About AfrikaBurn:

AfrikaBurn is the strategic driver of Burning Man culture in the Southern African region and plays a significant role in the arts and culture sector of South Africa. Most known for its flagship event in the Tankwa Karoo, as a public benefit organisation, AfrikaBurn is the human scaffold that helps a diverse creative community propel numerous arts and development projects. AfrikaBurn’s motto is to ‘Invent the world anew’ and we constantly strive towards this.

Position Overview:

AfrikaBurn is seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee the organisation’s information technology infrastructure and systems. The IT Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of AfrikaBurn’s IT environment, including hardware, software, networks, security, and telecommunications. This role requires a proactive and strategic individual who can effectively manage IT projects, support users, ensure data integrity, and implement technology solutions to meet the organisation’s evolving needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of AfrikaBurn’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of all IT systems and infrastructure components.
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues to minimise downtime and optimise performance.

Systems Administration:

• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls across various IT systems and applications.
• Install, configure, and maintain software applications and services used by the AfrikaBurn team and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including standard operating procedures and configuration guides.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement and enforce IT security policies, procedures, and best practices to protect AfrikaBurn’s data and information assets.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Respond to security incidents, conduct forensic investigations, and implement remediation measures as needed.

Technology Planning and Strategy:

• Cultivate a culture of volunteerism within the IT team, leveraging volunteers to drive projects and support ongoing initiatives.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives across all IT operations, including but not limited to Google and Microsoft services, hosting, software procurement, and telecommunications.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Organisation on IT-related matters, serving as a conduit for innovative solutions to drive organisational growth.
• Collaborate with the team to develop IT strategies and roadmaps aligned with AfrikaBurn’s mission and objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and trends to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Develop and manage IT budgets, forecasts, and procurement processes to ensure cost-effective use of resources.

User Support and Training:

• Provide technical support and assistance to the AfrikaBurn team, volunteers, and participants, resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Develop and deliver training programs and materials to educate users on IT systems, tools, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development among the IT team and end-users.

Event Specific:

• Manage and oversee event communications infrastructure, ensuring reliability and functionality during the event.
• Implement and maintain wifi networks, radio communication systems, and satellite technologies crucial for emergency services.
• Utilise expertise in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other relevant technologies to enhance event communications capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft) are a plus.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in IT management roles, preferably in a nonprofit or community-driven organisation.
• In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, cloud and virtualization technologies.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.
• Proficiency in systems administration, including experience with Windows and Linux operating systems, Active Directory, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed, especially during the AfrikaBurn event period.

Traits (we value these highly)

• Multilingual skills are a bonus!
• Flexibility and adaptability; foresee and respond where surprises and spontaneity are the norm.
• Approachability; enthusiastically weathering any storm.
• Empathy towards colleagues and AfrikaBurn community of participants.
• Conscientious; a strong sense of confidentiality, ethics, duty and personal responsibility.
• Respectful of collective decision-making and consultative processes.

Perks:

• Freedom to ‘invent the world anew’. There are no limits to what can be achieved with AfrikaBurn, you’re invited to challenge yourself and develop and grow your skills.
• Being an active part of building an internationally recognised vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity, self-expression, radical self-reliance and that has tangible value.
• Opportunity to participate in activities on Quaggafontein outside of the event period.
• A hybrid office environment that bridges the gap between working online at home and in our Cape Town offices.

Application Process:

To apply for the Information & Tech Manager position at AfrikaBurn, please email your resume and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to [email protected] with the subject line “Information & Tech Manager Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

AfrikaBurn is committed to diversity and encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.