Senior Director, Technology

Title: Senior Director, Technology

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Montreal or Ottawa)

Employment Status: Permanent Full-time

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) - an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada's Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Senior Director, Technology Operations & Security is a senior leadership role responsible for setting strategic vision and direction for technology operations, security, and modernization initiatives. This role leads teams of managers and professionals, drives cross-functional transformation, and ensures alignment of technology strategies with organizational goals. The Senior Director is accountable for governance, compliance, risk mitigation, and cultivating a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team environment.

In this role, you will :

• Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and direction for technology operations, security, and innovation. Develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives that support long-term organizational objectives.
• Strategic Advisor to the Business: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business units, providing expert guidance on technology strategy, risk, and innovation to support organizational priorities and drive business outcomes.
• Modernization & Transformation: Lead digital transformation and modernization projects, including the adoption of new technologies, process improvements, and cost reduction initiatives (e.g., e-fax, paper consumption reduction, tech modernization).
• Governance & Compliance: Oversee technology governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks to ensure data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Align security practices with standards such as PCI, ISO 27001, ITIL, and ensure CISSP certification is held.
• Operations Management: Oversee the delivery and performance of Application Services, Infrastructure, and Cloud Architecture, ensuring these functions support business needs and organizational resilience.
• Service Desk & Field Operations Oversight: Provide strategic oversight for Service Desk and Field Operations, ensuring these teams are prepared to deliver effective technology support and incident response, especially during emergencies and disaster recovery situations. Empower managers to maintain high service standards and readiness for crisis scenarios.
• Security Leadership: Own and monitor the information security strategy and roadmap. Lead internal audits, risk assessments, and foster security awareness across the organization.
• Security Incident Management: Lead the organization's Security Incident Management process, including detection, response, investigation, and resolution of security incidents. Develop, implement, and continuously improve incident response plans, playbooks, and escalation procedures. Coordinate cross-functional teams during security incidents, ensuring timely communication, containment, and remediation. Conduct post-incident reviews, root cause analysis, and drive lessons learned into improved security posture.
• Cybersecurity Program Management: Oversee the ongoing Cybersecurity Program, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. Manage the development, execution, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity policies, standards, and controls. Monitor emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and trends; proactively adapt the cybersecurity strategy and roadmap. Oversee regular risk assessments, vulnerability management, and security awareness initiatives. Report on cybersecurity program status, metrics, and progress to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage technology budgets, resource allocation, and financial forecasting for efficient use of resources.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements. Collaborate with senior executives, board members, and external partners.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead high-performing teams, develop talent, and promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Change Management: Mobilize teams to support change, encourage prudent risk-taking, and drive organizational learning.
• Reporting & Communication: Present technology reports, proposals, and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders. Represent the organization in external forums and partnerships.
• Emergency Response: Participate in disaster planning, preparation, and response, providing operational support as needed.

What we are looking for :

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, Information Security, or related discipline. Minimum 15 years of experience in technology operations and security, with at least 10 years in leadership roles.
• Certification: CISSP or other cybersecurity designation is required.
• Skills: Advanced expertise in strategic leadership, technology modernization, project management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data storage, and artificial intelligence. Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and ability to solve complex problems.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, manage complex projects, and drive innovation. Experience influencing senior management and stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Other: Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and travel as required. Satisfactory Canadian criminal record reference check.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid remote with some domestic/international travel.
• May require extended hours during peak periods or emergencies.
• Ability to work to multiple, conflicting deadlines and manage stressful situations.
• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).