Director, IT Business Operations

About the Opportunity

Job Summary The Director of IT Business Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic and financial efficiency of IT functions within the Office of the CIO. This role oversees IT operational excellence to ensure IT investments align with business objectives. The Director of IT Business Operations focuses on ensuring that the IT organization "does the right things" through strategy and governance, as well as "doing things right" through organizational and operational model development and performance management. This role requires occasional availability outside of traditional working hours to address urgent business needs as they arise, including, but not limited to, responding to security incidents, supporting software deployments, resolving software issues or system breaks, and addressing other critical operational requirements.

The ideal candidate must be proactive and adaptable, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations by promptly addressing any issues, regardless of time or day. Flexibility and a strong sense of urgency are essential for success in this position. This role is hybrid and in the office minimum of three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success. This role requires flexibility in performing duties outside of the primary responsibilities to support evolving business needs. The ideal candidate must be adaptable and willing to take on additional tasks or projects as required, ensuring smooth operations across the organization. This may include stepping in to assist with cross-functional teams, handling unexpected challenges, or contributing to initiatives that support business growth and success. A proactive mindset and the ability to pivot quickly are essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University is unable to work sponsor for this role, now or in the future.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in IT business operations, financial management, or IT governance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong expertise in IT financial planning, cost optimization, and Technology Business Management (TBM).
• Proven experience in IT vendor management, procurement, and contract negotiations.
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project and program management experience.
• Strong collaboration, communication, leadership, and strong stakeholder management abilities.

Expected Behaviors and / Competencies

Solicits information on company direction and goals, and on the industry's competitive environment, to determine how their function can add value for the organization and for customers. Makes decisions and recommendations clearly linked to the organization's strategy and financial goals, reflecting an awareness of external dynamics. Demonstrates awareness by providing clear explanations for actions taken relative to customer requirements, organizational needs, and industry trends. Identifies and acts upon opportunities for continuous improvement as well as transformational change where warranted. Encourages prudent risk taking, exploration of alternative approaches and organizational learning. Demonstrates personal commitment to change through actions and words. Mobilizes others to support change through times of stress and uncertainty. Focuses on desired results and business outcomes. Sets and achieves challenging goals. Clearly defines mutual expectations of self and others in a team setting. Takes appropriate actions to ensure obligations are met. Defines performance standards in terms of doing what is appropriate and doing it well. Revises standards in response to changing business needs. Is resourceful and takes calculated risks to achieve results; works to achieve goals despite barriers or difficulties. Examines issues and creates plans with a long-term perspective. Generates ideas and critically evaluates future scenarios. Applies external and internal factors to strategy development. Considers long-term strategic impact when making decisions or setting direction. Ensures that short-term goals support long-term strategy, and that functional strategy is in alignment with overall business strategy. Incorporates into the plans business priorities, strategies, goals, emerging technologies, industry trends and economic viability.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Planning & IT Governance

• Develop and implement IT business operations strategies that support enterprise goals.
• Establish IT governance frameworks, policies, and best practices for financial and operational management.
• Align IT business operations with digital transformation initiatives and innovation strategies.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance IT service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain technology solutions in business terms, establish rapport and persuade others.
• Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, technology directions, and strategic application to business needs, including the ability to differentiate between a relevant trend and hype.

Performance Metrics & Reporting

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for IT operational and financial performance.
• Develop dashboards and reports to provide IT leaders with insights on efficiency, spending, and risk.
• Drive data-driven decision-making by implementing advanced IT analytics and reporting mechanisms.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Act as a strategic advisor to the CIO on IT business operations, governance, and financial matters.
• Collaborate with business leaders to ensure IT operations align with enterprise goals.
• Lead and mentor IT business operations teams, fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability.

Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement

• Lead automation, workflow standardization, and process optimization initiatives across IT operations.
• Enhance IT service delivery models by leveraging industry frameworks such as ITIL.

Position Type General Administration

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Benefits

• medical
• vision
• dental
• paid time off
• tuition assistance
• wellness & life
• retirement- as well as commuting & transportation

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All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation

Grade/Pay Type: 114S Expected Hiring Range: $130,945.00 - $189,868.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—including 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.