Chief Innovation Officer

MINIMUM 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.

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• Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Divisions Recruiting Guidelines.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action 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 dont meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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The 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 Public Higher Education System

The Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education (System) enrolls approximately 260000 students in credit-bearing programs annually. The System consists of 15 community colleges 9 state universities and 5 University of Massachusetts (UMass) campuses. The Board of Higher Education (BHE) has coordination and oversight responsibilities for the entire System and the BHE together with each respective Board of Trustees expects all students faculty and staff to be held to exacting standards in the performance of their roles and responsibilities.

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (Board or BHE) is the Commonwealths higher education authority with coordinating and regulatory responsibility for all public and private higher education institutions operating in the Commonwealth that are authorized to grant degrees. The BHE is staffed by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) which is run by a Commissioner who serves as the executive and administrative head of the department. Together the BHE and DHE are the leading voice and advocate for postsecondary education in the Commonwealth.

In addition the BHE and DHEs authority includes administering state financial aid and federal grant programs; managing and responding to consumer complaints; conducting financial assessments of institutions; managing employee relations and benefits for public higher education employees; managing collective bargaining contracts with state university and community colleges employees; and approving degree-granting authority for all public and most private higher education institutions operating within the Commonwealth. Currently there are 80 private institutions of higher education operating in the Commonwealth and authorized to grant degrees.

The BHE is staffed by its executive agency the Department of Higher Education (DHE) which is run by Commissioner Ortega. The Department of Higher Education is committed to the Values of Equity Accountability Community Empowerment Intentionality and Teamwork and seeks applicants who value the full diversity of Massachusetts students and who share a sensitivity to and understanding of the academic socio-economic cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the populations served. We employ a hybrid hoteling work model with a fixed weekly team day schedule.

Position Overview

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 states 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 Commonwealths public higher education system.

Reporting to the Senior Deputy Commissioner the Chief Innovation Officer will serve as a key member of DHEs 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 Commonwealths equity and strategic goals. As a member of DHEs leadership team the Chief Innovation Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public higher education in Massachusetts.

Please Note :

This position is funded through the DHEs 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 goals

Team development :

Recruit hire and mentor a lean agile team to execute innovation goals effectively

Portfolio 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 implementation

Reporting and evaluation :

Direct data collection analysis and reporting to measure progress and inform decision-making

Resource development :

Secure funding to sustain innovation activities. Manage budgets resource allocation and grant administration to support the units strategic priorities

Partnerships 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 agenda

Competencies / 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

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 :

Resume

Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.

Reporting and Location

One Ashburton Place Boston Massachusetts

In-state hybrid work

Periodic in-state and out-of-state travel may be necessary

Questions regarding this position should be directed to

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System Requirements

Required Experience :

Chief

Key Skills

Mold Remediation,Succession Planning,Employee Evaluation,Basic Math,Host / Hostess Experience,Restoration,Restoration Industry Experience,Water Damage Restoration,Emergency Management,Auto Restoration,Fire Restoration,Financial Report Interpretation

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1