At CDW, our purpose is to make technology work so people can do great things.
The Role
The Consulting Enterprise Strategist guides educational organizations through digital transformation by aligning IT strategies with institutional goals, engaging with executive leaders, and designing multi-practice solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In
Description
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
Job Summary
As a Consulting Enterprise Strategist (ES) supporting Education enterprise and majors accounts, you serve as the enterprise-wide, multi-practice strategic and architectural authority guiding complex education-sector organizations through long-range digital transformation. This role represents Security, Hybrid Infrastructure, Digital Experience, and Digital Infrastructure, aligning academic, operational, and public-mission priorities to scalable IT strategies. The Enterprise Strategist engages with CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, Presidents/Chancellors, and Superintendents, operating within executive-level, long-cycle, multi-practice sales motions. Acting as the technological strategist for large, institution-wide pursuits, helping customers modernize safely while navigating governance, funding, regulatory, and stakeholder complexity. Your core objective is to align institutional mission and business outcomes with integrated IT strategy, translating educational objectives- such as student success, research enablement, digital equity, safety, resilience, and operational efficiency- into actionable IT roadmaps and multi-year transformation programs. The Consulting Enterprise Strategist ensures Education customers receive cohesive, outcome-driven architectures, not siloed point solutions. This role bridges strategy, architecture, governance, and execution, supporting institutions that operate under:
* Shared governance and decentralized decision-making
* Multi-year budget cycles and constrained funding models
* Regulatory, privacy, and compliance requirements
* Diverse stakeholder communities (academic, IT, finance, public leadership) The Enterprise Strategist partners closely with Client Executives (CEs), Solution Executives (SEs), and practice teams to co-plan accounts, align engagement models, and deliver coordinated, enterprise-scale outcomes.
What you will do:
* Enterprise Strategy & Architecture (Education)
* Lead enterprise-wide, multi-practice strategy and architectural engagements across higher education systems, large universities, and K-12 districts.
* Translate institutional goals- student success, research enablement, digital access, security, resilience, and operational efficiency- into integrated IT roadmaps and future-state architectures.
* Design high-level designs (HLDs) and scalable architectures supporting campus, district, or system-wide modernization initiatives.
* Executive Engagement & Sales Motion
* Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, including CIOs, CISOs, academic and operational leaders, aligning technology strategy to mission outcomes.
* Operate within an executive-level, long-cycle, multi-practice sales motion typical of Education.
* Act as the technical quarterback for complex, cross-practice pursuits- driving clarity, alignment, and forward progress across long decision cycles.
* Account & Opportunity Leadership
* Co-plan strategic Education enterprise and major accounts with CE and SE teams to ensure orchestrated engagement and sustained value delivery.
* Shape, qualify, and accelerate large, institution-wide opportunities that span multiple practices and funding periods.
* Guide partner and ecosystem alignment, including OEMs, cloud providers, and software partners appropriate for public-sector environments.
* Cross-Practice Orchestration
* Own alignment across sales, presales, delivery, partners, and leadership for multi-practice Education engagements.
* Standardize enterprise solution approaches while respecting institutional autonomy and governance models.
* Navigate internal processes, approvals, and public-sector procurement dynamics to reduce friction and enable execution.
* Business Outcomes & Value Creation
* Build multi-year roadmaps, business cases, and formal proposals (SOWs, LOEs, RFP responses) aligned to measurable education outcomes.
* Support financial impact and value modeling appropriate for grant-funded, bond-funded, or operating-budget initiatives.
* Drive outcomes such as integrated architecture, modernization at scale, security posture improvement, digital equity enablement, and operational resilience.
* Thought Leadership & Enablement
* Act as a thought leader for the Education enterprise strategy, mentoring presales and delivery teams on large-scale institutional engagement.
* Represent CDW in executive briefings, workshops, advisory councils, and industry forums relevant to higher education and K-12.
* Bridge insights between clients, presales, delivery, and corporate strategy to inform capability evolution and innovation.
What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering and 7+ years of experience in IT architecture and engineering, spanning at least 2 technology practice areas OR equivalent experience.
* 3+ years of experience designing multi-practice solutions for complex customer environments.
* Strong understanding of CDW's portfolio (Cloud, applications, data, security, modern infrastructure, DevOps, SaaS technologies, and AI).
* Proven ability to influence Key stakeholders at the executive level (CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, Presidents/Chancellors, and Superintendents, Superintendents, CTO, EdTech, Cybersecurity Coordinators and CBO)
* Demonstrated success building and delivering enterprise technology roadmaps and digital transformation strategies.
* Certifications across multiple disciplines (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect Expert), a plus.
* Background in vertical-specific architecture (e.g., Education HiEd and K-12), a plus.
* Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future trends and implications, translates vision into executable strategies, a plus.
* Executive Presence: Communicates with confidence and clarity to influence diverse executive audiences, a plus.
* Cross-Domain Expertise: Applies a systems-level view to architecting integrated technology solutions, a plus.
