The Director of the Software Development Service (SDS) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the delivery of custom applications that address complex campus needs. This role leads multidisciplinary technical teams and fosters strong partnerships with campus stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative software solutions.

The Software Development Service is a cost-recovery function, and the Director must establish billing models to offset internal costs. The Director must effectively manage the financial performance of the service while ensuring quality.

The Director is responsible for managing customer relationships and project portfolios. The SDS will execute a variety of projects, and the Director is expected to ensure that teams manage projects effectively. The Director will occasionally be expected to manage large projects directly.

Additional responsibilities include marketing and promoting the capabilities of the service through road shows, newsletters, events, or similar techniques.

In partnership with team leaders, the Director will ensure leading practice software architecture, system integration, lifecycle management, and efficient delivery across all phases of application development and support.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Software Development Service (SDS), ensuring effective delivery of custom application development and support that meets evolving stakeholder needs.

Oversee internal marketing, customer relationship management, and financial management for the SDS.

Promote awareness of team capabilities and pursue opportunities for service delivery amongst new and existing internal customer groups.

Manage a cost-recovery model with billing models that effectively balance internal costs and corresponding rates while optimizing application portfolios.

Work with team leaders to oversee a diverse project portfolio and ensure effective project management and governance across all project aspects, including software design, architecture, quality assurance, security, and change management.

Occasionally manage large or strategic projects directly.

Mentor and support team leaders, promoting cross-functional collaboration, resource optimization, and professional growth across teams.

Engage proactively with campus stakeholders and functional leaders, ensuring that the Software Development Service collaboratively identifies requirements, co-designs solutions, and delivers robust applications.

Maintain strong partner relationships, monitor customer satisfaction, and ensure robust incident resolution and service improvement efforts.

Ensure proper management of vendor partnerships and contracts, support negotiations, monitor service performance, and ensure product support teams have access to training resources.

Establish and continuously improve policies, procedures, and service delivery protocols.

Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive enhancements in services and programs, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in software development capabilities.

Other duties as assigned.

Incumbents should have experience leading teams that provide custom application design, development, and support functions within a large enterprise environment. Experience within a higher education space is preferred.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree

5-8 Years of IT Project Management Experience

8-10 Years of Web Development Experience

Experience with defining and managing operational budgets and billing models

Team Leadership Experience

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Computing Services. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals.

Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions

Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Decision Making:

Decisions have implications on management and operations of a unit or department. Job may contribute to important strategy, operation and business decisions.

Working Conditions:

Required to work normal business hours; evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.

Accountability:

Accountable for operational results of a work unit or department.

Direction:

Establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals.

Supervision:

Authority to direct the work activities of managers and/or supervisors with functional responsibilities. Has authority to undertake or recommend employment actions.

Requirements:

Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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