Chief Innovation Officer

Chief Innovation OfficerThe Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education seeks a motivated, dynamic leader to serve as Chief Innovation Officer. This inaugural role represents a bold commitment by the Department and the Board of Higher Education to embed innovation into the fabric of the state's higher education system. The Chief Innovation Officer will have a unique opportunity to build out the innovation function, leading a team and executing a strategic innovation agenda to drive transformative change in postsecondary education. As higher education faces increasing pressures to adapt and evolve, Massachusetts is poised to lead the nation by establishing a first-of-its-kind, state-level innovation function within a public higher education agency. The Chief Innovation Officer will focus on systems-level and multi-institutional innovations that complement campus-based efforts, driving forward solutions that maximize learner success and promote equity across the Commonwealth's public higher education system.Reporting to the Senior Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Innovation Officer will serve as a key member of DHE's leadership team. The Chief Innovation Officer will lead the establishment and execution of a dedicated innovation function within the DHE. This role involves developing a strategic innovation agenda, building and leading a high-performing team, and fostering a culture of innovation throughout the Department. The Chief Innovation Officer will identify and prioritize opportunities for system-wide innovation; design, implement, and evaluate pilots; and collaborate with partners to scale what works. They will secure funding to sustain innovation efforts, build a network of allies to drive progress, and ensure that all initiatives align with the Commonwealth's equity and strategic goals. As a member of DHE's leadership team, the Chief Innovation Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public higher education in Massachusetts.This position is funded through the DHE's Innovation Hub Trust Fund through June 15th, 2028. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding.Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:Strategic leadership: Develop and implement a vision and strategy for public higher education innovation in Massachusetts, aligning with agency priorities and equity goalsTeam development: Recruit, hire, and mentor a lean, agile team to execute innovation goals effectivelyPortfolio management: Lead a portfolio of projects through the innovation lifecycle: opportunity identification, pilot implementation, evaluation, and scaling what works.Capacity-building: Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to stakeholders to ensure successful program implementationReporting and evaluation: Direct data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure progress and inform decision-makingResource development: Secure funding to sustain innovation activities. Manage budgets, resource allocation, and grant administration to support the unit's strategic prioritiesPartnerships and network development: Intentionally build and maintain relationships with campus leaders, funders, technology providers, state agencies, and other key stakeholders in the postsecondary innovation space to accomplish the innovation agendaCompetencies/Skills and Abilities:Aspires to lead by and practice the DHE Values and Behaviors and commits to embody them through continued learning and personal growth.Experience working with diverse teams and leveraging their unique perspectives to achieve positive outcomes.Demonstrated experience in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued.Promotes a collaborative workplace climate.Demonstrated expertise in policy, strategy, and innovation, with experience in higher education, public systems, or related fields.Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, fostering innovation and organizational transformation.Experience setting and executing a strategic vision, adapting to change, and influencing organizational culture.Strong background in postsecondary innovation, including work in areas such as closing equity gaps, financial aid, work-based learning, and non-degree credentials. Proficiency in managing public and private funding, including securing and stewarding resources for sustainable initiatives.Preferred Qualifications:Awareness of and commitment to closing equity gaps in postsecondary outcomes.10-15 years of experience working across higher education, innovation, policy, strategy/technology consulting, and/or research and evaluation with at least 5 years of management experience.To Apply: Interested candidates should include the following with their application:ResumeCover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.Reporting and Location:One Ashburton Place, Boston, MassachusettsIn-state hybrid workPeriodic in-state and out-of-state travel may be necessaryMinimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration, or clinical management, of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.Comprehensive Benefits: When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and RewardsSalary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.