Executive Director, Technology Operations

Executive Director, Technology OperationsJob Summary:Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, research-based instructional design services, and robust faculty support deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. 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 ResponsibilitiesStrategic 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 practicesLead digital transformation initiatives that modernize legacy systems and create scalable technology foundations for future growthCreate and execute multi-year technology roadmaps with clear milestones, dependencies, and success metricsLead the data technology transformationEstablish governance frameworks that ensure technology decisions support business priorities while maintaining operational integrityClient & 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 serviceProvide clear direction, communication, and support to internal and external stakeholdersCultivate strong relationships to ensure project success and client satisfactionCross-Functional CollaborationServe as the strategic liaison between technology operations and business units, translating business requirements into technology solutionsFoster deep relationships with IT security, software development, infrastructure, and business unit stakeholdersLead cross-functional initiatives that require coordination across multiple technology disciplines and business domainsFacilitate executive-level communication regarding technology operations, performance metrics, and strategic initiativesEstablish frameworks for joint problem-solving that leverage diverse expertise to address complex operational challengesService Delivery ExcellenceEnsure IT services meet the needs and expectations of both internal and external customersOversee the implementation and management of service level agreements (SLAs)Establish robust metrics and KPIs to measure service quality, operational efficiency, partner and functional satisfactionContinuously monitor and improve service quality through data-driven assessmentDeploy proactive monitoring solutions that identify potential service disruptions before they impact business operationsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to understand user requirements and translate them into effective IT solutionsVendor ManagementEstablish strategic relationships with key technology vendors, and service providersNegotiate agreements that optimize value, minimize costs, and ensure service qualityImplement vendor governance frameworks that ensure accountability and performanceDevelop contingency plans that minimize dependency risks for critical vendor relationshipsOperational Excellence:Oversee day-to-day technology operations ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and scalabilityIdentify process improvements and implement solutions to enhance productivity and service deliveryManage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure timely deliveryProblem-Solving & Innovation:Address operational challenges proactively, offering solutions that balance business needs with technical capabilitiesStay updated with emerging technologies to integrate innovative solutions that drive efficiencyTeam Leadership:Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity.Collaborate with other department heads to align product initiatives with overall business objectivesLead a high-performing team of product support specialistsQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, or related field7-10+ years of experience in technology operations or project management, with at least 5 years in a dynamic leadership roleProven track record of successfully launching and managing complex projectsExcellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skillsAbility to think strategically and translate vision into actionable plansExperience with data-driven decision making and analytics toolsExperience with SalesForce, Tableau, Confluence, CMS systems, and project planning tools preferredExperience in higher education is preferredAbout Everspring Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, research-based instructional design services, and robust faculty support deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. Everspring offers a range of full-service turnkey solutions, as well as standalone single service offerings, and innovative self-service products that enable universities to establish and maintain themselves as leaders in the digital delivery of education. Based in Chicago, Everspring serves a growing number of colleges and universities. Built In Chicago has named us one of the "Best Places to Work" since 2021 and we were also certified as a Great Place To Work for four years consecutively, and are certified through May 2026.Compensation offered at Everspring will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Position Location: IllinoisThe 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!If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please reach out to HR @ everspringpartners.com EEO Note: Everspring is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Everspring makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Full-Time