Director of Technology

Contract
: Permanent, Full-Time / Part-time (at least 0.8 FTE) / Consideration for one-year secondment Full-Time / Part-time (at least 0.8)

Location
: King's Cross, London

Salary
: £86k - £111k per annum (full-time salary), plus benefits

Closing Date
: 24 November 2025

About the Open Data Institute (ODI)

The ODI's mission is to build an open and trustworthy data ecosystem where data works for everyone. Our initiatives are designed to tackle significant challenges by providing sustainable and reliable access to data. As we embark on a series of exciting new strategic projects, we are seeking a driven and innovative Director of Technology to guide us toward our ambitious goals.

Role Overview

The Director of Technology will be pivotal in executing the ODI's data and technology strategy. You will manage flagship ODI initiatives such as Solid, OpenActive, as well as our work on data standards. You will oversee technical development and product innovation. Reporting to the CEO and being part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), you will work across departments to ensure the successful delivery of our mission.

The typical tech stack at the ODI includes:

• NodeJS + EJS + ExpressJS + CSS + HTML - tools/application development
• MongoDB + Atlas - application databases
• Digital Ocean, Heroku, Google Cloud, AWS, Azure - cloud infrastructure
• Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 - productivity tools
• Github - code repository
• Semantic web technologies including W3C standards such as RDF, RDFS, and SPARQL, as well as linked data, ontologies, and knowledge graphs.

As stewards of the Solid open-source project we are:

• Managing an enterprise server AWS/Kubernetes/Terraform + GitOps on GitHub)
• Maintaining open-source libraries, applications, and servers (JavaScript/Typescript/NodeJS)
• Using and extending web and data standards. Knowledge of RESTful design principles, authentication and identity standards (UMA/OIDC/OAuth/FEDCM), as well as Verifiable Credential standards is desirable. As mentioned before, we are also using RDF-based knowledge graphs, so experience with these technologies would be a huge advantage.
• Using Jira for internal project management

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Instill an innovative mindset to leverage data and technology as strategic assets for the ODI.
• Develop the ODI's technology capabilities to support our business strategy, ensuring alignment with the broader organisational goals.
• Collaborate with ELT to convert ideas into technological solutions.
• Shape the strategic positioning of the ODI, ensuring our future work is best in class and sustainable.

Project Delivery and Management

• Lead the design, development, and execution of large-scale technology programmes and products.
• Support the team in developing cutting-edge solutions.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, technologically sound projects within budget and time constraints and informed and aligned with our research and policy work
• Drive the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies to maintain ODI's competitive edge.
• Drive knowledge transfer to ensure that research insights and frameworks inform our data and tech offerings.

Network and Collaboration

• Act as a strategic technology leader within the tech community, building and maintaining essential relationships.
• Serve as an ambassador for the ODI, representing the team at conferences and events globally.
• Build partnerships with public, private, and community-driven organisations to advance our mission.

Team Development and Leadership

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of data and AI scientists and technologists, developing their skills and ensuring their professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that promotes creativity, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and the development of competencies within the team.

Operational Excellence

• Support the ODI's internal infrastructure while ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory standards.
• Lead the development of our digital transformation strategies, ensuring robust cybersecurity practices.
• Drive business development activities to maintain a healthy pipeline of projects and funding that further ODI's mission.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to demonstrate value and impact to stakeholders and funders.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the CEO and the ODI Board on strategic discussions and organisational sustainability.
• Represent the ODI to external stakeholders and guide the organisation's approach to client, partner, and funder interactions.

Key Skills and Competences

• Extensive experience in the technology areas outlined earlier, coupled with strong product development capabilities.
• Proven track record with data, APIs, data sharing, as well as emerging data technologies, including generative AI
• Extensive experience in working with multiple stakeholders from across public and private sectors.
• Competence in managing distributed, multidisciplinary teams using Agile frameworks.
• Strong academic qualifications, ideally to a doctorate level, with experience working with research organisations such as universities, research institutes, research centres etc.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with business leaders and technical colleagues, as well as stakeholders with diverse data and tech competencies.

Application Process

CV plus covering letter (no more than 2 pages) demonstrating prior experience handling the key responsibilities for this role.

Application Timeline

Job Advertised: 10 November 2025

Closing Date for Applications: 24 November 2025

CV/Cover Letter Review and Shortlisting: 24 November December 2025

1st Interviews (In-person (Kings Cross, London): 4 December 2025

2nd Interviews (In-person (Kings Cross, London): Week Commencing 18 December 2025 between 5pm-7pm

REF