Senior Director, Information Technology

Location: Remote, with flexibility to work in an office environment

Type: Independent Contractor

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Technology team leads, infrastructure managers, security lead, systems administrators, and other technology staff as organizationally determined

About Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies around the world. Our mission is to enhance the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind.

CDL operates across a global network of sites, programs, and partners. Founded at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, the program has expanded and now has 17 sites across ten countries: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Paris, Madison, Seattle, Estonia, Berlin, Melbourne, College Station, Milan, London, San Sebastian, Doha, and Cleveland.

Key Responsibilities

Organization’s Tech Stack & Infrastructure Development

• Technology Requirements & Strategy:
  • Establish comprehensive technology requirements for newly formed entities and develop appropriate commercial terms and delivery mechanisms; directly oversee implementation and integration of core platforms including Google Suite, Salesforce, and Airtable
• Hands-On Infrastructure Development:
  • Design, implement, and actively manage robust technology infrastructure supporting multi-institutional operations across universities globally; ensure scalability, reliability, and security through direct oversight of infrastructure configuration and deployment
• Google, Salesforce & Airtable Expertise:
  • Direct responsibility for architecture, configuration, and optimization of Google Cloud, Salesforce instances, and Airtable systems across the organization
  • Manage system integrations, data flows, and API connections between platforms
  • Oversee user access management, security configurations, and compliance settings
  • Direct optimization of systems for organizational efficiency and user adoption
• Technology Team Leadership:
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and directly develop core technology team members with hands-on involvement in:
    • Infrastructure operations and platform administration
    • Google, Salesforce, and Airtable administration and optimization
    • Cybersecurity implementation and incident response
    • Data management, integration, and analytics capabilities
    • Emerging technology adoption and implementation
    • Continuous professional development and succession planning
• Data Strategy & Governance:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive data strategy aligned with organizational objectives
  • Create and execute data implementation plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and direct oversight
  • Establish governance processes that optimize data value for decision-making
  • Actively collaborate with academic leads and R&D teams to leverage data as a strategic asset
  • Ensure data quality, accessibility, compliance, and security across all organizational systems

Cybersecurity & IT Risk Management

• IT Risk Management Leadership:
  • Own and manage comprehensive IT risk across the global organization with direct responsibility for:
    • Conducting regular risk assessments across all technology systems, infrastructure, and platforms
    • Identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing risks based on organizational impact and likelihood
    • Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies and remediation plans
    • Monitoring risk exposure and reporting to executive leadership and governance bodies
    • Managing vendor risk and third-party technology partner security assessments
• Security Policy & Standards:
  • Develop, implement, and enforce organization-wide security policies, procedures, and standards ensuring compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements; conduct regular security audits and compliance reviews
• Enterprise Cybersecurity Strategy:
  • Design and maintain effective enterprise-wide information security strategy and programs including:
    • Threat detection and incident response protocols
    • Security awareness training and user education programs
    • Vulnerability management and patch management processes
    • Access control and identity management systems
    • Data protection and encryption standards
• Hands-On Security Operations:
  • Actively oversee security operations including incident response, threat monitoring, and crisis management; maintain direct engagement with security team and external security partners

Stakeholder Relationship & Advisory Services

• Cross-CDL Site Stakeholder Leadership:
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholder groups across all CDL sites including:
    • Executive leadership at each CDL institution
    • Technology teams and IT departments across sites
    • Academic and research leadership groups
    • Operations and business management teams
    • Board members and governance committees
• Organizational Scaling & Digital Transformation:
  • Provide strategic and hands-on consultation on how the organization can scale effectively using technology, data, and digital infrastructure as key competitive and operational advantages; directly support implementation of digital transformation initiatives
• Technology Architecture & Advisory:
  • Consult with business and operational infrastructure teams on new and existing technologies
  • Recommend appropriate architectures, practices, and procedures for a tech stack supporting multiple universities globally
  • Advise on technology investments, vendor partnerships, and implementation approaches with direct oversight of key implementations
  • Ensure alignment between technology decisions and organizational strategy across all sites
• Business Technology Planning:
  • Develop comprehensive business technology planning and roadmap aligned with each CDL site’s needs
  • Communicate technology landscape, capabilities, and future vision to diverse stakeholder groups
  • Develop strategic recommendations for system optimization, modernization, and integration
  • Balance innovation, user needs, and organizational capability across global operations

