Director - Information Technology

This role is for one of the Weekday's clients

Salary range: Rs 1000000 - Rs 1600000 (ie INR 10-16 LPA)

Min Experience: 15 years

Location: Pune

JobType: full-time

The Director – Information Technology will lead the design and implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy aligned with the long-term institutional vision. This role focuses on building a technology-driven, future-ready organisation by enhancing academic delivery, operational excellence, and stakeholder experience. The ideal candidate will bring strategic leadership, strong technical expertise, and proven experience in managing large-scale digital transformation within a complex institutional environment.

Key Accountability

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Digital Transformation Strategy aligned with institutional goals.
• Lead technology-driven initiatives that improve operational efficiency, academic systems, and stakeholder experiences.
• Position the IT function as a strategic enabler for academic, administrative, and research excellence.
• Continuously research global innovations in education technology and recommend best-fit solutions.
• Establish and enforce Information Security and Data Protection policies, governance frameworks, and compliance processes.
• Drive innovation in digital platforms including online learning systems, classroom technologies, hybrid programs, and emerging EdTech solutions.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and performance of all institutional websites.
• Understand stakeholder needs, analyze market trends and competition, and ensure digital products and systems deliver superior user experience.
• Establish and maintain an Integrated Data Centre ensuring 100% uptime, scalability, and optimal performance.
• Monitor and improve performance of IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and Wi-Fi systems.
• Integrate student and faculty feedback into future digital initiatives and upgrades.
• Manage IT support across departments including Examination, ERP, Admissions, Records, Institutional Relations, Media, Events, Seminars, and Conferences.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Lead procurement efforts including vendor evaluation, technology assessment, and cost-effective solution selection.
• Build strong relationships with academic and operational leadership to support the adoption of digital tools.
• Promote awareness of emerging technologies and facilitate institution-wide digital literacy.
• Represent technology initiatives in senior forums and external academic or industry partnerships.

Person Specification

Technical & Leadership Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience managing IT in a technology-intensive or large enterprise environment.
• Proven expertise in leading organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and technology adoption.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, resource planning, and optimisation.
• Experienced in governance, compliance, and working with regulatory or board-level stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing technology teams.

External Relations & Engagement

• Strong capability to represent the organisation at senior regional or national platforms.
• Experience establishing industry partnerships and building external engagement opportunities.

Personal Attributes & Leadership Style

• Strong commitment to institutional mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership style with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and ability to make clear decisions in complex environments.
• Highly motivated, innovation-driven, and adaptable to a high-growth culture.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• 15–20 years of professional IT experience with expertise in enterprise systems and digital transformation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and user-centric implementation skills.
• Proven experience managing multiple priorities in large-scale environments.
• Deep understanding of digital platforms, enterprise solutions, data management, and user experience design.
• Graduate or Postgraduate degree in IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of IT standards, protocols, and governance frameworks.
• Project management certifications such as PMP, Prince2, Agile, or equivalent are preferred.
• Hands-on experience in digital strategy, digital commerce, content management, mobile apps, or digital analytics.

Communication & Working Relationships

Internal: Academic & non-academic leaders, operational departments, and senior leadership teams
External: IT vendors, regulatory bodies

Skills: Information Technology | Digital Transformation | Enterprise Systems | Stakeholder Management | IT Governance | Leadership