Director, Okta Research and Development (ORD) Operations

Get to know Okta Okta is The World’s Identity Company. We free everyone to safely use any technology, anywhere, on any device or app. Our flexible and neutral products, Okta Platform and Auth0 Platform, provide secure access, authentication, and automation, placing identity at the core of business security and growth. At Okta, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We are not looking for someone who checks every single box - we’re looking for lifelong learners and people who can make us better with their unique experiences. Join our team! We’re building a world where Identity belongs to you. Director, Okta Research and Development (ORD) Operations Summary We are looking for a high-impact Director of Okta Research and Development (ORD) Operations to serve as the connective tissue for ORD. This is a strategic leadership role focused on operationalizing, and scaling the "business rhythms" that keep Engineering, Product, and Design (EPD) teams delivering and aligned with our Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. The ideal candidate is a strategic partner who can sit comfortably in the boardroom with the C-suite, translate complex technical progress into data-driven narratives, and ensure that no detail is lost in the shuffle. You will be the primary orchestrator of executive engagements, ensuring our leadership team is prepared, aligned, and focused on the highest-priority outcomes. To excel, you must possess an 'owner mentality' and a bias toward action. Responsibilities Define and manage the end-to-end lifecycle of ORD leadership meetings, including monthly and quarterly reviews. You will set the strategic agenda, facilitate high-stakes sessions, and ensure rigorous follow-through on all decisions and action items. Act as the primary bridge between EPD and GTM teams. You will ensure that product delivery timelines and technical roadmaps are perfectly synchronized with sales and market expectations. Serve as the primary point of contact for prep and follow-ups on topics involving the C-suite. You will manage briefing cycles and ensure every executive meeting results in documented next steps and clear accountability. Continuously refine the R&D operating model to eliminate friction, improve communication flow, and ensure the organization scales efficiently. Lead and scale a high-performing team of Operations Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous process improvement Qualifications 10+ years of professional experience, ideally in Management Consulting, Strategic Program Management, or Business Operations within a high-growth technology environment. Bachelor’s degree required; Masters degree (MBA or similar) preferred. Proven ability to influence and provide strategic counsel to C-level executives. You must be comfortable navigating high-stakes discussions and holding leaders accountable. You possess an uncompromising commitment to clarity and follow-through. You are adept at converting high-level strategic conversations into documented, actionable reality. Ability to synthesize complex data sets from EPD and GTM functions into concise, visually compelling executive presentations. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment. Prior experience thriving within a high-growth SaaS or Cloud Computing environment is highly preferred, with an understanding of the unique talent needs of engineering and product organizations. Strong program management skills, creative problem solving practices, detail-oriented and precise execution, and an ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, technical environment. Requires in-person onboarding and travel to our San Francisco, CA HQ office or our Chicago office during the first week of employment. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LSS1 requisition ID- P24638_3358055 The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay area is between: $251,000—$345,000 USD Below is the annual base salary range for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York and Washington. Your actual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In addition, Okta offers equity (where applicable), bonus, and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. To learn more about our Total Rewards program please visit: https://rewards.okta.com/us. The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Washington is between: $224,000—$277,000 USD What you can look forward to as a Full-Time Okta employee! Amazing Benefits Making Social Impact Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community at Okta Okta cultivates a dynamic work environment, providing the best tools, technology and benefits to empower our employees to work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs. Each organization is unique in the degree of flexibility and mobility in which they work so that all employees are enabled to be their most creative and successful versions of themselves, regardless of where they live. Find your place at Okta today! https://www.okta.com/company/careers/. Some roles may require travel to one of our office locations for in-person onboarding. Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding please use this Form to request an accommodation. Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees: Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT), as defined by New York City Local Law 144, that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other automated processes to assist in our recruitment and hiring process. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, if you are an applicant or employee residing in New York City, please click here to view our full NYC AEDT Notice. 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