Associate Director

Description:

Raise is currently hiring an Associate Director - Digital Enablement this is a permanent, full-time team member on behalf of our client. They’re expanding their team to meet growing needs, making this a unique opportunity to work with an industry leader.

Description

The Associate Director, Digital Enablement provides strategic guidance and expertise to staff and senior leaders engaged in the delivery and support of client’s application portfolio, ensuring services are aligned with institutional priorities and evolving academic and administrative needs. This role drives application modernization, rationalization, and innovation through strong portfolio governance, lifecycle management, and vendor oversight. The Associate Director leads capability development, manages risk, and partners across IT to deliver secure, sustainable, and high‑value digital solutions that advance the University’s long‑term goals.

Consequence of Error & Judgement

The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping and executing enterprise IT programs for the University at large. If IT strategies misalign with academic and research goals, or if projects are managed poorly, it can result in the loss of millions of dollars in investment and unrealized efficiencies. Furthermore, operational or strategic failures will negatively impact the organizations global reputation, potentially hindering enrollment, donations, and public relations.

Core Key Responsibilities

Strategic Portfolio Governance & Modernization

Lead portfolio-level assessments of application fitness, sustainability, cost, and risk to identify opportunities for rationalization and benefit realization.
Partner with the Director to define, implement, and continuously improve enterprise application lifecycle management aligned with industry best practices (including SaaS, on-premises, and COTS).
Anticipate and analyze marketplace technology trends to design and sustain an innovation framework for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.

Application Operations & Vendor Oversight

Provide strategic oversight of application operations, establishing standards, practices, and resource alignment with infrastructure teams to ensure reliable production performance.
Manage and mature automated, secure, and sustainable release and deployment models.
Oversee high-level relationships with major vendors and service providers to guarantee services are cost-effective, contractually compliant, and strategically aligned.

Risk Management, Privacy & Compliance

Serve as a subject matter expert ensuring all application services comply with institutional requirements for privacy, security, accessibility, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
Partner with privacy and security leaders to design and govern enterprise applications to actively mitigate risk and protect institutional and personal information.

Financial & People Leadership

Provide financial leadership for the portfolio, including budget planning, forecasting, expenditure oversight, and strategic resource allocation.
Directly and indirectly manage staff and consultants through multiple layers of sub-managers.
Sponsor long-term learning needs, career paths, and succession plans; coach reporting leaders to build functional strength and critical competencies.

What Our Client Is Looking For On Your Resume

To be considered for this senior leadership position, candidates should clearly highlight the following 6 core requirements on their resumes:

1. Extensive IT Leadership Experience: A post-graduate degree paired with a minimum of 11 years of related IT experience. This must include at least 5 years of direct managerial/people leadership experience and 4 years of specialized experience in the design and implementation of major, complex computer systems.
2. Advanced Application Modernization & Lifecycle Ecosystems: A proven track record in IT Application Development management and operations. This includes hands-on experience driving application modernization, rationalization, and implementing modern operating models (such as Agile methodologies, Lean IT, and ITIL processes) across SaaS, on-premises, and COTS environments.
3. Large-Scale Financial & Vendor Governance: Demonstrated experience developing and administering complex budgets, resource forecasting, and navigating procurement. Resume should reflect direct oversight of major third-party vendors and service providers to ensure accountability and cost-effectiveness.
4. Strategic People Management & Talent Development: Proven capability in performance management, change management, and succession planning. Experience must show a dedication to mentoring reporting leaders, designing career development plans, and building resilient, highly engaged teams.
5. Enterprise Risk, Privacy, and Security Alignment: Direct experience collaborating with security and privacy officers to ensure massive software portfolios comply with strict institutional policies, accessibility standards, and legislative frameworks.
6. Active Commitment to EDI Principles: Tangible examples of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to expanding their own EDI awareness and ensuring team members have equitable access to development opportunities.

 Education and Certification

 Post-Graduate Degree - Master’s Degree or Ph.D.
 Preferred Certifications: ITIL 4 Certification (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), Agile/Scrum Certifications (e.g., PMI-ACP, Certified Scrum Product Owner - CSPO, or SAFe Agilist, Lean IT / Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, Project/Program Management: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP, Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF