Chief Information Officer (fractional) - Higher Education / EdTech
About the position We are seeking a Fractional CIO with deep expertise in the Higher Education and EdTech ecosystem to provide strategic technology leadership to universities, colleges, and education-focused organizations. This role is designed for a senior executive who thrives in advisory, transformation, and execution environments, helping institutions modernize their technology stack, optimize operations, and drive digital innovation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive IT vision and strategic roadmap aligned with institutional priorities and long-term academic goals.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives across academic and administrative functions, incorporating cloud solutions, advanced data analytics, AI applications, and emerging technologies.
- Lead a proactive cybersecurity strategy that safeguards institutional data and complies with FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, GLBA, SOX, PCI/DSS, COPPA, CCPA/CPRA, NIST, LGPD and other applicable state and federal regulations.
- Drive enrollment growth and student engagement through effective use of CRM ecosystems including Salesforce, Slate, Elements451, and Microsoft Dynamics, integrated with digital marketing strategies (marketing automation, lead generation, nurturing, segmentation, personalization, and campaign performance optimization).
- Lead system integration strategies to ensure seamless data flow across SIS, LMS, CRM, and analytics platforms.
- Establish and execute data governance, analytics, and reporting strategies to support institutional decision-making.
- Provide executive-level advisory on vendor selection, contract negotiation, and technology partnerships.
- Ensure robust cybersecurity frameworks, compliance, and IT governance aligned with regulatory standards (FERPA, GDPR, etc.).
- Lead change management initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies across faculty, staff, and leadership.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, scalability, and cost optimization through technology.
- Support broader consulting initiatives including digital transformation, EdTech optimization, and institutional modernization.
- Represent the organization in client engagements and industry events (travel required).
Requirements
- 15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, exclusively within Higher Education and/or EdTech.
- 10+ years of experience at a private-for-profit, private-non-profit or public University.
- Master’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field required; a Doctorate is preferred.
- Proven experience in CIO, VP IT, or senior technology leadership roles.
- Strong experience with digital marketing technologies and strategies within Higher Education, including marketing automation, CRM-driven campaigns, and enrollment funnel optimization.Deep understanding of the student lifecycle, enrollment management, and academic operations.
- Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide implementations and integrations of SIS, LMS, and CRM platforms.
- Strong experience with the following technologies:
SIS: Ellucian Banner, Anthology Student, PeopleSoft, Jenzabar, Thesis Elements LMS: D2L, Canvas, Blackboard, Sakai, Moodle CRM: Salesforce, Slate, Elements451, Microsoft Dynamics
- Proven experience in developing and implementing cybersecurity frameworks.
- Track record of driving data governance, analytics, and decision-support systems in higher education contexts.
- Track record of implementing AI strategies across the institution with measurable results.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-level stakeholders.
- Ability to operate effectively in fractional, multi-client environments.
- Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
- High adaptability in fast-paced, evolving organizations.
- Results-oriented with a focus on impact, efficiency, and innovation.
- Collaborative leadership style with strong stakeholder management skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual (English/Spanish): preferred but not required.
Benefits
- Day off for birthdays
- Benefits courses and/or certifications
- Opportunity to work with top-tier U.S. clients.
- Entrepreneurial, multicultural team culture.
- Work–Life Balance program: 4-day work week (Monday to Thursday)
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