Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) - Higher Education & EdTech
Remote · United States
Source: Himalayas. This job was published on Himalayas; you apply there.
Listed on Himalayas. You apply through their page. We never charge applicants.
Pay not published. Similar jobs that show pay vary too much for a fair estimate.
Prepare for this job
Free on every jobLikely interview questions
At a glance
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Education
- PhD
- Languages
- English, Spanish
Skills mentioned
About the role
At Talentus Global, we are looking for you!
About the Role
We are seeking a Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) with deep expertise in the Higher Education and EdTech ecosystem to provide strategic technology leadership to universities, colleges, and education-focused organizations.
This role is designed for a senior executive who thrives in advisory, transformation, and execution environments, helping institutions modernize their technology stack, optimize operations, and drive digital innovation through proven AI solutions and models from strategy to governance.
We are seeking an experienced Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to lead the AI strategy, governance, and transformation initiatives for colleges, universities, and EdTech organizations.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education technology ecosystems, enterprise architecture, and executive leadership with a proven ability to translate AI capabilities into measurable institutional outcomes.
This executive will work directly with Presidents, CIOs, Provosts, CTOs, Enrollment leaders, and Executive Boards to develop and execute AI strategies that improve student success, operational efficiency, enrollment growth, and institutional innovation.
This is a strategic advisory and hands-on leadership role designed for organizations that require executive AI leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Executive AI Strategy
- Develop enterprise AI strategies aligned with institutional goals.
- Create multi-year AI transformation roadmaps.
- Identify high-value AI use cases across academic and administrative departments.
- Present AI initiatives to Executive Leadership and Board members.
- Establish AI Centers of Excellence (AI CoE).
- Lead digital transformation initiatives across academic and administrative functions, incorporating cloud solutions, advanced data analytics, AI applications, and emerging technologies.
- Lead change management initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies across student, faculty, staff, and leadership through the adoption of AI.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, scalability, and cost optimization through AI driven initiatives.
- Support broader consulting initiatives including digital transformation, EdTech optimization, and institutional modernization.
Education & Experience
- Proven experience driving AI at various Universities & Colleges with measurable value and ROI.
15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, exclusively within Higher Education and/or EdTech.
- 10+ years of experience at a private-for-profit, private-non-profit or public University.
- Master’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field required; a Doctorate is preferred.
Proven experience as a CIO, CTO or CAIO roles.
- Strong experience with digitalization within Higher Education, including marketing automation, CRM-driven campaigns, and enrollment funnel optimization. Deep understanding of the student lifecycle, enrollment management, and academic operations.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide implementations and integrations of SIS, LMS, CRM & ERP platforms.
-
Strong experience with the following technologies:
SIS: Ellucian Banner, Anthology Student, PeopleSoft, Jenzabar, Thesis Elements
LMS: D2L, Canvas, Blackboard, Sakai, Moodle, OpenLMS
CRM: Salesforce, Slate, Elements451, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot.
- Track record of driving data governance, analytics, and decision-support systems in higher education contexts.
- Track record of implementing AI strategies across the institution with measurable results.
Leadership & Competencies
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-level stakeholders.
Ability to operate effectively in fractional, multi-client environments.
Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
High adaptability in fast-paced, evolving organizations.
Results-oriented with a focus on impact, efficiency, and innovation.
Collaborative leadership style with strong stakeholder management skills.
Bilingual (English/Spanish): preferred but not required.
- Represent the organization in client engagements and industry events (travel required).
- Contractor model
- Remote model
- Salary in $USD
- Day off for birthdays
- Benefits courses and/or certifications
- Opportunity to work with top-tier U.S. clients.
- Entrepreneurial, multicultural team culture.
Originally posted on Himalayas