About the ABF

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute that expands knowledge and advances justice through rigorous empirical research on law, legal processes, and legal institutions. The ABF's primary sources of funding are an annual grant from the American Bar Endowment (ABE) and contributions by the Fellows of the ABF – a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, faculty, and scholars whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. The ABF offices are located on Northwestern University’s Chicago campus in Streeterville.

Position Overview

The IT Manager oversees workplace information technology systems at the American Bar Foundation (ABF), supporting 50-60 staff and faculty with technical systems administration, software, hardware, and office network problem resolution. They manage the Microsoft Office 365 cloud environment, including Office Suite and SharePoint. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the IT Manager collaborates with the Director of People and Culture, the Office Manager, vendors, and end users to ensure smooth operations and meet organizational IT needs. The IT Manager has a high degree of personal interaction with the ABF community and must maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and sensitive information.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Administration & User Support (50%)

Administers Microsoft 365 tenant, including email and file storage.
Administers Zoom meeting, webinar, and phone systems.
Monitors IT security and implements best-practice IT security policies.
Troubleshoots software and SaaS issues for ABF-issued computers, including Microsoft 365 and specialty apps (Adobe CC, Blackbaud Financial Edge & Raiser’s Edge, SPSS, Stata, Qualtrics).
Partners with SaaS vendors to address high-severity issues.
Performs user account creation and faculty and staff IT onboarding.
Liaises with Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) to manage network infrastructure, including Internet, Wi-Fi, firewall.
Ensure the website is up to date, secure, and performing optimally, including resolving technical issue and managing the webhosting vendor relationship.
Assist staff with website-related technical questions and ensure best practices for non-technical staff updating website.

Administration (30%)

Manages PC inventory, replacement cycle, and IT procurement.
Communicates goals, policies, and procedures of the organization; assesses and improves as needed.
Maintains software license inventory (e.g., SPSS) and disaster recovery documentation.
Stays updated on technological advancements.
Develops and delivers essential IT trainings in collaboration with Director of People and Culture.

Hardware Support (20%)

Identifies, diagnoses, and resolves hardware issues for ABF computers and smartphones.
Troubleshoots copy/print issues and works with managed print services vendor for service needs.
Maintains conference room A/V equipment in collaboration with vendor and oversees A/V for events and conferences; highly proficient in A/V troubleshooting for various org events and presentations.
Procures and manages computing accessories such as monitors, keyboards, mice.
Delivers, tags, sets up, and configures end-user PCs, phones, software, and peripherals.

Other duties not listed above may be required of this position.

Required Qualifications

3+ years in desktop support and Microsoft Office 365 management.
Expertise in Windows, Office 365 (SharePoint, OneDrive), and software troubleshooting.
Network LAN/WAN experience.
Remote user support experience (e.g., TeamViewer).
Ability to manage projects across a Windows environment (application rollouts, system changes, upgrades, etc.).
Familiarity with macOS, iOS, and Android.
Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills to those without technological training.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.
Responsive and adaptive to ABF’s organizational IT and A/V needs.
Commitment to the ABF’s mission and to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Illinois residency and U.S. work authorization required throughout employment.

Work Structure and Environment

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), exempt position. The IT Manager is expected to work at the ABF offices at least three days per week and to work remotely in Illinois on the other days. Close mental and visual attention are required, primarily for using a computer and/or extensive reading. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch period. Occasional work outside of these hours is expected in connection with ABF events (e.g., Board meetings, book launches). Out-of-state travel is not required for this position.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000–85,000. Full-time administrative staff benefits currently include:

403(b) retirement plan with 5% automatic employer contribution plus 5% employer match
35-hour work week, plus early-dismissal Summer Fridays
Flexible scheduling and compensatory time
Generous PTO: 16+ holidays, including a weeklong winter recess; 15 vacation days; 10 sick days; paid family/medical leave; other leave as needed (e.g., short-term disability)
Medical and dental insurance – BCBS-IL PPO or HMO
Vision insurance – UnitedHealthCare
FSA, or HSA with employer contribution
Commuter benefits, including discounted parking
Professional development funds
Employment eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Life insurance
Legal assistance plan
Other perks offered by the ABF and Northwestern University

How to Apply

Please submit a résumé and brief explanation of your interest in this position combined as a single PDF via Breezy. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be reviewed. No phone calls, please. Note: A pre-employment background check is required for final candidates. Conviction of a crime does not necessarily disqualify a candidate from employment.

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, including providing reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants. All decisions regarding employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age; ancestry; certain arrest or criminal history records; citizenship; color; disability; gender; gender identity; genetic information; housing status; marital status; military status; national origin; order of protection status; parental status; pregnancy; protected activity (e.g., reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment); race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture or hair styles); religion; reproductive health decisions; sex; sexual orientation; source of income; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence; unfavorable discharge from the military; or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.