Leadership role
VP of Engineering
Leads the engineering function of a nonprofit, whether that means software, technical systems or physical plant.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the CIO / CTO, COO or Executive Director / CEO. Authority covers the engineering function, which in nonprofits may mean software products, facility and plant engineering, or technical programs, depending on the organization.
Core responsibilities
- Leads engineering teams and sets technical standards
- Plans and manages engineering budgets and project portfolios
- Oversees design, testing and delivery of systems or infrastructure
- Manages contractors and outside vendors
- Ensures safety, code or security compliance for engineered systems
- Supports grant-funded or contract technical projects where they fund the work
How it differs
The CIO / CTO sets technology strategy for the whole organization; this VP runs the engineering team. VP of IT / Technology covers internal systems and support. VP of Facilities manages buildings and property; a hospital's plant engineering may sit under either role.
By organization size
The title appears mostly in larger or technology-driven nonprofits, research institutes and health systems. In smaller organizations engineering work sits with a director or with outside firms.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: VP Engineering; VP of Engineering; VP, Engineering; Vice President of Engineering; Vice President, Engineering; VP - Engineering