Executive Director, Technology Operations

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director of Technology Operations to oversee and drive operational excellence and data initiatives across technology. This role will be pivotal in ensuring seamless client implementations, fostering internal collaboration, and ensuring project milestones are met on time and within budget. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and a hands-on leader, ready to tackle challenges and drive solutions to ensure project success.

This role reports to the Head of Technology and is based in Chicago, IL. Everspring follows a hybrid work model, requiring this role to be in the office at least three days per week, with additional in-office days as needed based on business demands.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Head of Technology to develop and implement technology operations strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive technology initiatives, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Partner with the Head of Technology to architect and implement a comprehensive technology operations strategy aligned with organizational objectives and industry best practices
• Lead digital transformation initiatives that modernize legacy systems and create scalable technology foundations for future growth
• Create and execute multi-year technology roadmaps with clear milestones, dependencies, and success metrics
• Lead the data technology transformation
• Establish governance frameworks that ensure technology decisions support business priorities while maintaining operational integrity

Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for client-facing technology operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Serve as the primary technology operations contact for clients, building trust through exceptional service
• Provide clear direction, communication, and support to internal and external stakeholders
• Cultivate strong relationships to ensure project success and client satisfaction

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the strategic liaison between technology operations and business units, translating business requirements into technology solutions
• Foster deep relationships with IT security, software development, infrastructure, and business unit stakeholders
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that require coordination across multiple technology disciplines and business domains
• Facilitate executive-level communication regarding technology operations, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives
• Establish frameworks for joint problem-solving that leverage diverse expertise to address complex operational challenges

Service Delivery Excellence

• Ensure IT services meet the needs and expectations of both internal and external customers
• Oversee the implementation and management of service level agreements (SLAs)
• Establish robust metrics and KPIs to measure service quality, operational efficiency, partner and functional satisfaction
• Continuously monitor and improve service quality through data-driven assessment
• Deploy proactive monitoring solutions that identify potential service disruptions before they impact business operations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand user requirements and translate them into effective IT solutions

Vendor Management

• Establish strategic relationships with key technology vendors, and service providers
• Negotiate agreements that optimize value, minimize costs, and ensure service quality
• Implement vendor governance frameworks that ensure accountability and performance
• Develop contingency plans that minimize dependency risks for critical vendor relationships

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee day-to-day technology operations ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability
• Identify process improvements and implement solutions to enhance productivity and service delivery
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure timely delivery

Problem-Solving & Innovation:

• Address operational challenges proactively, offering solutions that balance business needs with technical capabilities
• Stay updated with emerging technologies to integrate innovative solutions that drive efficiency

Team Leadership:

• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity.
• Collaborate with other department heads to align product initiatives with overall business objectives
• Lead a high-performing team of product support specialists

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, or related field
• 7-10+ years of experience in technology operations or project management, with at least 5 years in a dynamic leadership role
• Proven track record of successfully launching and managing complex projects
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable plans
• Experience with data-driven decision making and analytics tools
• Experience with SalesForce, Tableau, Confluence, CMS systems, and project planning tools preferred
• Experience in higher education is preferred

Compensation offered at Everspring will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Position Location: Illinois

The annual base salary range for this position is: $165,000 to $180,000.

This role is eligible for incentive compensation or equity.

We offer benefits that include hybrid work arrangement, paid parental leave, medical, dental and vision insurance, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and optional long-term disability, 401k with an employer match vested immediately, a generous PTO plan that accrues with tenure, professional development, tuition reimbursement program, discounted onsite gym, optional pet insurance and more!