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At CDW, our purpose is to make technology work so people can do great things.
The Role
Leads pre-sales strategy and enterprise AI adoption for higher education customers. Delivers executive presentations, technical demonstrations, workshops, and consultations on Gemini, Google AI Pro, cloud infrastructure, AI governance, security, and institutional integration. Builds relationships with CIOs, CTOs, and IT leaders; develops use cases and value propositions; supports strategic sales opportunities; tracks adoption metrics; coordinates executive briefings; and speaks at industry conferences. Requires extensive higher education IT, enterprise infrastructure, AI strategy, and executive communication experience, with travel up to 50%.
Summary Generated by Built In
Description
Job Summary:
CDW and Google for Education are empowering Higher Education (HiEd) institutions through advanced AI tools, resources, and platforms like Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro for Education. We are looking for a Senior Strategist to drive the adoption and strategic implementation of these advanced AI and cloud solutions within the HiEd market, specifically targeting Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs). In this highly technical and executive-facing role, you will leverage deep expertise in campus-wide IT infrastructure, enterprise AI strategy, and Google's management console to deliver compelling, high-level pre-sales consultations and technical demonstrations. These engagements will occur both virtually and in-person across North America. You will partner closely with both the Google for Education and CDW teams to identify strategic sales opportunities, champion AI governance and integration best practices tailored for complex HiEd environments and directly contribute to our strategic program growth goals focusing on enterprise AI adoption.
What you will do:
* Deliver compelling presentations virtually and in person that showcase the transformative value proposition of Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro for Education- addressing key HiEd CIO and CTO priorities such as research acceleration, administrative efficiency, data security, and responsible AI implementation across the institution. Traveling within North America is required for in-person training and executive presentations at customer locations, partner locations, and industry conferences.
* Design and develop executive-level content and presentations to promote the strategic deployment of Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro within HiEd, focusing on complex integration with core academic and administrative systems, and managing institutional-scale AI initiatives.
* Create compelling value propositions and technical use cases specifically tailored for the needs of senior Higher Education IT leadership (CIOs, CTOs, and IT Directors), emphasizing AI's role in institutional transformation, research capacity, and operational efficiency.
* Build strong, consultative relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in the Higher Education sector, including Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), IT governance bodies, and institutional policymakers.
* Stay up-to-date on all updates to Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro, Google Workspace for Education changes, and the latest trends in the education technology landscape, with a particular focus on enterprise AI, data security, compliance, and integration with core academic systems. Maintaining and updating relevant certifications is expected.
* Submit conference sessions and speak as an AI and IT strategy expert at Higher Education industry conferences such as Educause, AITP, and similar forums targeting IT executives.
* Reporting and tracking key team metrics related to AI adoption, enterprise licensing, and executive engagement.
* Provide expert technical consultation to HiEd CIOs/CTOs to support complex pre-sales processes and large-scale AI infrastructure planning.
* Address all advanced AI and product-related technical queries in a timely and efficient manner.
* Outline and explain CDW Education services to HiEd customers and convey value propositions for enterprise-level AI and cloud deployments.
* Identify and coordinate executive briefings, technical workshops, and strategic planning sessions for HiEd IT leadership.
What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 5+ years experience in a Higher Education institution, specifically in IT departments managing large-scale enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and/or strategic AI initiatives OR 9+ years of experience.
* Required experience requirement (Background as a HiEd IT Director, Associate CIO, or similar enterprise-level IT management/strategy role strongly preferred).
* Deep familiarity with typical HiEd enterprise IT systems, including identity and access management (e.g., Active Directory, SAML/SSO), enterprise governance, research computing environments, Student Information Systems (SIS), and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in a university setting.
* Proven understanding of the technical, ethical, and governance challenges related to deploying and managing large language models (LLMs) and AI tools in a secure, compliant Higher Education environment.
* Excellent communication, executive presentation, and negotiation skills, particularly when engaging with senior IT executives (CIO/CTO level).
* Ability to build strong, trust-based relationships and navigate complex institutional and stakeholder environments.
* Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
* Ability to travel up to 50%.
* Experience in business development or educational technology sales targeting enterprise accounts (specifically HiEd), with a proven track record of exceeding targets, a plus.
* Direct, hands-on experience with Gemini for Education, Google AI Pro, or other major enterprise-level LLM/AI platforms, a plus.
* Proficiency in CRM software and enterprise sales methodologies, a plus.
* Proven track record of success in developing and executing go-to-market strategies for complex AI or cloud solutions in Higher Education, a plus. Pay range: $71,500- $107,600, depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 66.67% 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.
