Director, Technology

The Western Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division – Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations.

The Advancement Operations department is a partner in the areas of constituent database and technology services, prospect management, research and pipeline, data analytics and storytelling, gift and pledge management, records and document management, and financial reconciliation and reporting. In addition, we provide support to the annual planning process as well as budget management, talent management and facilities support for Western Advancement.

The Director, Technology (Western Advancement) provides strategic leadership for the technology, systems, information management, business intelligence and digital capabilities that enable Western Advancement's fundraising, alumni engagement, and operational activities. As a member of the Advancement Operations leadership team, the Director works collaboratively with leaders and colleagues across Western Advancement, Western Technology Services, Office of the Registrar and other related units to understand evolving business needs, establish technology priorities, and develop innovative and forward-looking strategies and solutions that strengthen operational effectiveness, enhance the constituent experience, and advance Western's fundraising and engagement priorities.

The Director leads the development and implementation of Western Advancement's technology strategy and roadmap, providing leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for systems and software applications, data management, business intelligence and analytics, web and digital applications, technical training, and end-user technology services. The role provides strategic oversight for Western Advancement's technology ecosystem, identifies opportunities to innovate, improve and integrate systems and technology business processes, and establishes priorities for technology investments, projects, services, and resources. Working in close partnership with Western Technology Services and other University partners, the Director ensures technology solutions are reliable, secure, sustainable, and aligned with institutional standards while positioning Western Advancement to respond effectively to emerging needs, opportunities, and technologies.

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, Technology Management, or another related discipline
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Technology Management, or another related discipline preferred
• Professional certification in project management, information technology governance, information security, business analysis, or another related area is considered an asset

Experience:

• 7 years’ progressively responsible experience leading technology, information systems, digital solutions, or technology-enabled business operations within a large, complex organization
• Experience developing and implementing technology strategies, roadmaps, governance frameworks, and investment priorities that align technology capabilities with organizational objectives
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technology teams and functions, including responsibility for human, financial, operational, and technology resources
• Experience evaluating complex business requirements and developing technology, systems, integration, and process solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and service delivery
• Experience developing and managing technology budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, and resource plans, including evaluating technology investments and making strategic recommendations
• Experience leading technology services within advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, higher education, or another complex relationship-based organization preferred
• Experience with advancement technology ecosystems, constituent relationship management systems, fundraising and engagement platforms, business intelligence and analytics, or related technologies preferred
• Experience working within a decentralized technology environment requiring collaboration with enterprise technology functions and multiple organizational units preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of technology strategy, information systems, systems integration, technology governance, service delivery, and contemporary technology management practices
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex organizational and business requirements into forward-looking technology strategies, priorities, solutions, and implementation approaches
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills with the ability to evaluate technology opportunities and investments in relation to organizational priorities, business value, risk, resource requirements, and long-term sustainability
• Demonstrated knowledge of information security, privacy, accessibility, business continuity, technology risk management, and system lifecycle considerations within a complex organizational environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of data and information management, business intelligence, analytics, and the role of technology in enabling reliable information and informed organizational decision-making
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to establish strategic direction, integrate multidisciplinary functions, develop professional capabilities, allocate resources, and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment
• Exceptional consultation, relationship management, and influencing skills with the ability to establish credibility, understand diverse business needs, build consensus, and develop effective partnerships with senior leaders, stakeholders, and technology professionals
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex and ambiguous business and technology issues, identify interdependencies, assess alternatives, and develop practical and sustainable solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technology concepts, risks, opportunities, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizational change and technology transformation initiatives while balancing strategic priorities, operational requirements, stakeholder needs, and organizational readiness