Director, IT Operations & Security

Encoded Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company advancing precision medicines for a broad range of genetic disorders. Our mission is to unlock new opportunities for viral gene therapy through genomics-driven discovery. We focus on delivering life-changing advances for individuals with genetic disorders not addressable with current approaches. For more information, please visit www.Encoded.com.

Position details

Encoded is seeking a Director, IT Operations & Security that will serve to provide Information Technology support for early-stage gene therapy candidates. Reporting to the head of IT, the successful candidate for this position will be a key member of IT leadership, helping to set the foundations to support Encoded’s growth and maturation. You’ll lead Encoded’s IT security program and infrastructure planning, contribute to overall IT strategy, and grow and develop a small team of internal and external resources.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions

General

·       Building upon Encoded’s foundations, enhance and mature our systems, people and processes to support

·       evolving operations, cybersecurity and compliance needs.

·       Provide broad cybersecurity, IT operations and service delivery leadership and expertise.

·       Develop and maintain cybersecurity and operations roadmaps aligned with business objectives and

·       milestones.

·       Provide leadership and technical oversight to help IT service desk, operations, infrastructure and security

·       team members deliver on service levels, projects and commitments.

·       Drive efficiency and scalability initiatives 

IT Security

·       Partner with internal and vendor resources to perform IT security assessments, vulnerability scanning,

·       network penetration testing, and incident response plan testing to ensure the organization has addressed

·       vulnerabilities, implemented effective security controls, and prepared responses to threats.

·       Keep current on emerging threats and technology.

·       Oversee Encoded’s cybersecurity training program.

·       Develop, refine and test policies and procedures, including Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

·       Direct the technical elements of Encoded’s data privacy and data security programs

·       Perform data security and privacy vendor assessments

·       Oversee system access review activities, collect audit evidence, maintain documentation and monitor

·       security controls to support audits.

·       Report regularly to senior management on security activities, incidents, and remediation.

·       Influence and mobilize users across the organization to take action to protect Encoded’s data and

·       embrace a security-first mindset 

IT Operations

·       Refine existing operations and identify areas where Encoded can streamline and improve operational

·       efficiency.

·       Direct the infrastructure change management program.

·       Serve as a technical escalation point for complex/sensitive issues.

·       Communicate changes to processes, policies and systems across the organization

·       Provide oversight of telecom and A/V services. 

Preferred Qualifications

·       Strong technical understanding of Encoded’s core platforms and technologies, including Google Workspace, Okta, AWS, Microsoft 365, Box, Zoom, ITSM platforms

·       Exceptional people-management skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams

·       Keen focus on efficiency and cost-savings with demonstrated history of operating within budget

·       Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to distill complicated technical concepts for a general audience

·       Able to build productive relationships with users at all levels of the organization

·       Sensitive to the importance of user adoption/change management

·       Strong organizational skills and hands-on style

·       Skilled in vendor assessment, selection and ongoing management

·       Possess a growth mindset and a willingness to stretch into unfamiliar areas

·       BS in an IT-related field or commensurate work experience

·       7+ years of experience in IT Security and IT Operations with a minimum of 12 years in IT overall

·       5+ years of experience in supervising/mentoring IT staff

·       5+ years of experience working in a late-stage clinical or commercial life sciences company

·       Working knowledge of industry standards, such as NIST, CIS, ISO 27001/2, ITIL

·       Industry-recognized IT security certifications a plus, such as CISSP, CIPP, CISA, CCSK

The salary range for this role in the SF bay area is 195,000 - 225,000. Please, no agencies.

●      Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive employer premium contributions

●      Meaningful stock option grants

●      PTO, sick time and holiday pay

●      Generous Parental Leave program

●      Pre-tax medical and dependent care programs

●      STD, LTD, Life and AD&D

●      Professional development opportunities

●      Team-building events

●      Fully stocked kitchen

●      Purple Tie dry cleaning service

●      Fitness center

Encoded is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Encoded is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Encoded are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national origin, gender, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location in which we operate. Encoded will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Encoded encourages applicants of all ages.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at +1 650-491-0272.