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive information technology leadership and operations experience
• Minimum 5+ years in senior-level or equivalent technology role with hands-on operational responsibility
• Demonstrated expertise managing IT risk across complex, multi-regional organizations with some experience in working with or supporting higher education institutions and government.
• Experience managing technology functions across multiple organizations or geographic regions
• Demonstrated success building and scaling technology teams from the ground up

Technical Expertise:

• Deep hands-on knowledge of Google Cloud Platform, Google Workspace, and Google services administration
• Demonstrated expertise with Salesforce platform administration, configuration, and optimization
• Strong knowledge of Airtable database design, automation, and integration
• Strong cybersecurity background including hands-on risk assessment, compliance, security operations, and incident response
• Understanding of technology architectures suitable for academic and research environments
• Experience with data governance frameworks, analytics platforms, and data integration
• Knowledge of IT risk management frameworks and methodologies

Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholder groups including executives, boards, academics, and operational teams
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to develop and execute technology strategy aligned with business objectives
• Experience as a trusted advisor to executives and boards
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and digital transformation initiatives
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across geographic and cultural boundaries

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or specialized technology certification)
• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent advanced cybersecurity certification
• Google Cloud certifications (Cloud Architect, Cloud Security Engineer, or similar)
• Salesforce Administrator or Architect certifications
• Board-level presentation and advisory experience
• Experience with organizational scaling in startup or growth-stage environments
• Previous involvement in thought leadership initiatives or speaking engagements
• Experience advising on technology for research and academic institutions
• Track record of successful large-scale technology implementations and integrations
• Consulting or professional services background
• Experience managing distributed technology teams across multiple geographic locations

Core Competencies

• Strategic Vision & Execution: Ability to develop clear technology strategy and roadmap while maintaining hands-on involvement in execution and implementation
• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing technology teams; lead by example with hands-on technical involvement
• Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build trust and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups including executives, academics, boards, and global teams
• Risk Management: Proactive and comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating technology and cybersecurity risks across global operations
• Technical Depth: Deep technical expertise in core platforms and infrastructure with ability to hands-on troubleshoot and optimize systems
• Change Management: Ability to navigate and lead organizational change initiatives effectively while managing diverse perspectives
• Communication: Clear and compelling communication with diverse stakeholder groups; ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in making complex technology and business decisions with ability to balance risk, innovation, and organizational needs
• Global Perspective: Understanding of global operations, cultural sensitivity, and ability to manage distributed teams across time zones and regions

Working Conditions

• Flexible work arrangement with collaboration between remote and on-site work
• Availability for occasional evening meetings and calls to accommodate different time zones and global stakeholder engagement
• Consistent engagement with academic, research, and operational partners across CDL sites
• Active participation in program delivery, strategic planning, and hands-on technology implementation and support
• Potential for travel required to support multiple academic institutions and CDL sites globally

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to catherine.luelo@creativedestructionlab.com. Please include “Senior Director, Information Technology” in the subject line. 

Applications will be reviewed, and you will be contacted for an interview if your skills and experience match our job profile.

At Creative Destruction Lab, we engage skilled individuals regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, and other protected statuses in keeping with human rights legislation. We are a diverse mix of talented professionals who want to do their best work. We pride ourselves on bringing the best talent to work for our clients, and we know our company runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and dedicated staff. Please notify us anytime during the hiring process if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to provide a suitable accommodation solution.