Director of IT

About the OpportunityA venture-backed biotechnology company is seeking a Director of IT to lead technology strategy, operations, security, and business systems during a critical growth phase.This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who can operate as both a strategic technology leader and a hands-on builder. The position owns the company's IT function end-to-end while partnering closely with scientific, clinical, quality, regulatory, finance, and operational stakeholders. Rather than managing a large internal team, the role will oversee managed service providers and specialized technology partners, along with crafting Key ResponsibilitiesTechnology Strategy & Business EnablementOwn the enterprise applications road map and align technology investments with business priorities.Evaluate, implement, and optimize business systems across the organization.Establish governance processes for technology requests, system selection, and adoption.Drive operational efficiency through technology-enabled process improvements.Information Security & Data GovernanceLead the organization's cyber security, compliance, and risk management programs.Oversee identity and access management, endpoint security, backup and disaster recovery, and data protection initiatives.Develop and maintain data governance frameworks supporting regulated operations.Ensure systems, processes, and documentation meet applicable regulatory requirements.Support audits, due diligence activities, and third-party security assessments.Partner with technical and business teams to support evolving data, infrastructure, and computing needs.IT Operations & Vendor ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for managed service providers and key technology vendors.Drive accountability, service quality, and continuous improvement across outsourced IT functions.Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, software licensing, and technology investments.Ensure reliable and consistent IT support across multiple office locations.AI Strategy & AdoptionDevelop governance standards and policies for AI usage across the organization.Evaluate AI technologies and identify opportunities to improve business processes.Ensure AI initiatives align with security, compliance, and data governance requirements.Ideal Background10+ years of IT experience with leadership responsibility.Experience supporting regulated life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or similar environments.Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, data governance, compliance, and risk management.Experience managing MSPs, consultants, and third-party technology providers.Background leading enterprise application strategy and implementation efforts.Familiarity with cloud environments and modern business technology ecosystems.Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a lean organization.Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.Preferred ExperienceExperience building or scaling IT capabilities in a growing organization.Exposure to regulated research, clinical, manufacturing, or quality environments.Experience developing AI strategies or governance programs.Security, infrastructure, or IT service management certifications.Experience supporting customer, partner, sponsor, or regulatory audits.Why Candidates May Be InterestedEnterprise-wide ownership of IT, security, business systems, and AI strategy.Opportunity to build scalable technology capabilities from the ground up.Significant visibility with executive leadership and business stakeholders.High-impact role within a growing, innovation-driven organization.Competitive compensation, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.