Senior Director, Cloud and Data Services; Client-facing

Senior Director, Cloud & Data Services

About the Opportunity

Our client is launching a new Cloud & Data Services division designed to transform how research, education, healthcare, and public-sector organizations across North Carolina leverage modern infrastructure. This is a rare opportunity to architect a service line from inception—shaping strategy, defining offerings, and driving statewide impact.

Build & Launch a Modern Cloud/Data Services Portfolio

You’ll design and deliver a suite of cloud, hybrid, and data services that meet the evolving needs of public-sector and mission-driven organizations. This includes:

• Developing new cloud, hybrid, and data service offerings
• Creating business cases, pricing models, and go-to-market strategies
• Evaluating emerging technologies and leading proof-of-concept initiatives
• Establishing a service roadmap aligned with customer needs and market trends

Drive Strategy & Operational Excellence

You’ll set the long-term direction for the service line and build the operational foundation needed for scale:

• Defining service catalogs, SLAs/OLAs, and operational frameworks
• Leading capacity planning, technology road mapping, and service governance
• Implementing ITIL-aligned service management practices
• Overseeing incident, problem, and change management processes
• Managing budgets, forecasting, and P&L performance

Engage Customers & Shape Market Presence

You’ll be a visible leader in the community—partnering with CIOs, executives, and stakeholders across the state:

• Working with sales/marketing to identify opportunities and shape market strategy
• Meeting with customers to understand needs and guide service evolution
• Developing onboarding and migration frameworks
• Establishing customer success metrics and feedback loops
• Acting as a technology evangelist and trusted advisor

Oversee Infrastructure & Cloud Architecture

You’ll guide the design and operation of both on-premise and cloud-based environments:

• Leading data center planning, modernization, and optimization
• Managing capacity, automation, and orchestration initiatives
• Partnering with internal teams on power, cooling, network, and security decisions
• Overseeing cloud infrastructure used to deliver service offerings

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years leading technical teams and cross-functional initiatives
• 5+ years in service development, product management, or cloud service creation
• Strong understanding of data center operations, cloud environments, and hybrid architectures
• Experience with ITIL or similar service management frameworks
• Proven financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, P&L ownership
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive audiences

Preferred Experience

• Background in data center operations or DCIM tools
• Exposure to AI/ML infrastructure or modern data platforms
• Product management certifications or agile service development experience
• Knowledge of sustainability or green data center practices
• Experience supporting education, healthcare, or public-sector organizations

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Has built or scaled a service line before
• Understands cloud technologies but operates comfortably at the strategic level
• Can speak credibly with CIOs, state leaders, and executive stakeholders
• Has both technical fluency and business instincts
• Enjoys being a community-facing technology evangelist
• Knows where the cloud and data services market is heading
• Can balance innovation with operational discipline

This is not a “maintain what exists” position. It’s a build, shape, and grow opportunity. You’ll be laying the foundation for a new business unit with strong organizational support, the ability to influence statewide technology adoption, and the chance to create services that directly benefit education, healthcare, and public institutions.