Location

Remote, with flexibility to work in an office environment

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

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

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

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

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 solid, 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 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.

📌 Senior Director, Information Technology (Winnipeg)
🏢 Creative Destruction Lab
📍 Winnipeg