Senior Director of Software Engineering

Summary

Join Common App, a national non-profit organization, as their Sr. Director of Software Engineering. This leadership role oversees software delivery, guiding engineering teams to successfully execute technology projects and strategic initiatives. You will partner with various departments to define and develop software solutions. The position requires extensive experience in software engineering, leadership, and budget management, along with expertise in Agile methodologies and cloud environments. Common App offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a virtual-first work environment.

Requirements

• Live in the United States
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years of software engineering experience
• 8+ years of leadership experience in managing large engineering teams and delivering enterprise-scale projects
• Experience with budget management and strategic planning within a technology department
• Exceptional leadership skills to set direction and enable strong collaboration across functional areas
• Strong organizational and management skills, preferably in a collaborative, team environment
• Proven experience in managing large-scale software development projects, particularly in cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
• Expertise in software engineering best practices, including microservices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and API-driven development
• Proven experience with DevOps practices and site reliability engineering principles to ensure system scalability and reliability
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through digital transformation initiatives, particularly with legacy system modernization efforts
• Exceptional background in Agile methodologies and continuous delivery practices
• Advanced interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a focus on team collaboration and influencing stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Oversee the software delivery practice, providing leadership and direction to software engineering teams to ensure the successful execution of technology projects and strategic initiatives critical to Common App
• Guide a team of Directors and lead the adoption of robust engineering practices to develop high-quality solutions
• Partner with product strategy, constituent engagement, technical services, and other areas of the organization to define and develop software and technical solutions in existing and new services

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Previous experience in higher education, education technology or college admissions and enrollment
• A passion for higher education is a plus

Benefits

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays*
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day
• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• Additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account