Chief Innovation Officer

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 260,000 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 Commonwealth’s 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 DHE’s 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 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.

Please Note:

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 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 unit’s 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. 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 :

·         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 Taina.Noelsaint@mass.gov 

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

**  Salary 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.