, where every voice is valued and diverse perspectives contribute to our collective success. We empower individuals to take initiative, fostering a collaborative environment where leadership is a shared responsibility. RESPONSIBILITIES Nonprofit Partner Support Your external work in support of CANOE’s nonprofit partners may include the following: Helping design and deliver CANOE’s structured cybersecurity, IT management, and AI advisory services (i.e. AI readiness assessments, ethical use guidance, etc) for partners; Developing recommendations on AI tools and other technology innovations that help nonprofits strengthen and scale their work while avoiding environmental harm and promoting fair labor practices; Managing the creation of nonprofit tech assessment frameworks, checklists, and practical guidance materials; Supporting the development and strengthening of IT policies, including cybersecurity, device management, access controls, data protection, acceptable AI use, and vendor/tool vetting criteria; Designing and delivering practical IT security and responsible AI use trainings; Supporting partner engagements where cybersecurity or AI expertise is needed, including incident response support and technology planning. IT Support for CANOE Your internal work in support of strengthening CANOE’s IT infrastructure may include the following: Assessing CANOE’s current cybersecurity apps and practices, identifying potential vulnerabilities, then recommending and implementing improvements; Providing guidance and oversight over CANOE’s IT systems, cybersecurity protocols, and overall risk management; Maintaining and refining security standards, access controls, and authentication practices; Strengthening written policies related to cybersecurity, data protection, incident response, and AI use; Delivering IT security and AI awareness trainings for CANOE team members. Additional responsibilities include: Staying at the forefront of cybersecurity trends, cyber insurance requirements, and emerging AI trends relevant to the nonprofit field; Collaborating with other CANOE team members on ensuring all clients are thrilled with our services through timely and effective communication, delivery on deadlines and stellar financial support; Brainstorming and helping to create tools, guidance, trainings, and other information to help nonprofits strengthen and make more just, equitable and inclusive their internal operations. ABOUT YOU You have a demonstrated commitment to fighting racism, poverty, and/or climate change. You have at least 5 years of hands-on experience in IT operations or cybersecurity, including at least 3 years supporting 100% remote teams. You understand the unique risks of virtual environments, including those related to home Wi-Fi security and remote device management You’re curious about AI’s potential to improve nonprofit operations and have hands-on familiarity with current AI tools (e.g., LLMs, workflow automation platforms, AI-powered analytics). You can credibly evaluate AI vendors and advise on ethical and responsible adoption. You maintain critical awareness of the "hidden costs" of AI technology, including privacy vulnerabilities, large-scale energy use, and the potential for exploitative labor and data-sourcing. You are committed to helping organizations navigate these tools without compromising their values. You have deep experience securing cloud-based office suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. You understand how to identify, prioritize, and reduce practical cybersecurity risks in small organizations with limited staff, time, and budgets. Bonus points if you have experience with specific security frameworks (like NIST or CIS) or hold certifications such as Security+, CISM, or CISSP, although we value proven, hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector just as much. You are extremely organized and attentive to detail. You maintain to-do lists, manage projects, create agendas and take detailed notes during meetings, and very rarely miss a deadline You have an improvement mindset, taking proactive ownership of your work to strengthen systems and find opportunities to fill gaps for your team. You translate vague goals into actionable plans by taking the initiative to clarify milestones and requirements before implementation. You have excellent oral and written communication skills You have experience handling confidential information with discretion. Your availability may vary, but we’d prefer that you can attend at least 2 meetings per week during regular business hours (9am-5pm ET). You live somewhere in the United States and have everything you need to work virtually. Small nonprofits facing disproportionately high barriers to growth and success often are those run by BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, folks from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and members of other marginalized groups. Because we believe that members of such communities must be centered in our work, if you identify with one or more of these groups, we strongly encourage you to apply. Please let us know what accommodations you might need when applying or if invited for an interview. COMPENSATION You’ll be a contractor to start, working 5 to 15 hours per week at a rate of $82 / hour. The number of weekly hours may vary with the potential to increase based on the success of our collaboration and the growth of our nonprofit partnerships.

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