Education Research Consulting -Digital Strategy Specialist

Huron • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Huron helps its clients drive growth, enhance performance and sustain leadership in the markets they serve. We collaborate with education organizations to develop strategies and implement solutions that enable the transformative change our clients need to own their future. Together, we empower clients to drive innovation, create sustainable funding streams and deliver better student outcomes. The Consulting Manager leads the delivery of digital strategy consulting engagements for higher education, academic medicine, and research institutions, partnering with institutional and IT leaders to define and operationalize institution wide digital strategies. This role manages complex client engagements spanning IT strategy, data and AI, digital and operating model transformation, while translating institutional goals into actionable plans and investment priorities. The Manager oversees project teams, ensures high-quality deliverables, and contributes to the firm's business and practice development efforts.

Requirements

• Current U.S. work authorization required
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience working on complex, team‑based engagements in a consulting organization or institution, with a focus on driving change and delivering results
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant managerial experience leading and developing teams
• Ability to travel up to 50% annually and work extended hours as necessary

Nice To Haves

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree
• Experience in business strategy, operations improvement, and finance and budget management
• Prior consulting experience
• Higher education experience
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including modeling and macros
• Demonstrated experience leading IT, digital, or enterprise transformation initiatives
• Strong understanding of higher education operating models, governance structures, and stakeholder environments
• Experience managing multi‑workstream projects, interdisciplinary teams, and senior client stakeholders
• Familiarity with enterprise platforms and ecosystems (e.g., ERP, SIS, CRM, data platforms, cloud technologies)

Responsibilities

• Lead project workstreams and manage end-to-end delivery of consulting engagements across strategy, operations, policy, and organizational transformation.
• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative analyses into clear, compelling recommendations for senior client stakeholders including C-suite executives, provosts, and deans.
• Design and facilitate client workshops, advisory sessions, and stakeholder convenings.
• Maintain accountability for the quality, timeliness, and scope of all deliverables within assigned workstreams.
• Manage day-to-day client relationships, demonstrating sound judgment and proactive communication.
• Collaborate on client engagements with other parts of the firm, including Digital / implementation experts and other functional area consulting leads (e.g., finance, HR, student).
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of analysts and associates across active engagements.
• Provide timely, specific feedback to support junior staff growth and performance.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture aligned with Huron values.
• Contribute to recruiting, onboarding, and training of new team members.
• Support the development of proposals, RFPs, and pitch materials for prospective clients.
• Identify and qualify opportunities to expand the scope of existing client relationships.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders across the education and research ecosystem.
• Contribute to the practice’s thought leadership agenda through white papers, conference presentations, webinars, and publications.
• Help develop and refine practice methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Share knowledge and insights that strengthen the firm’s collective capabilities in the education sector.
• Participate in firm-wide initiatives including training programs, knowledge management, and internal communities of practice.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage to employees and dependents
• a 401(k) plan with a generous employer match
• an employee stock purchase plan
• a generous Paid Time Off policy
• paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• free annual health screenings and coaching
• bank at work
• on-site workshops
• ongoing programs recognizing major events in the lives of our employees throughout the year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager