Higher Education Industry Advisor

Higher Education Industry Advisor | Microsoft Careers Skip to main content Microsoft Careers Careers Careers Search Search jobs Sign in Single PositionView All JobsHigher Education Industry AdvisorCanada, Ontario, TorontoApply nowAdd to cartFind out how well you match with this jobUpload your resumeJob descriptionCompany and benefitsJob number200042191Date postedJul 08, 2026Work site0 days / week in-office – remoteTravelLess than 25%ProfessionSalesDisciplineIndustry AdvisoryRole typeIndividual ContributorEmployment typeFull-TimeOverviewAs 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 Securityare 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. ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning: 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.  Industry Leadership & Engagement: 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. Solution Sales & Opportunity Origination: 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. Deal Orchestration: 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.  Demand Generation & Evangelism: 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. Collaboration & Ecosystem: 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. Coaching & Enablement: Enable and coach Microsoft field teams by sharing industry insights and best practices and fostering a culture of industry-focused selling excellence.  Continuous...