Director, Information Technology

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Director, Information Technology to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a currently available vacancy.

The Director, Information Technology is responsible to ensure secure, reliable, and scalable digital services that support program delivery, global collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. The role sets and executes MEDA’s IT and digital transformation roadmap, strengthening core infrastructure, cybersecurity, data practices, and service management while enabling responsible adoption of emerging technologies—including AI—through sound governance, vendor management, and staff enablement.

The Director will build and steward a modern, secure, and user-centered technology environment that enables MEDA to deliver its mission efficiently and safely, while raising organizational readiness for AI and other disruptive technologies. The IT Director ensures technology investments produce measurable business value, reduce operational and cyber risk, improve data quality and decision-making, and support compliant, responsible innovation across MEDA’s global operations.

CURRENT PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Formulating a comprehensive security roadmap and data strategy to direct MEDA’s technical strategy over the coming 3–5 years.

• Proactively overseeing risk management at both regional and national scales.

• Providing leadership for integration and AI initiatives involving key business systems.

• Leading the revision of IT policies to ensure alignment with current MEDA standards, industry best practices, and relevant guidelines.

Job Status: Full-time

Start Date: May 2026

Location(s): Waterloo, Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week in office

Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000 CAD
annual salary

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Strategic Planning 20%

• Develop and maintain MEDA’s multi-year IT, cybersecurity, and data governance roadmap.

• Translate strategy into a prioritized investment plan with measurable outcomes.

• Establish decision-making forums (IT and data governance); rationalize applications and architecture to improve integration and data quality; and

• Guide responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, through appropriate policies, controls, and capability-building.

Operational Management 80%

• Develop and execute best-in-class cybersecurity strategy to protect MEDA stakeholders.

• Where necessary, re-engineer infrastructure support to ensure it aligns with business processes, tactical planning, and strategic vision.

• Define and communicate key performance indicators, project milestones, service level agreements, and resource allocation to executive team, senior management team, and end users.

• Develop budgets that comply with stated goals, guidelines, and objectives.

• Review performance of IT systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels, effectiveness, and upgrade requirements.

• Benchmark, analyze, report on, and make recommendations for the improvement of the IT infrastructure and systems.

• Authorize and oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, and support of all SAAS services, hardware, and software based on department needs.

• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.

• Periodically audit IT assets, licensing, and data to ensure efficient use, cost control, and a strong security posture.

• Direct research on potential technology solutions and implementations in support of new initiatives, opportunities, and procurement efforts.
  

• Own and manage development of IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision.

• Oversee administration of IT contracts and service agreements.
• Manage a team of IT specialists, focusing on career path, growth opportunities, and work planning.Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the MEDA’s leadership and staff.
  

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences, data sciences, systems management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Proven track record of at least 10 years of experience in IT management and leading small-medium-sized technical teams. Knowledge management expertise
and application development are an asset.

Technical Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with enterprise IT infrastructure, including network architecture, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks.

• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing IT strategies, including data governance, application rationalization, and integration of emerging technologies (such as AI and automation).

• Strong background in managing SAAS services, hardware, and software deployments, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and security best practices.

• Expertise in IT policy development, disaster recovery planning, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

• Advanced skills in budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, and resource allocation for complex IT initiatives.

• Experience leading IT teams, fostering professional growth, and promoting a collaborative, value-driven workplace culture.

• Proven track record in vendor management, contract negotiation, and overseeing service agreements.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools for tracking key performance indicators, milestones, and deliverables.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith statement, values and goals

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 13, 2026 @ 4:00 pm EST.

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.

MEDA is not in a position to sponsor or assist candidates in obtaining work permits. Employees are required to establish that they will be able to work legally in the country the role is in, during the course of employment.

MEDA does not use AI for screening, assessing or selecting applicants