Special Advisor, Digital Transformation

Bow Valley College • Calgary, AB

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Bow Valley College is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to join its Student Experience and Digital Transformation division as Special Advisor, Digital Transformation. This senior leadership role will report to the Vice President, Student Experience and Digital Transformation and will help guide the institution’s digital transformation journey by advancing strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, and supporting modernization efforts across the College. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, and is passionate about enhancing the student and employee experience through digital innovation. As the Special Advisor, Digital Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance in the development and implementation of the College’s Digital Transformation Framework and related initiatives. You will work collaboratively across academic, administrative, and student service areas to help align technology, innovation, and institutional priorities while supporting sustainable, student-focused transformation. This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and lead cross-functional initiatives in a highly collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience leading digital transformation, organizational change, and enterprise-wide initiatives within complex organizations.
• Proven expertise in developing and executing institution-wide digital strategies that enhance student experience, operational effectiveness, and innovation.
• Ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior leaders, and foster consensus across diverse stakeholder groups while leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of emerging technologies, enterprise systems, data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and change management.
• Solid project, financial, and operational planning capabilities.
• Exceptional communicator and people leader who fosters collaboration, champions continuous improvement, navigates ambiguity with sound judgment, and inspires confidence and engagement across the institution.
• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Higher Education Leadership, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 7–10 years of senior-level experience in digital transformation, IT strategy, enterprise modernization, or related leadership roles
• Experience leading or advising on large-scale, complex initiatives within higher education or similarly complex organizations
• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups
• Police Information Check required

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing digital strategies, frameworks, or transformation plans within post-secondary education
• Knowledge of enterprise systems, cloud technologies, AI, analytics, cybersecurity, and governance frameworks
• Strong understanding of organizational change management and institutional planning processes

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the College’s Digital Transformation Framework and roadmap
• Provide strategic advice on emerging technologies, digital innovation, and modernization opportunities
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance student experience, academic excellence, and institutional effectiveness
• Collaborate with leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to build alignment and drive innovation
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional digital transformation projects across the institution
• Build strong relationships across the College and with external partners, consortiums, and stakeholders
• Represent Bow Valley College on institutional, provincial, and national initiatives related to digital transformation
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders and departments on digital opportunities, risks, and change initiatives
• Foster collaboration between academic, administrative, and technical teams
• Champion a culture of innovation, digital literacy, and continuous improvement
• Support organizational change management initiatives and promote adoption of digital solutions
• Develop communication strategies and provide updates to senior leadership and governance groups
• Help ensure transparency, engagement, and shared understanding across the College community
• Support the development and implementation of digital policies, procedures, and governance practices
• Collaborate on initiatives related to cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, and compliance
• Assist with operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and reporting activities related to digital initiatives
• Ensure projects and initiatives align with institutional priorities, budgets, and regulatory requirements
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to project teams and staff
• Foster collaborative and inclusive working relationships across departments
• Support the development of interdisciplinary and cross-functional initiatives
• Contribute to a positive, innovative, and student-centered organizational culture

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful institution-wide transformation
• Work alongside passionate and forward-thinking colleagues
• Help shape how technology and innovation support learning, engagement, and operational excellence

What This Job Offers

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