Technology and Business Systems Manager

CLA Introduction:

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the Bar association for all California attorneys.  We are a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California.  CLA has eighteen Sections including the New Lawyers Section (NLS) that share an area of interest in law and each offers top-tier programs, award winning conferences, events, and provides access to outstanding legal resources.  We continuously seek new ways to expand our offerings. Through premier educational, networking, and advocacy opportunities, our members can maintain expertise in their field, build contacts, and uphold the legal profession and system. CLA also has several initiatives that support its mission of promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

CLA is committed to promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. We are dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys from a variety of diverse backgrounds practicing in the state of California. All CLA employees must demonstrate cultural fluency by proactively managing bias and maintaining sensitivity to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, and age of our members and the legal community.

Summary

The Technology & Business Systems Manager leads CLA’s business systems, technology operations, and Web Team to support organizational goals and deliver an effective experience for staff and members.

The Manager is the primary owner of CLA’s Association Management System (AMS), overseeing system configuration, data, integrations, reporting, workflows, and continuous improvement. The role partners with departments across the organization to translate business needs into practical technology solutions, improve processes, and maximize the value of CLA’s systems and data.

The Manager supervises and develops the Web Team, establishes priorities, manages projects and performance, and coordinates with CLA’s external IT and technology vendors. The position also provides strategic oversight of CLA’s website and digital platforms, with an emphasis on leadership and technology management rather than hands-on development.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop the Web Team.

• Set priorities, allocate resources, manage performance, and support professional development.

• Foster a collaborative, responsive, service-oriented team culture.

• Coordinate technology initiatives across departments.

Business Systems & AMS

• Serve as the primary owner and subject-matter expert for CLA’s AMS and core business systems.

• Manage system configuration, workflows, data, integrations, access, upgrades, and enhancements.

• Partner with departments to improve business processes, automation, and system utilization.

• Translate business requirements into technology solutions.

• Ensure data quality, security, documentation, and effective reporting.

Technology Strategy & Operations

• Develop and execute CLA’s technology strategy and roadmap.

• Evaluate systems, technologies, risks, and opportunities and make recommendations to leadership.

• Oversee technology security, privacy, accessibility, governance, and compliance.

• Manage CLA’s external IT provider and other technology vendors.

• Oversee technology budgets, contracts, upgrades, and other technology initiatives.

Website & Digital Platforms

• Provide strategic oversight of CLA’s website and related digital platforms.

• Establish priorities for enhancements, accessibility, security, performance and content governance.

• Coordinate website projects and support with staff.

Data, Projects & Events

• Oversee reporting, dashboards, analytics, and use of organizational data for decision-making.

• Lead cross-functional systems and technology projects from requirements through implementation.

• Oversee technology supporting virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.

• Communicate project status, risks, timelines, and resource needs to stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, business systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of experience managing business systems, enterprise applications, association technology, or related technology operations, including staff leadership.

• Demonstrated experience managing an AMS, CRM, or comparable business system.

• Experience with system integrations, data management, reporting, and business process improvement.

• Experience leading teams and managing technology vendors, budgets, and cross-functional projects.

• Knowledge of website/CMS platforms such as WordPress.

• Working knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, accessibility/WCAG, and technology governance.

• Experience with association, legal, or event technology is preferred.

• Strong analytical, project management, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to translate business needs into practical technology solutions and communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.

Success in the Role

Success means CLA’s technology and business systems are reliable, secure, well-managed, and aligned with organizational needs. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing Web Team, maximize the value of the AMS and related systems, improve business processes through technology and automation, effectively manage vendors and projects, and serve as a strategic technology partner to CLA leadership and staff.

Essential Functions

• On-call availability as needed for critical systems or events.

• Ability to lift and transport moderately heavy technology equipment.