The Platforms and Services team ensures that providers of digital development services can design and deploy their services faster, at a lower cost, and to a wider audience in select countries. This role directs two of DIAL’s three main programs of work:
- Expedite the deployment of proven technology across development sectors and geographies to make it easier for anyone to integrate technology into development programs.
- Example: Open source center that supports existing, open-source ICT4D platforms to build out their features and grow their community
- Expand the availability of distribution channels primed to deliver services at scale.
- Example: Two initiatives that respectively are seeking to establish aggregators in multiple markets and one that is researching features that development actors need and evangelizing them to platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp
The Senior Director, Platforms and Services, DIAL leads this program portfolio. S/he works closely with industry and development sector partners to determine which technology partnerships will most effectively extend reach, at strategies are most effective, and leads a multi-national team of engineers and program managers to design, develop and deliver test models that can be implemented in the field to determine which strategies will be most effective in scaling programmatic use of software in the development sector.
The Senior Director, Platforms and Services, DIAL will report to the CEO, DIAL. S/he will be the leader of the Platform and Services team and will play a technical management and mentorship role within the team and across DIAL.
- Co-design and ensure successful delivery of the program portfolio with senior P&S staff.
- Provide thought leadership and mentorship to senior engineering and product management personnel on the P&S team.
- Design and oversee all areas of operations, staffing and budgeting for the Platforms and Services focus area.
- Identify, negotiate, and execute priority technical partnerships with the private and public sector to deliver P&S’s program portfolio
- Participate in DIAL’s leadership team and actively support building and executing to achieve DIAL’s goals.
- In partnership with DIAL’s Insights and Impact team, and Communications teams, develop a knowledge sharing agenda, including a cadence of blogs, research publications, events and other mechanisms for active promotion insights and tools.
- In partnership with the Data for Development focus area, develop a long-term strategy to align investments in open source platforms, standards and APIs to enable the delivery of data for social good.
- Perform periodic portfolio reviews and propose strategic course corrections, in partnership with DIAL’s Investment Evaluation, as well as the executive team.
- Ensure the program adheres to its program implementation plan and budget, including partnering with DIAL’s Business Operations team to ensure grantee and consultant compliance.
- 15+ years of experience in the software industry, with a balanced understanding of the business and technical elements of the industry; demonstrated experience developing and leading open source business models preferred
- 10+ experience leading and managing distributed product development teams from design to delivery of product solutions; requires experience “shipping” a product for +5million users.
- 10+ years managing virtual teams to accomplish goals. Applicant is expected to have demonstrated ability to move virtual teams from strategy to delivery Experience driving agile teams preferred;
- Working relationships in the development sector including key actors such as governments, multi-lateral agencies, association and funders required;
- Experience shaping new business solutions that complement technical requirements; entrepreneurial backgrounds building new start-ups in the private or public sector strongly preferred.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills appropriate for diverse internal and external audiences
- Excellent relationship building skills, with demonstrated ability to work with partners and colleagues at all levels, across organizations, time zones and cultures required
For full-time employees we offer an excellent range of benefits, including a choice of two health plans through CareFirst (PPO or HDHP), dental insurance, vision discount plan, Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Long-Term Care Insurance, Health Club Discounts, Commuter Benefits, and Employee Assistance Program.
12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days and 8 weeks of parental leave (mother or father), access to the UNFCU Credit Union, 150% match on our 403b retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and discounted Zipcar membership.