Director, Digital and Data

Company Description

RMA Regional Medical Associates is a not-for-profit organization that supports the administrative and financial needs of full-time clinical faculty members of McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. Specializing in billing and academic medicine, RMA provides comprehensive billing, collection, and financial management services to ensure physicians can focus on patient care. With expertise in group practice and alternative funding management, RMA assists in optimizing revenue and managing academic medical practices. Located in Cambridge, ON, the organization is dedicated to advancing education and research while supporting healthcare professionals.

Role Description

Regional Medical Associates is seeking a visionary, adaptable, and execution-focused Director, Digital and Data, to lead the organization through digital and data transformation while building a world-class technology function. This role is uniquely designed for an individual who is comfortable working in a hands-on, start-up-like environment while also possessing the strategic capability to grow into a broader technology leadership role over time.

This role requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of technology strategy, system integration, cybersecurity, and healthcare IT (preferred). The Director, Digital and Data will be a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Executive Director and working collaboratively with leaders across clinical, financial, and operational domains.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation:

• Develop and maintain a 
  multi-year digital and data strategy
   aligned with RMA's mission of enriching academic medicine and supporting both not-for-profit and for-profit operations.
• Establish policies and standards for data governance, data quality, and interoperability.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on digital priorities, investments, risks, and performance.

Technology Operations, Security & Compliance:

Oversee all technology, including virtualized technologies (VMware, Hyper-V), Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems, Microsoft SQL servers, networking, and firewalls.

Ensure rigorous information security, privacy, and compliance, including:

• Alignment with PHIPA, PIPEDA, and other applicable privacy and security standards
• Data protection and access controls for physician, patient, and financial data
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for critical systems
• Define and monitor SLAs for system availability, incident response, and support to physicians and staff
• Lead vendor risk management and technical due diligence for third-party solutions and service providers

Data Governance:

• Oversee data operations, including governance, quality, security, analytics, and organizational adoption of AI tools as required
• Develop and implement data governance frameworks that ensure data integrity and appropriate use across departments
• Establish data quality standards and monitoring processes
• Support analytics initiatives that drive evidence-based decision-making and operational improvements
• Guide the organization's adoption of artificial intelligence tools while ensuring appropriate governance and risk mitigation

Team Building, Partnerships & Leadership

• Build and mentor a high-performing 
  Digital & Data team
  , starting in a highly hands-on capacity and progressively transitioning responsibilities as the team grows
• Oversee and work closely with Managed Service Providers
• Help oversee vendor selection and contract negotiations to ensure cost-effective, high-impact partnerships
• Act as a trusted partner to physician leaders, clinical departments, finance, and operations, translating their needs into practical digital and data solutions

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
   in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive IT and data leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior/executive role
• Experience with 
  virtualization technologies
   (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Proven experience in 
  system administration
   on Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems and MicroSoft SQL Server
• Experience with networking, firewalls, and security best practices.
• Familiarity with 
  cloud services
   (Microsoft Azure/365, AWS, Google Workspace).
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and/or Microsoft certifications an asset
• Proven success leading 
  enterprise-wide technology initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in 
  data strategy, BI/analytics
  , and adoption of digital tools/automation to improve service and operational efficiency.
• Experience in a 
  healthcare, academic health sciences, or other regulated environment
   is strongly preferred
• Experience working in 
  start-up, scale-up, or resource-constrained settings
   where leaders must both "roll up their sleeves" and operate at a strategic level

What We Offer:

• Competitive executive compensation package, including bonus and equity opportunities
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits
• A leadership role with the ability to shape the future of healthcare technology
• A mission-driven organization focused on innovation and impact