Director of Technology

Delta Dental Plan of Michigan•Raleigh, NC

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Technology leads Delta Dental of North Carolina’s information technology function and serves as the organization’s senior technical voice in strategic planning, partner governance, and emerging technology decisions. The role owns the relationship with the managed services partner while developing selected internal technology capabilities over time. Reporting to the Vice President, Operations, the Director participates in management meetings, strategic planning, and Board engagements. The Director will lead the organization’s first internally owned technology initiatives, including a cloud-based data modernization effort and the use of automation and AI to improve business operations. The role also manages the Strategic Data Analyst and provides leadership capacity to bring additional technical functions in-house when appropriate. The Director oversees technology partner and vendor performance, contracts, infrastructure and facility technology services, and alignment with organizational needs. The role contributes to the technology roadmap, advises on technology investments and architecture, and represents the organization in affiliation-level technical and security governance forums. It leads implementation and management of a cloud-based data platform, establishes related data governance, and identifies and manages automation and AI solutions. The position also supports security, risk, compliance, audits, business continuity, and vendor risk management, while developing the Strategic Data Analyst and shaping the organization’s technical talent strategy.

Requirements

At least 8 years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibility for systems and technical staff.
Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and outsourced technical services.
Experience working in a highly regulated industry, such as healthcare, finance, or insurance.
Strong understanding of data security, governance, and compliance requirements.
Working knowledge of infrastructure fundamentals, including networking, endpoint management, and system administration.
Familiarity with AI technologies and their application in business environments.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and translate technical considerations into business terms.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Experience working at or alongside a managed services provider, with exposure to functions such as help desk, patching and backups, client management, and strategic planning.
Track record of building or leading technical teams with multiple direct reports.
Experience implementing or managing cloud-based data platforms such as Snowflake or similar.
Experience with automation platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate or equivalent.
Confident and credible presence with leadership, partners, and the Board.
Sound judgment in balancing internal capability development with continued partner delivery.
Comfort operating as both a strategist and direct contributor as conditions require.
Pragmatic, business-first approach to emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Own the managed IT services relationship and ensure partner performance, value, and alignment with organizational needs.
Lead recurring meetings with the managed services partner, review service delivery against contracted expectations, address escalations, and advance shared initiatives.
Review and refine technology-related contracts.
Manage vendors supporting facility technologies, including audio/visual, access control, and surveillance systems.
Oversee systems and infrastructure delivered by managed services providers, including network, endpoint, identity, help desk, and security operations.
Represent the organization’s technical perspective in management meetings, strategic planning, and Board engagements.
Provide executive-level guidance on technology investments, architecture, operations, and emerging capabilities such as AI and automation.
Contribute to the technology roadmap and determine where internal capability, partner delivery, or a combination best serves the business.
Represent the organization in affiliation-level technical and security governance forums.
Cultivate relationships with technical leaders in the business community to support business development and identify partnership opportunities.
Implement and manage a cloud-based data platform for reporting and analytics.
Oversee data pipelines, transformation processes, and access controls to ensure data integrity, security, and availability.
Establish and maintain data governance practices covering permissions, data usage, and system performance.
Identify and prioritize automation and AI opportunities based on business value and feasibility.
Develop, govern, and manage automation and AI solutions using platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot.
Maintain working fluency with emerging AI capabilities, including agent-based solutions, and assess their potential business value.
Ensure technology systems and partner-delivered services adhere to applicable regulations and standards, including HIPAA and PHI protection.
Partner with the CISO, Compliance Officer, and Legal Counsel on audits, risk assessments, and remediation activities.
Contribute to business continuity planning, vendor risk management, and evaluation of new tools and vendors.
Manage and develop the Strategic Data Analyst, providing structure, mentorship, and clear expectations.
Shape the organization’s technical talent strategy, including internal team size, scope, and composition as business needs warrant.
Perform other duties as assigned.