Special Advisor, Higher Education Advisory

Baker Tilly US; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 86,660 - 164,300; Part time

Job summary

Baker Tilly US is looking for a part-time Special Advisor for Higher Education to provide strategic guidance and expertise. This role involves serving on client projects, conducting research, and assisting in business development efforts.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of senior executive experience in higher education, strong writing skills, and proficiency in MS Office. We offer a competitive compensation range between $86,660 and $164,300.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years in a senior executive role in higher education.
• Strong work ethic and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to travel to client sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve on client projects and manage client relationships.
• Document and analyze processes to identify improvements.
• Perform research on best practices and organizational design.
• Develop articles and presentations for business development.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

MS Office Suite proficiency

Commitment to continuous learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Terminal degree

Job description

Job Description

The Special Advisor for Higher Education is a part‑time role that augments consulting teams by providing senior‑level expertise and strategic guidance drawn from extensive experience in the higher education sector. The advisor supports both business development and client engagements by contributing thought leadership, shaping strategic recommendations, and helping ensure deliverables reflect sound policy and operational insight. This role may include participating in client presentations, developing thought content, collaborating with engagement teams, and providing expert review of analyses and recommendations. As a trusted subject matter expert, the Special Advisor helps strengthen the quality, credibility, and impact of the firm’s higher education work.

Responsibilities

• Serve on client projects and assist in management of client relationships.
• Document and analyze processes, internal controls, and workflow to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform research into best practices, operational policies, and organizational design.
• Interview clients to better understand processes and recommend improvements.
• Support project managers in day‑to‑day service delivery.
• Research issues and prepare whitepapers on current industry trends and issues.
• Effectively support and participate in the presentation of conclusions and recommendations using visuals and written content.
• Assist in development of articles, sales proposals and presentations for new business development and client purposes.
• Stay current with firm administrative requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, terminal degree preferred.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to take on a variety of roles and levels of responsibility in a dynamic and entrepreneurial setting.
• Minimum of ten (10) years prior experience in a senior executive role (president, provost, vice‑president of finance and administration, etc.) in a higher education institution.
• Experience with MS Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong writing skills, specifically in regard to summarizing analysis and making recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning, ethical knowledge, and a sense of urgency and quality in completing duties.
• Ability to travel to client sites as needed.

Compensation range: $86,660 to $164,300. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Baker Tilly is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.