OverviewAbout the roleAs the Higher Education Industry Advisor, you will help universities and higher education institutions accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Working with senior institutional leaders, you will combine deep industry knowledge with expertise in AI, security and cloud technologies to shape strategies that drive meaningful outcomes across teaching and learning, research, student experience and institutional operations.You will build trusted relationships with executive stakeholders, identify opportunities for innovation, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver large-scale transformation initiatives. Success in this role is built on deep Higher Education sector expertise, strong executive engagement, commercial impact, and the ability to translate institutional priorities into scalable solutions that deliver lasting value.While primarily focused on the Australian Higher Education sector, this role also contributes to broader regional priorities through knowledge sharing, ecosystem development and the scaling of proven solutions across other markets in Asia.ResponsibilitiesPartner with higher education institutions to develop and execute long-term digital transformation strategies aligned to their organisational goals and priorities.Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including university executives, technology leaders, academic leaders and industry partners.Identify, develop and advance strategic opportunities involving AI, cloud and security solutions that support institutional transformation and business growth.Lead complex engagements by bringing together customer stakeholders, technical specialists, partners and multidisciplinary teams to achieve successful outcomes.Provide industry insights and guidance on emerging trends, including AI-enabled learning, research innovation, cybersecurity and digital transformation.Facilitate executive workshops, industry events and strategic discussions that help institutions explore new opportunities and innovative approaches.Cultivate and strengthen relationships across the Higher Education ecosystem, including education partners, research organisations, government stakeholders and industry bodies to accelerate impact and innovation.Drive strategic engagement across a portfolio of institutions, prioritising high-value opportunities and sharing best practices that can scale across the sector and region.QualificationsMinimum ExperienceExperience within the Higher Education sector, with a proven track record of partnering with institutional leaders to shape and deliver strategic transformation initiatives.Demonstrated success in customer-facing, consulting, technology, education or related leadership roles with responsibility for influencing strategic outcomes.Experience developing and advancing complex opportunities involving multiple stakeholders, organisational priorities and long-term transformation goals.Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence executive-level decision makers.Experience navigating Higher Education environments, including academic, technology, operational and executive stakeholder groups.Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.Preferred ExperienceExperience applying AI, cloud and security technologies to address challenges and opportunities within Higher Education.Strong understanding of Higher Education trends, including digital learning, research enablement, student engagement, workforce capability, data governance and cybersecurity.Experience building and managing strategic partnerships across education, research, industry or government organisations.Experience leading large-scale transformation programmes that delivered measurable organisational or institutional outcomes.Experience representing an organisation at industry conferences, executive forums or sector working groups.Experience working across multiple markets or institutions and contributing to regional initiatives or cross-sector collaboration. This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.