Senior Director, Client Technology Operations

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

We are currently seeking a Client Technology Operations Leader to ensure seamless operation, management, and modernization of RTI's client-facing technology ecosystem across infrastructure, applications, and delivery layers.

Reporting to the Vice President, Client Technology, this role is critical in driving efficient and effective day-to-day operations while strategically positioning RTI's technology platforms to meet evolving client, research, and operational demands.

The Client Technology Operations Leader provides vision and direction to the platform product management team, ensuring solutions are reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned with RTI's enterprise standards and growth priorities.

• Oversee the management and maintenance of RTI's client technology stack, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-performing operations that meet the needs of Solutions staff and clients.
• Lead the platform product management team, driving alignment with businessobjectives, enhancing capabilities, and fostering innovation across the client technology ecosystem.
• Provide strategic vision for client technology operations, advancing modern, forward-looking approaches that position RTI for sustained growth, adaptability, and client impact. Drive operational excellence byleveragingindustry best practices, standardization, and scalable solutions to reduce complexity, improve reliability, andoptimizecosts.
• Partner with research, delivery, IT, security, and business leadership to ensure cohesive operations that support program execution and client value.
• Champion an AI-first approach to addressingtechnologicalneeds,leveragingmodern, advanced solutions to enhance efficiency, scalability, and innovation in line with organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, resilience, and continuous improvement within the client technology operations function.
• Anticipate evolving operational needs, identifying risks, capacity gaps, and modernization opportunities, and implementing proactive solutions.
• Ensure platforms are positioned to support secure, compliant, and scalable delivery aligned with RTI enterprise architecture, cybersecurity expectations, and client requirements.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging operational needs,identifyinggapsandimplementingproactive measures to mitigate risks and drive continuous improvement.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Provenexpertisein managing the operational efficiency of technology platforms, with a focus on client-facing solutions and aligning technology to organizational needs.
• Strong leadership experience guiding cross-functional platform product teams, driving vision, and ensuring effective execution of priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to modernize andoptimizetechnology operations,leveraginginnovative tools and methodologies to achieve impactful results.
• Clear communicator who fosters collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders, balancing strategic vision with operational demands.
• A focus on cost efficiency, scalability, and user experience in managing technology ecosystems.
• Experience delivering technology solutions in complex, matrixed environments, with an emphasis on structure, accountability, and measurable impact.

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (master's degree preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in technology operations, platform management, digital delivery, or enterprise systems leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational oversight of complex, client-facing technology environments at scale.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams spanning product management, engineering, and operational support functions.
• Experience implementing modern service delivery models, including cloud-enabled platforms, automation, and performance monitoring frameworks.
• Strong understanding of enterprise technology, governance, security considerations, and lifecycle management practices.
• Track record of driving operational transformation, improving reliability, and optimizing technology investments.
• Experience working in matrixed organizations where influence, collaboration, and prioritization are essential.
• Excellent executive communication skills, with the ability to translate operational insights into strategic recommendations.
• Experience in research, consulting, public-sector, or regulated environments supporting data-driven or scientific programs.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled operational tools, advanced analytics, or digital modernization initiatives.
• Experience establishing KPIs, SLAs, and operational dashboards to monitor platform performance and adoption.

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For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.