World Change Starts with Educated Children®

IMPORTANT: All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located. Room to Read is not able to provide sponsorship.

Position Overview

The Associate Director-Technology Delivery and Operations will oversee technology operations while bringing strong hands-on software delivery expertise to manage custom application development through external partners. The role will ensure sound architecture, appropriate technology choices, and quality delivery of systems, while also supporting small-scale development, automation, and innovation initiatives. This position bridges engineering, operations, and governance to ensure scalable and reliable technology solutions. The position will report to Senior Director, Global Technology.

Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end custom software development delivered through internal team and external partners, ensuring alignment with business requirements, timelines, and quality standards.
Review and guide solution architecture, system design, and technology stack selection for new and existing applications.
Act as a technical counterpart to vendors, ensuring code quality, scalability, security, and maintainability.
Contribute to small development tasks, automation workflows, and innovation projects where needed (e.g., scripting, APIs, low-code/no-code, integrations).
Oversee technology operations including cloud infrastructure (Azure, AWS), M365 platforms, and system reliability.
Ensure integration between applications, data systems, and cloud platforms is efficient and scalable.
Manage cybersecurity practices, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation across systems.
Oversee technology procurement, vendor contracts, and delivery performance.
Coordinate across teams to ensure smooth execution of projects and operational priorities.
Support the Senior Director in technology planning, roadmap execution, and strategic initiatives.
Develop and implement technology training programs
Support the Senior Director in Technology Policy development, management and sustainability

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field.
10–12 years of experience in software development, system architecture, and technology operations including at least 4+ years in similar role.
Strong background in software engineering (backend/frontend, APIs, integrations).
Experience working with external development vendors or system integrators.
Solid understanding of system architecture, design patterns, and technology stack selection.
Hands-on experience or familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and modern application environments.
Understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD, and deployment pipelines.
Working knowledge of Azure AI services, cognitive tools, and workflow automation platforms.
Ability to contribute to coding, scripting, or automation tasks when needed.
Experience in IT operations, infrastructure, and procurement processes.
Strong problem-solving, cross functional collaboration, and communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Exposure to AI/ML systems or data-driven applications.
Hands-on end-to-end software development and delivery expertise
Experience with low-code/no-code platforms and workflow automation tools.

Compensation

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, fun, and rapidly growing organization that is changing the world through literacy and gender equality in education.

Child Protection Principles

Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation
Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation.
All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment, and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse.
All children should be treated with respect and dignity.
The well-being of the child is Room to Read's first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse.
Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles

Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse.
Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated.
All adults should be treated with respect and dignity.
Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor's rights and dignity at the forefront.
Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent.

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.

Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read's Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.

About Room to Read: 

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children's libraries filled with diverse children's books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.

We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.

Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.

Associate Director, Technology Delivery and Operations