System Administration
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEstablished in 1988, The Tow Foundation is a family foundation committed to promoting access to opportunities so that all individuals and communities can thrive. Grounded in its work in Connecticut and New York, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and leaders in finding and enacting innovative solutions to persistent inequality that will result in transformative, lasting progress. To accomplish its goals, the Foundation and its staff of 15 will disperse approximately $50MM in grants in 2025 to fund efforts across its five impact areas: Equity and Justice, Medicine and Public Health, Arts and Culture, Higher Education, and Civic Engagement.
The Salesforce & Data Systems Manager is a key member of the operations team responsible for the administration, optimization, and ongoing improvement of The Tow Foundation`s Salesforce ecosystem and related systems. Salesforce serves as the Foundation`s central hub for grants management, relationship management, and organizational reporting. This role also supports the Foundation`s long-term data and systems strategy, ensuring our systems and processes can evolve with new technologies and strengthen collaboration and learning across the organization.Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the manager combines hands-on Salesforce administration with systems analysis and process improvement to deliver reliable, user-centered tools that enhance collaboration, security, and data integrity across the Foundation.This position is ideal for a self-directed professional who enjoys improving systems, thrives on collaboration, and brings both technical expertise and strategic insight to support the Foundation`s mission.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESThe Salesforce Platform & Systems Manager is entrusted with the following responsibilities:
Salesforce Administration and Systems Management (40%) - Serve as the primary administrator for the Foundation`s Salesforce platform, ensuring reliability, usability, and security.
- Configure and maintain Salesforce features including custom objects, fields, workflows, page layouts, permissions, and automations
- Build, test, and deploy system enhancements such as flows, validation rules, and record-triggered automation
- Respond to and resolve helpdesk tickets in a timely and effective manner
- Maintain user roles, profiles, and access settings, ensuring compliance and secure data governance across Salesforce and integrated systems
- Maintain security and data integrity across Salesforce and integrated systems, including permission sets, connected app configurations, and API access
- Partner with the VP of Operations, the finance team, and managed service providers to ensure secure data sharing between Salesforce and key financial systems and connected platforms
- Conduct regular data audits and maintenance activities, maintaining comprehensive documentation of all configurations, workflows, and integrations
- Monitor Salesforce releases and identify enhancements that improve efficiency and user experienceSystems Optimization, Security, and Process Improvement (25%)
- Analyze business processes related to grants management, finance, and relationship tracking to identify opportunities for automation and streamlining
- Partner with staff across all teams to understand workflows, translate user needs into actionable technical solutions, and ensure systems effectively support the Foundation`s mission and goals
- Design, document, and maintain scalable workflows and process guides that align with Foundation policies and priorities
- Lead testing, training, and change management to ensure staff confidently adopt new features and workflows
Project and Stakeholder Collaboration (20%)
- Collaborate with staff across departments to gather feedback, translate needs into solutions, and refine system functionality to reflect evolving priorities
- Manage small- to medium-scale system improvement projects from discovery through deployment
- Coordinate with the Foundation`s IT and Salesforce managed service providers, as well as other external consultants or vendors, to assess technical feasibility, scope and implement projects, and ensure secure, well-documented outcomes
- Contribute to cross-functional discussions on system strategy, data use, and operational efficiency
Data Strategy and Platform Evolution (15%)
- Assess and plan for the Foundation`s future data and systems architecture, ensuring Salesforce and its integrations adapt to organizational needs
" Partner with staff and advise leadership to evaluate and plan for emerging technologies or system improvements that enhance automation, organizational learning, and the secure exchange of data across systems.
- Develop scalable data governance and integration frameworks for the secure, ethical use of Foundation data beyond Salesforce (e.g., analytics or automation environments)
- Manage change initiatives related to new systems, integrations, or data tools, ensuring continuity, adoption, and securityOther related duties as assigned
