The Breast Cancer Research Foundation · New York, New York, US
About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. By investing in the best minds in science to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis—and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration—BCRF is accelerating the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need to be the end of breast cancer. About the Role The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is creating its first internal technology leadership position. BCRF has historically relied on an outsourced IT managed service firm, with no internal staff to guide technology strategy, own operational accountability, or serve as a bridge between back-office infrastructure and the fundraising, financial, and program systems that power mission delivery. BCRF is now moving to bring real ownership in-house. This is a cross-functional, leadership-oriented role for a senior technologist comfortable with working in both a strategic and hands on manner and energized by the opportunity to build a technology function to support BCRF’s mission. The Director, Technology & Information Systems will be BCRF’s senior technology owner, playing a key role in maturing BCRF’s information technology program. In addition to managing the relationship with the MSP which provides helpdesk services, among other duties, the Director will have accountability for the full scope of the organization’s technology and systems operations. This includes strategic and hands-on responsibility for back-office systems and infrastructure, data privacy and security, regulatory compliance, implementation of enterprise data strategies, and ensuring that strategic data products strengthen how data assets and resources are utilized and managed, including coordination across BCRF’s specialized fundraising and program software ecosystem. This position is based in New York, NY. BCRF currently requires staff to work onsite a minimum of three days per week. Primary responsibilities IT Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute a technology roadmap aligned with organizational strategy in partnership with leadership Advise executives on technology investments, priorities, risks, and emerging opportunities (including AI) Serve as the organization’s internal authority on IT, data, and technology-related decision-making IT Operations & Service Delivery Oversee all internal IT operations, including end-user support, infrastructure, networks, systems administration, and hardware/software lifecycle Ensure reliable, secure, and well-documented IT services Manage the managed services provider (MSP) and other external partners, ensuring performance, accountability, and cost-effectiveness Cybersecurity, Privacy & Compliance Lead cybersecurity strategy and operations, including risk assessments, incident response, and vulnerability management Ensure compliance with applicable data privacy, regulatory, and security requirements (e.g., donor data, financial systems, PCI-DSS, vendor standards) Establish and maintain policies for security, acceptable use, business continuity, and disaster recovery Promote a culture of security awareness through training and ongoing risk mitigation Data Governance & Stewardship Establish and lead enterprise data governance practices, including data ownership, quality standards, access controls, and lifecycle management Ensure data integrity, security, and usability across systems Act as a steward of organizational data, partnering with departments to resolve data quality issues and improve reporting reliability Maintain documentation of systems architecture and data flows to support institutional knowledge Applications, Systems & Integration Maintain working oversight of mission-critical platforms (fundraising, finance, grant management, digital engagement) Support system integration, selection, and improvement initiatives to ensure sound architecture and long-term sustainability Provide technical guidance on licensing, system changes, and vendor solutions AI & Emerging Technology Governance Develop and maintain policies governing appropriate use of AI and emerging technologies Advise leadership and staff on AI-related risks, opportunities, and responsible adoption Ensure alignment of AI usage with data privacy, security, and governance standards Vendor, Budget & Resource Management Own technology vendor relationships, contracts, and performance management Evaluate vendor proposals and ensure strong data protection and technical alignment Collaborate with CFAO on the IT budget, including cost optimization and eventual transition from MSP reliance Report on IT performance, spending, and return on investment