Virtual CIO & Tech Strategy Leader for Higher Ed

Collegis, LLC; Oak Brook, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Collegis Education seeks a strategic technology leader to serve as Virtual CIO for partner institutions, guiding multi-year technology strategies and governance. You will oversee infrastructure, cloud, security, and data platforms, aligning technology with student, faculty, and staff needs.

You will translate goals into prioritized initiatives, present to executives, and drive cost-effective technology investments.

Qualifications

• Experience shaping technology strategy for large organizations
• Proven ability to lead through matrixed teams and influence executives
• Strong governance, risk, and compliance knowledge
• Experience in higher education, managed services, or complex environments preferred
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel ~25% as needed

Responsibilities

• Serve as the trusted technology advisor and Virtual CIO to Collegis Education partner institutions.
• Develop multi-year technology strategies and roadmaps aligned with strategic plans and financial objectives.
• Translate goals into prioritized initiatives with measurable outcomes and executive updates.
• Lead governance, portfolio prioritization, and investment planning with Collegis and delivery teams.
• Provide senior oversight across infrastructure, cloud, networking, IAM, end-user computing, and enterprise apps.
• Drive cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and disaster recovery planning.
• Guide modernization, cloud adoption, and reduction of technical debt with Collegis SMEs.
• Act as senior infrastructure advisor for incidents, transitions, and service recovery.
• Coordinate partner priorities with delivery teams and remove barriers to service.
• Monitor performance, risk, and contractual commitments; report to partner leadership.
• Lead vendor relationships and technology sourcing to optimize cost and value.
• Present strategies, budgets, risks, and roadmaps to executives and boards.
• Mentor matrixed teams to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Support partner onboarding, renewals, and growth with technology leadership.

Skills

Technology strategy

Executive communication

IT governance

Vendor management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Engineering/Business

Advanced degree or relevant certifications (preferred)

Tools

Cloud platforms

Security & risk frameworks

Job description

Collegis Education seeks a strategic technology leader to serve as Virtual CIO for partner institutions, guiding multi-year technology strategies and governance. You will oversee infrastructure, cloud, security, and data platforms, aligning technology with student, faculty, and staff needs.

You will translate goals into prioritized initiatives, present to executives, and drive cost-effective technology investments.