* Innovation & Agility: Thinks creatively to develop novel solutions and thrives in fast-paced environments, a plus.
* Collaborative Leadership: Works seamlessly across sales, engineering, delivery, and partner ecosystems, a plus.
* Outcome-Driven: Anchors all recommendations in measurable client value and business impact, a plus. Pay range: $121,450 - $170,010 depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: [https://cdw.benefit-info.com/](https://cdw.benefit-info.com/) Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
* CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization
* We're looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner's mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances- not replaces- human creativity and decision-making. You don't need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that's curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what's possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.
* About Us
* CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what's possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn't just what we do- it's how we do it. At CDW we act as one- building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win- focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward- staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That's why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees- working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full-stack, full-lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what's next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do.
* Together, we Make Amazing Happen.
* CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
Job Summary
As a Consulting Enterprise Strategist (ES) supporting Education enterprise and majors accounts, you serve as the enterprise-wide, multi-practice strategic and architectural authority guiding complex education-sector organizations through long-range digital transformation. This role represents Security, Hybrid Infrastructure, Digital Experience, and Digital Infrastructure, aligning academic, operational, and public-mission priorities to scalable IT strategies. The Enterprise Strategist engages with CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, Presidents/Chancellors, and Superintendents, operating within executive-level, long-cycle, multi-practice sales motions. Acting as the technological strategist for large, institution-wide pursuits, helping customers modernize safely while navigating governance, funding, regulatory, and stakeholder complexity. Your core objective is to align institutional mission and business outcomes with integrated IT strategy, translating educational objectives- such as student success, research enablement, digital equity, safety, resilience, and operational efficiency- into actionable IT roadmaps and multi-year transformation programs. The Consulting Enterprise Strategist ensures Education customers receive cohesive, outcome-driven architectures, not siloed point solutions. This role bridges strategy, architecture, governance, and execution, supporting institutions that operate under:
* Shared governance and decentralized decision-making
* Multi-year budget cycles and constrained funding models
* Regulatory, privacy, and compliance requirements
* Diverse stakeholder communities (academic, IT, finance, public leadership) The Enterprise Strategist partners closely with Client Executives (CEs), Solution Executives (SEs), and practice teams to co-plan accounts, align engagement models, and deliver coordinated, enterprise-scale outcomes.
What you will do:
* Enterprise Strategy & Architecture (Education)
* Lead enterprise-wide, multi-practice strategy and architectural engagements across higher education systems, large universities, and K-12 districts.
* Translate institutional goals- student success, research enablement, digital access, security, resilience, and operational efficiency- into integrated IT roadmaps and future-state architectures.
* Design high-level designs (HLDs) and scalable architectures supporting campus, district, or system-wide modernization initiatives.
* Executive Engagement & Sales Motion
* Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, including CIOs, CISOs, academic and operational leaders, aligning technology strategy to mission outcomes.
* Operate within an executive-level, long-cycle, multi-practice sales motion typical of Education.
* Act as the technical quarterback for complex, cross-practice pursuits- driving clarity, alignment, and forward progress across long decision cycles.
* Account & Opportunity Leadership
* Co-plan strategic Education enterprise and major accounts with CE and SE teams to ensure orchestrated engagement and sustained value delivery.
* Shape, qualify, and accelerate large, institution-wide opportunities that span multiple practices and funding periods.
* Guide partner and ecosystem alignment, including OEMs, cloud providers, and software partners appropriate for public-sector environments.
* Cross-Practice Orchestration
* Own alignment across sales, presales, delivery, partners, and leadership for multi-practice Education engagements.
* Standardize enterprise solution approaches while respecting institutional autonomy and governance models.
* Navigate internal processes, approvals, and public-sector procurement dynamics to reduce friction and enable execution.
* Business Outcomes & Value Creation
* Build multi-year roadmaps, business cases, and formal proposals (SOWs, LOEs, RFP responses) aligned to measurable education outcomes.
* Support financial impact and value modeling appropriate for grant-funded, bond-funded, or operating-budget initiatives.
* Drive outcomes such as integrated architecture, modernization at scale, security posture improvement, digital equity enablement, and operational resilience.
* Thought Leadership & Enablement
* Act as a thought leader for the Education enterprise strategy, mentoring presales and delivery teams on large-scale institutional engagement.
* Represent CDW in executive briefings, workshops, advisory councils, and industry forums relevant to higher education and K-12.
* Bridge insights between clients, presales, delivery, and corporate strategy to inform capability evolution and innovation.
What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering and 7+ years of experience in IT architecture and engineering, spanning at least 2 technology practice areas OR equivalent experience.
* 3+ years of experience designing multi-practice solutions for complex customer environments.
* Strong understanding of CDW's portfolio (Cloud, applications, data, security, modern infrastructure, DevOps, SaaS technologies, and AI).
* Proven ability to influence Key stakeholders at the executive level (CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, Presidents/Chancellors, and Superintendents, Superintendents, CTO, EdTech, Cybersecurity Coordinators and CBO)
* Demonstrated success building and delivering enterprise technology roadmaps and digital transformation strategies.
