Information Technology Systems Lead

The about the role

Our client is looking for a technology leader to shape how the organization uses AI, emerging technology and resilient core systems to strengthen its core services and operations. This role is both strategic and hands-on: you will keep the organization's infrastructure secure and reliable while leading its responsible adoption of AI and digital transformation.

As a trusted advisor to the Head of the organization and Senior Leadership Team, you will supervise technology support staff and external IT providers and work closely with staff across all departments and technology partners. Institutional strategy and capital budget decisions sit with senior leadership; specialized development and tier-3 support may be commissioned from vendors.

Key Responsibilities

AI, Emerging Technology & Digital Transformation

• Develop and lead the organization's roadmap for AI, automation and digital transformation

• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies on strategic value, operational benefit, security, privacy, cost and sustainability; lead adoption of approved solutions

• Establish responsible AI governance covering data privacy, human oversight, ethical use and user protection

• Identify automation opportunities, build staff capability and measure the impact of technology initiatives

Strategic Technology Leadership

• Maintain an IT strategy aligned with the organization's strategic plan and mission

• Advise leadership on technology investment, lifecycle planning and risk, prioritizing initiatives by value, cost and resources

Core IT Operations & Governance

• Ensure the uptime, performance and security of network, cloud, servers, endpoints and communications

• Maintain backup, business continuity and disaster recovery plans

• Manage vendors, licensing, SLAs and procurement; administer core information systems, integrations and access rights

• Deliver IT projects on time and within budget, with accurate documentation and asset records

Digital Safety & Cybersecurity

• Maintain a safe digital environment for all users through web filtering, access controls and monitoring

• Enforce data protection standards across internal and third-party platforms

• Run threat detection, endpoint security, MFA and network defense; lead incident response

Service Delivery & Stakeholder Alignment

• Set and manage IT support workflows, ticketing standards and response times

• Partner with department leaders to ensure core platforms and user-facing technology reliably support their work

• Translate technical concepts into clear guidance; lead training and change management for new systems

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, Information Systems, Engineering, Digital Technology or a related field

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in IT leadership, technology management or systems administration in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

• Formal training and practical expertise in AI/ML tools, generative AI and workflow automation, with a track record of leading adoption and establishing ethical AI governance, data privacy and risk controls

• Experience developing technology roadmaps and advising leadership on investment, risk and transformation

• Strong knowledge of enterprise networking, cloud, infrastructure, systems administration and cybersecurity, and the ability to analyze operational and user data to inform decisions

• Experience managing vendors, service agreements, projects and hardware/software lifecycles

• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, professional fluency in English, and the ability to explain technical and AI concepts to non-technical audiences

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in IT, AI, Digital Transformation, Technology Management, Cybersecurity or a related field

• Experience implementing AI or developing technology governance frameworks in an educational setting

What Success Looks Like

Reliable, resilient systems; strong data security and digital safety; measured, ethical adoption of high-value technology such as AI; responsive support that users value; and cost-effective management of vendors, licenses and assets.