Technology Consultant

Silas Partners is seeking a qualified candidate to serve in the role of Technology Consultant. This cross-functional role entails working closely with the Client Services, Creative, Marketing, and Technology teams to develop and implement technology strategies for our clients. Specific areas of expertise include Requirement Documentation, Vendor Evaluation, Vendor Management, Database Architecture, Project Management, and Web Development.

The ideal candidate will have the necessary technical depth, but will also be creative, enthusiastic, analytical, client-focused, and eager to take on responsibility and learn new skills. He/she will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment while creating an exciting, fun, teamwork-oriented setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement technology strategies for our clients that support their overall goals and objectives within real-world budgetary constraints.
• Understand business goals and clearly document business requirements for clients’ technology needs.
• Effectively communicate trade-offs to non-technical, business-oriented people (i.e. lose 10% of the functionality, but decrease the cost by 80%)
• Perform detailed evaluations of application service providers and other out-of-the-box software solutions and help clients make informed build vs. buy decisions.
• Manage all relationships with partner technology vendors and serve as an interface to ensure that our clients receive a high-level of support from all third-party providers.
• Develop architecture for online member databases to support a client’s overall communication strategy.
• Design and develop synchronization processes between online and offline member databases.
• Manage a small development team in the writing of custom applications, as required by our clients.
• Oversee and manage technology projects, interfacing both with the client and with Silas Partners team members to deliver successful solutions within budget.
• Develop and apply testing plans to provide a high level of quality assurance.
• Manage a small development team to automate report generation, content migration, and other repetitive tasks to improve internal efficiency.
• Oversee all internal IT purchases and manage all internal IT functions.
• Stay abreast of advances and developments in web-technology, engage with the Open Source community, and play a leadership role in formulating and communicating the company’s overall technology strategy.
• Act as internal thought leader and train other Silas Partners’ personnel in how to communicate complex technical concepts in every-day language.
• Publish white papers to share knowledge with Silas Partners clients and prospective clients.

Key Qualifications

• Technology Professional - You do more than talk the talk. You possess the required technical depth, ideally having paid your dues as a web developer or in a similar role.
• Passion for the Web - You are excited about the potential for the web to improve communication and you are excited to pioneer new ground in an emerging field.
• Creativity - You are creative in your strategic thinking and in your problem solving.
• Good Communicator - You have the ability to present information in an easily accessible way and to guide conversations with clients about future strategic direction.
• Client Relations - You are a pleasure to work with. Clients immediately like you and quickly respect you as a trusted expert. You understand the importance of client satisfaction and work tirelessly on their behalf. You find ways to grow initial projects into deeper, longer-term relationships for Silas Partners.
• Well Rounded - You are more than a tech geek, but you have a baseline understanding of communication strategy, marketing principles, information architecture, web design, and web analytics.
• Hard Working - Our clients are engaged in serious work and you would take seriously our obligation to serve them well. As a strategic partner, we give the extra effort that makes us more than just a vendor.
• Attention to Detail - While you are a big picture thinker, you also sweat the details, knowing that a great deal of value can be created through work that is not always glamorous.
• Leadership - You are proficient in leading and guiding cross-functional teams, facilitating good internal communication and good communication with the client. You lead by example and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves from time to time to get things done.
• Good Organization - You can manage many different projects and many different client relationships without things falling through the cracks. You instinctively know how to prioritize competing demands on your time.

Education/Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (though self-taught applicants are also welcome.)
• 3-7 years experience in related field, ideally in a consulting or software development role.
• 2-5 years of Project Management experience.
• Working knowledge of fundamental database design standards and the principles of relational databases.
• Programming experience using Java and/or PHP.

Local candidates preferred, but out-of-town submissions are welcome. Compensation will be commensurate with abilities and experience.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@silaspartners.com. No phone calls please.

Please include TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT in the subject line.

About Silas Partners

Silas Partners helps Christian ministries and other philanthropic organizations to improve their communication and expand their reach through effective use of the Internet and other emerging technologies. The focus of Silas Partners is to provide online communication services to the ministry and non-profit community. We are a full-service web agency offering expertise in the areas of web strategy, web design, web programming, multimedia production and delivery, and online marketing. Silas Partners is a for-profit company serving the non-profit market.

Silas Partners is located in Alexandria, Virginia, just north of Old Town. We are a division of Trinet Internet Solutions, based in Irvine, California. By joining Silas Partners, you will work in an environment where you can develop your professional skills and deliver work of the highest quality, while joining together with hundreds of non-profit organizations that are making a difference around the world.