Associate Director, Information Technology

Role overview
This leadership role within the Core Services team is responsible for shaping strategy and execution across technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance impact, consulting effectiveness, and internal operations.
The Associate Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner, Core Services and operates as both a strategic business partner and technology leader, aligning systems, tools, and data consulting model and mission. This includes supporting the organization's AI strategy and adoption, while also overseeing two technology team members and the cloud environment that enable day-to-day operations.
This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a 50-200 person consulting-oriented environment, requiring a balance of innovation, strategic leadership, and hands-on execution. This includes the ability to step in and directly support users or troubleshoot technology issues, when needed.

Key Responsibilities
AI Enablement and Strategy
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Maintain and evolve AI Infrastructure (Copilot, Azure Cloud, Gemini, Claude), enhancing and aligning AI tools for org-wide use through connectors and infrastructure design.
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Support the development and execution of ERS' AI strategy, identifying opportunities to enhance consultant productivity, client delivery and insights, and internal operations and decision-making
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Partner with leadership to align technology and AI investments with organizational goals, growth priorities, and consulting delivery needs.
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Maintain AI governance frameworks, including responsible use, data security, and impact measurement
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Ensure AI infrastructure adheres to strong data security, privacy, and compliance practices, including FERPA.
Technology Vision & Organizational Alignment
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Define and drive a forward-looking technology roadmap centered on organizational outcomes.
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Ensure systems and tools are optimized for a consulting/partner-based operating model, including: knowledge sharing and reuse, cross-project collaboration, data accessibility, and insight generation.
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Continuously evaluate and implement technologies that improve organizational effectiveness and scalability.
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Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on technology-enabled organizational transformation.
IT Leadership, Operations, and Support
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Oversee all aspects of the technology function, including cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, data systems, and end-user support
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Oversee core platforms, including: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, collaboration ecosystem), Azure cloud environment, and Salesforce and related organizational systems.
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Maintain a hands-on understanding of systems and user workflows. This includes a willingness to step in and directly support users or troubleshoot technology issues when needed, provide coverage for end-user support during high-demand or critical periods, and ensure solutions are practical, user-centered, and effectively adopted.
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Manage the team's business needs including procurement, contracts, negotiations, IT workforce planning, and strategic solution partners.
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Provide operational leadership to the Technology team to ensure on-time execution of key deliverables, balancing the fulfillment of team goals with the professional growth and satisfaction of individuals.

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Effectively manage the formal and informal professional development of team members through skill development, coaching, and performance feedback.
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Lead an inclusive, high-performing team by fostering belonging, clarity, ownership, and continuous feedback, ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported, and accountable for results.
Project Management
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Lead cross-functional initiatives to implement new technology and AI capabilities
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Drive successful adoption through: change management, training, ongoing user support and feedback loops.
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Coordinate across internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality results.
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Manage and balance competing priorities, leveraging data and functional expertise to allocate team resources in ways that maximize impact, meeting short-term and long-term demands.
Organizational Stewardship
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Contribute as a member of the Extended Leadership Team, helping shape org-wide strategy.
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Support talent development and performance management across the organization.
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Actively engage and contribute to culture-building initiatives, rooted in learning and relationship-building, including coaching, position groups, and quarterly ERS weeks.
Qualifications
We seek candidates with the organizational culture, management/leadership, and technical qualifications outlined below.
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Support an office-centric culture with some flexibility by adhering to a hybrid work schedule, working from our office in Watertown, MA office at least three consistent days per week
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Must be authorized to work for an employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for new team members at this time.
Project Management and Leadership Experience
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7+ years of experience across technology, data, or digital strategy roles
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At least 3+ years in a leadership role leading high-performing teams
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Experience in a consulting firm, professional services organization, or similar team-based environment (preferred: 50 200 employees)
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Demonstrated success aligning technology initiatives with organizational strategy and outcomes
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Experience leading AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives
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Experience leading teams, managing processes, and executing complex projects, with a strong focus on process quality that consistently delivers strong outcomes
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Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, often with very tight timeframes
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Strong interpersonal skills (demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships)
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Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a mission-driven team
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Commitment to ERS core values: impact, teamwork, learning, people first, and service
Technical Expertise
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Strong understanding of: Cloud platforms (Azure preferred), SaaS ecosystems (M365, Salesforce, etc.), data systems, APIs, and analytics tools
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Experience with: Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate or equivalent), data modeling, and business intelligence
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Familiarity with AI tools and enterprise applications (e.g., Copilot, generative AI platforms)
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Strong knowledge to maintain cybersecurity, data privacy, and the responsible management of sensitive information
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Proven ability to identify and deploy new technologies that support continuous improvement efforts
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Preferred: Experience with Python or R
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Preferred: Working knowledge of security and compliance standards (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, or equivalent)