* Certifications across multiple disciplines (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect Expert), a plus.
* Background in vertical-specific architecture (e.g., Education HiEd and K-12), a plus.
* Strategic Mindset: Anticipates future trends and implications, translates vision into executable strategies, a plus.
* Executive Presence: Communicates with confidence and clarity to influence diverse executive audiences, a plus.
* Cross-Domain Expertise: Applies a systems-level view to architecting integrated technology solutions, a plus.
* Innovation & Agility: Thinks creatively to develop novel solutions and thrives in fast-paced environments, a plus.
* Collaborative Leadership: Works seamlessly across sales, engineering, delivery, and partner ecosystems, a plus.
* Outcome-Driven: Anchors all recommendations in measurable client value and business impact, a plus. Pay range: $121,450 - $170,010 depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: [https://cdw.benefit-info.com/](https://cdw.benefit-info.com/) Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
* CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization
* We're looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner's mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances- not replaces- human creativity and decision-making. You don't need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that's curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what's possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.
* About Us
* CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what's possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn't just what we do- it's how we do it. At CDW we act as one- building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win- focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward- staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That's why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees- working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full-stack, full-lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what's next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do.
* Together, we Make Amazing Happen.
* CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering
- 7+ years of experience in IT architecture and engineering
- 3+ years of experience designing multi-practice solutions for complex customer environments
- Strong understanding of CDW's portfolio (Cloud, applications, data, security, modern infrastructure, DevOps, SaaS technologies, and AI)
- Proven ability to influence key stakeholders at the executive level
- Demonstrated success building and delivering enterprise technology roadmaps and digital transformation strategies
- Certifications across multiple disciplines (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect Expert)
- Background in vertical-specific architecture (e.g., Education HiEd and K-12)
What the Team is Saying
Phil
Practice Vice President
Mason
Sales Intern
Kevin Denison
Director, Strategic Initiatives — U.S. Commercial
Christine A. Leahy
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
CDW Compensation & Benefits Highlights
How does CDW ensure its pay and bonus plans are competitive?
CDW supports competitive pay and bonus plans through a broad total rewards approach that combines performance-focused compensation, strong benefits, long-term financial support, and the stability of a large established company.
- Total rewards philosophy: CDW’s compensation approach is built around more than base salary alone. Its ESG report says the company uses competitive compensation and performance-focused pay practices designed to reward excellence and support coworkers’ professional and financial growth. That philosophy is reinforced by a broader total rewards package that supports physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.
- Performance-based pay and incentives: CDW explicitly describes its pay practices as performance-focused, indicating that compensation is designed to recognize strong individual contribution and results. Employee feedback also points to meaningful earning potential in some roles, along with merit increases and incentive opportunities, especially in performance-driven functions.
- Structured compensation components and financial support: CDW strengthens compensation competitiveness through multiple financial programs beyond salary. These include a 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, life insurance, disability coverage, accident-related insurance, and charitable gift matching. Together, these programs help support both short-term financial needs and longer-term financial security. CDW also connects compensation to career growth through its Global Career Framework, which helps employees see how advancement and future opportunities fit into the broader organization.
- Benefits as part of total compensation: Benefits are a major part of CDW’s competitive rewards story. The company offers healthcare, parental leave, adoption support, wellbeing resources, commuter benefits, legal assistance, and tuition reimbursement, among other offerings. Its ESG report also notes that in 2023 CDW made additional investments by reducing the benefits waiting period for new hires and increasing paid leave for primary parental caregivers and bereavement. Employees frequently mention benefits, PTO, flexibility, and job stability as strengths of the company’s overall package.
- Scale and stability: CDW’s size and market position also reinforce its ability to offer competitive rewards. As a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company with about $21 billion in annual net sales and ~15,100 coworkers, CDW has the scale to provide broad benefits, structured pay programs, and long-term stability.
- External signals: Employee feedback points to several strengths in CDW’s rewards package, including mentions of generous compensation, strong benefits, stock options, merit increases, and financial stability. While compensation experiences can vary by role, reviews consistently suggest that benefits and overall package strength are important parts of CDW’s employer value proposition.
Bottom line: CDW supports competitive pay through a well-rounded total rewards model that combines performance-focused compensation, strong benefits, financial protection, and long-term career stability. It is especially well positioned for employees who value comprehensive benefits, growth opportunities, and the backing of a large, established technology company.
CDW Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
CDW Corporation is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. For more information about CDW, please visit www.CDW.com. Our broad array of products and services range from hardware and software to integrated IT solutions such as security, cloud, hybrid infrastructure and digital experience.
Why Work With Us
Trust, connection and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed.
Gallery
CDW Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
CDW is committed to offering a high quality, flexible work experience centered around connection, collaboration, and coworker well-being. Our flexible hybrid approach enables coworkers to get the best of working from home and being together.
Typical time on-site:
Not Specified
