Director Vendor Management

Job Description

SUMMARY: Over 20 years ago, Stride was founded to provide personalized learning — powered by technology. We reached students where they were in their own journeys. We knocked down their barriers to great education. And we gave every learner equal opportunity to succeed — however they defined success. Stride innovated the learning experience with online and blended learning that prepared them for their lives ahead.

Stride is a community of passionate leaders.  Whether teachers, engineers, curriculum writers, or financial managers — whatever your expertise or role, we all work to empower futures through learning. And changing the trajectory of learning itself is one of our greatest missions.  Join us in developing more effective ways to learn and helping learners build the skills and confidence they need to make their way forward in life.

The Director of Vendor Management is a key role in the overall technology and product management process at Stride.  This leader oversees strategic technology vendor relationships including those that provide key product functionality and curriculum.  Some of the critical vendors include:  AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, Instructure, Powerschool, Snowflake, Engageli.  As part of the role, this leader is responsible for establishing a vendor management process and partnering with Business Operations, IT, Procurement, Finance and Legal to manage all critical aspects of the vendor process from contract initiation, SLA development, and contract renewals to ongoing strategic vendor performance monitoring, tracking, and reporting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Lead and deliver Vendor Management as a core capability for the Technology and Product organization

• Deliver critical vendor management functions including

  • Contract review, SLA development, and negotiations where needed

  • Establishing a regular cadence of vendor business reviews (quarterly business reviews)

  • Establishing vendor scorecards and vendor accountability measures

  • Management of critical renewals

  • Serve as an escalation point and liaison between the vendor and technology teams for key projects or issues needing operational support

  • Others as needed

• Partner with Enterprise Architecture and Product Management to manage the lifecycle for critical vendor technologies

• Establish a communication methodology for effective and efficient organizational communication

• Partner with individuals, teams, throughout Stride to drive value and meaningful results

• Innovate using knowledge and awareness of industry trends to identify new opportunities

• Advocate as a champion of change across various business groups to align with strategic plans.

• Strategize with partners to develop future technology roadmaps and explore new opportunities

• Enhance existing and prospective relationships through product, technology and vendor evaluation

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises 2 - 5 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) regular employees and/or contractors.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• BS/BA in technology business management, computer science or relevant field.

• 5+ years of experience in Vendor Management AND

• 10+ years of experience in an operational, management, or delivery roles including

• 5+ years of experience in Vendor Management AND

• 5+ years of upper management experience and leadership skills OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience

OTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Outstanding knowledge of modern tech stack of cloud applications.

• Extensive firsthand experience with design, development, and implementation of IT systems

• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and business operations

• Analytical mind and great critical thinking skills

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities and history of success collaborating with executives across an organization

• Strong leadership and team building skills

• Direct experience driving continuous improvements in process and operational efficiencies through designing and driving standards across cross functional teams

• Work toward results with a passion for technology and continuous delivery

• Ability to quickly drill down to solve problems and take ownership of the resolution

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically

• Ability to partner cross functionally to drive complex strategic projects

• Excellent management skills with the ability to work to deadlines and successfully lead multiple initiatives

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio)

• Experience with Zip and NetSuite preferred

• Ability to travel 10% of the time

• Ability to clear required background check

Certificates and Licenses: None required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• BS/BA in technology business management, computer science or relevant field.

• MBA Strongly Preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is virtual and open to residents of the 50 states, D.C.

• Must be available during East Coast work hours (8am-5pm) in addition to after hours as needed. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Stride, Inc. considers a person’s education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position’s work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee’s salary level.  Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position’s level and expected contribution, and the employee’s benefits elections.  Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range. 

We anticipate the salary range to be $154,533.00 and $206,044.00. Eligible employees may receive a bonus.  This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off. 

Job Type

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you can request the appropriate accommodation by contacting stridecareers@k12.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Stride, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Stride, Inc. complies with all legally required affirmative action obligations. Applicants will not be discriminated against because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.