Higher Education Industry Advisor

Microsoft • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$181,000 - CA$303,000

About The Position

As an Industry Advisor – Higher Education, you are a senior industry expert who drives industry-led sales strategy and digital transformation for Microsoft’s most strategic Higher Education customers in the region. You build trusted executive relationships, shape AI-first transformation agendas, and orchestrate multi-account & ecosystem engagements to deliver measurable outcomes in teaching, learning, research, and institutional operations. You operate with broad scope and impact, enabling and coaching account teams, sharing worldwide best practices, and scaling repeatable solutions in the region. Cloud, AI (with focus on “Agentic AI”), and Security are central to this role – you translate advanced AI capabilities (Copilots, agents, autonomous workflows) into clear value propositions and large-scale opportunities for Higher Education leaders.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences, Supply Chain, Education, Business or related field AND 8+ years customer-facing experience in operations, enterprise-level improvement program management, product management, transportation, hospitality, automotive, consumer goods, financial services, retail, management consulting, consultative selling, public sector, technology or industry-relevant equivalent management or technical work experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences, Supply Chain, Education, Business or related field AND 10+ years customer-facing experience in operations, enterprise-level improvement program management, product management, transportation, hospitality, automotive, consumer goods, financial services, retail, management consulting, consultative selling, public sector, technology or industry-relevant equivalent management or technical work experience OR equivalent experience.
• Extensive Higher Education sector experience with a proven history of advising or working closely with institutional leaders on digital transformation.
• Demonstrated success originating and closing large, complex deals in the Higher Education or public sector, with tangible outcomes (e.g. improved student success, research productivity, operational efficiency).
• Deep expertise in AI, security, and/or relevant cloud technologies (e.g., Azure OpenAI, M365 Copilot) and ability to map advanced capabilities to real-world education scenarios.
• Understanding of education trends and challenges (digital learning, data privacy, funding and procurement mechanisms, etc.) and ability to translate these insights into strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional executive presence and communication skills (persuasion, storytelling). Proven ability to influence senior decision makers and clearly connect technology investments to business/mission outcomes.
• Organizational savvy and collaboration skills – adept at leading virtual teams and influencing stakeholders across Microsoft and partner organizations.
• Thought leadership and innovation mindset – public speaking, publishing, or other evidence of shaping industry conversations is a plus.
• Language skills: Fluency in English (written & verbal) required; additional languages are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-year, multi-horizon digital transformation planning for multiple Higher Education accounts in the region. Map senior stakeholders (Ministers, University Presidents, CIOs, etc.) and orchestrate complex engagements that align Microsoft solutions with customers’ strategic priorities.
• Serve as the Higher Education subject-matter expert in internal planning and customer engagements in the region. Provide thought leadership on education trends (AI-enabled learning, research innovation, policy shifts, security postures) and help co-create transformation visions and roadmaps with senior customer executives.
• Own and drive high-impact solution selling in Higher Education from early opportunity development through to agreement and adoption. Originate, qualify, and advance large transformational cloud, security, & AI opportunities (e.g., M365 Copilot, agentic solutions). Identify new solution scenarios and relevant EdTech partners to address white-space needs and create new value for institutions.
• Lead and orchestrate complex, multi-stakeholder deals, aligning account teams, technical specialists, partners, and other internal stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. Engage at CxO and board level to articulate end-state visions and compelling business cases (ROI, improved student outcomes, efficiency gains) that secure executive buy-in.
• Generate demand through industry thought leadership – conduct executive briefings, AI envisioning workshops, and represent Microsoft at major Higher Education events and Academic Research forums. Leverage these platforms to inspire new opportunities and position Microsoft as a trusted innovation partner.
• Orchestrate cross-team collaboration (sales, engineering, marketing, partners) to leverage full Microsoft expertise and remove blockers in complex engagements. Drive repeatable partner motions with education ISVs and global integrators to scale proven solutions. Identify and shape strategic partnerships and alliances (framework agreements, consortia) that expand Microsoft’s impact in the Higher Education ecosystem.
• Enable and coach Microsoft field teams by sharing industry insights and best practices and fostering a culture of industry-focused selling excellence.
• Maintain deep expertise in relevant AI use cases for Higher Education. Stay current on industry developments, technology advances, and regulatory requirements. Act as a recognized Higher Education thought leader, representing Microsoft in the industry and feeding field insights and customer requirements back into Microsoft’s strategy and offerings.
• Champion responsible AI adoption in Higher Education, guiding customers on governance, responsibility frameworks, and compliance aligned with Microsoft’s principles and local regulations.

What This Job Offers

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