Vice-President, Application Services, Data & Technology

Socket.dev; Guelph; Hybrid; CAD 157,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Pension plan

Comprehensive health benefits

Volunteer time

Job summary

OCAS is seeking a Vice-President, Application Services, Data & Technology to lead product, data, and technology strategy across the organization. You will guide platforms and services, ensuring secure, reliable, and user-centered solutions for Ontario’s public college application experience.

You will manage multi-year roadmaps, oversee cross-functional teams, and collaborate with senior leaders to drive investment decisions and governance in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in product/data/technology functions.
• Strong understanding of product development, modern software architectures, cloud platforms, and data ecosystems.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and communication with a focus on user-centered, secure outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define and advance OCAS’s product, data, and tech strategy aligned with goals.
• Provide executive oversight of Application Services, Data Services, and IT Services.
• Guide multi-year roadmaps and platform modernization across units.
• Oversee budgets, resources, vendor management, and governance.
• Strengthen relationships with colleges and sector partners.
• Lead a multidisciplinary leadership team toward high performance.
• Ensure system reliability, security, and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Budgeting & governance

Product strategy

Technology leadership

Education

Master’s degree in engineering / CS / business

Tools

Cloud platforms

Enterprise systems

Job description

Technology is reinventing higher education, and at OCAS, we play a vital role in helping shape this evolving landscape. We deliver dependable technology systems and business services to support our industry partners and create new pathways for learners exploring and applying to Ontario’s public colleges.

Recently named a Waterloo Area Top Employer for the eleventh consecutive year, we’re looking for innovators who can bring their expertise and passion to our growing team.

TheVice-President, Application Services, Data & Technology at OCAS is a critical executive leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing the organization’s product, data, and technology strategy. Reporting to the President and CEO, you will provide enterprise-wide direction for the platforms, systems, services, and teams that support Ontario’s public college application experience and enable OCAS to deliver secure, reliable, modern, and user-centred solutions.

This role is central to ensuring OCAS’s technology ecosystem continues to evolve in alignment with organizational priorities, sector needs, and long-term sustainability. You will oversee multi-year product, data, and technology roadmaps; guide platform modernization; and ensure Application Services, Data Services, and IT Services work together through cohesive planning, strong governance, operational excellence, and high-quality delivery.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will bring strategic insight, operational discipline, and deep technology expertise to complex organizational decisions. At OCAS, you will work with remarkable individuals and colleagues who support each other in achieving high performance.

In this role, you will:

• Define and advance OCAS’s product, data, and technology strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, sector needs, and long-term sustainability
• Provide insight into technology, data, and product trends, risks, and opportunities to inform organizational strategy, long-term direction, and investment decisions
• Provide executive oversight of Application Services, Data Services, and IT Services, ensuring cohesive planning, platform modernization, operational excellence, and high-quality delivery across all functions
• Strengthen relationships with internal teams, Ontario’s public colleges, and sector partners, representing OCAS in sector-wide forums and strategic initiatives
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary leadership team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture across product, data, and technology teams
• Oversee budgets, resource allocation, vendor management, operational readiness, and governance structures to support effective planning and delivery
• Ensure system reliability, security, and performance, while proactively managing organizational, technical, and delivery risks

You should have:

• A Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related field
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience across product, data, and/or technology functions, including senior‑level responsibility in complex, multi‑interest holder environments
• Strong understanding of product development practices, modern software architectures, cloud platforms, data ecosystems, enterprise systems, and digital transformation
• Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, interest holder engagement, and decision‑making skills, with a commitment to user‑centred, secure, and equitable outcomes

Why OCAS?

• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model, with three days each week in our Guelph office and two days working remotely
• Join a collaborative team that is passionate about technology, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Work in an environment where new ideas are welcomed and better ways of working are encouraged
• Start with 22 vacation days, plus a paid company shutdown during the holiday season
• Plan for the future with a defined benefit corporate pension plan
• Access comprehensive benefits, including vision, dental, extended health care, life insurance, and more
• Give back through paid volunteer time and opportunities to support local charities in your community

Position reports to: President and CEO

The pay range for this position is $157,000.00 - $191,000.00, depending on skills and previous experience.

This position is being offered to replace an existing vacancy.

OCAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.