Job Summary:
CDW and Google for Education are empowering Higher Education (HiEd) institutions through advanced AI tools, resources, and platforms like Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro for Education. We are looking for a Senior Strategist to drive the adoption and strategic implementation of these advanced AI and cloud solutions within the HiEd market, specifically targeting Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs). In this highly technical and executive-facing role, you will leverage deep expertise in campus-wide IT infrastructure, enterprise AI strategy, and Google's management console to deliver compelling, high-level pre-sales consultations and technical demonstrations. These engagements will occur both virtually and in-person across North America. You will partner closely with both the Google for Education and CDW teams to identify strategic sales opportunities, champion AI governance and integration best practices tailored for complex HiEd environments and directly contribute to our strategic program growth goals focusing on enterprise AI adoption.
What you will do:
* Deliver compelling presentations virtually and in person that showcase the transformative value proposition of Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro for Education- addressing key HiEd CIO and CTO priorities such as research acceleration, administrative efficiency, data security, and responsible AI implementation across the institution. Traveling within North America is required for in-person training and executive presentations at customer locations, partner locations, and industry conferences.
* Design and develop executive-level content and presentations to promote the strategic deployment of Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro within HiEd, focusing on complex integration with core academic and administrative systems, and managing institutional-scale AI initiatives.
* Create compelling value propositions and technical use cases specifically tailored for the needs of senior Higher Education IT leadership (CIOs, CTOs, and IT Directors), emphasizing AI's role in institutional transformation, research capacity, and operational efficiency.
* Build strong, consultative relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in the Higher Education sector, including Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), IT governance bodies, and institutional policymakers.
* Stay up-to-date on all updates to Gemini for Education and Google AI Pro, Google Workspace for Education changes, and the latest trends in the education technology landscape, with a particular focus on enterprise AI, data security, compliance, and integration with core academic systems. Maintaining and updating relevant certifications is expected.
* Submit conference sessions and speak as an AI and IT strategy expert at Higher Education industry conferences such as Educause, AITP, and similar forums targeting IT executives.
* Reporting and tracking key team metrics related to AI adoption, enterprise licensing, and executive engagement.
* Provide expert technical consultation to HiEd CIOs/CTOs to support complex pre-sales processes and large-scale AI infrastructure planning.
* Address all advanced AI and product-related technical queries in a timely and efficient manner.
* Outline and explain CDW Education services to HiEd customers and convey value propositions for enterprise-level AI and cloud deployments.
* Identify and coordinate executive briefings, technical workshops, and strategic planning sessions for HiEd IT leadership.
What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 5+ years experience in a Higher Education institution, specifically in IT departments managing large-scale enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and/or strategic AI initiatives OR 9+ years of experience.
* Required experience requirement (Background as a HiEd IT Director, Associate CIO, or similar enterprise-level IT management/strategy role strongly preferred).
* Deep familiarity with typical HiEd enterprise IT systems, including identity and access management (e.g., Active Directory, SAML/SSO), enterprise governance, research computing environments, Student Information Systems (SIS), and Learning Management Systems (LMS) in a university setting.
* Proven understanding of the technical, ethical, and governance challenges related to deploying and managing large language models (LLMs) and AI tools in a secure, compliant Higher Education environment.
* Excellent communication, executive presentation, and negotiation skills, particularly when engaging with senior IT executives (CIO/CTO level).
* Ability to build strong, trust-based relationships and navigate complex institutional and stakeholder environments.
* Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
* Ability to travel up to 50%.
* Experience in business development or educational technology sales targeting enterprise accounts (specifically HiEd), with a proven track record of exceeding targets, a plus.
* Direct, hands-on experience with Gemini for Education, Google AI Pro, or other major enterprise-level LLM/AI platforms, a plus.
* Proficiency in CRM software and enterprise sales methodologies, a plus.
* Proven track record of success in developing and executing go-to-market strategies for complex AI or cloud solutions in Higher Education, a plus. Pay range: $71,500- $107,600, depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 66.67% 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 a relevant field
- 5+ years of experience in a higher education institution's IT department managing large-scale enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, or strategic AI initiatives
- Alternatively, 9+ years of relevant experience
- Experience as a higher education IT Director, Associate CIO, or similar enterprise-level IT management or strategy professional
- Familiarity with higher education enterprise IT systems, including Active Directory, SAML/SSO, governance, research computing, SIS, and LMS platforms
- Understanding of technical, ethical, and governance challenges in deploying and managing LLMs and AI tools in secure, compliant higher education environments
- Excellent communication, executive presentation, and negotiation skills with senior IT executives
- Ability to build trust-based relationships and navigate complex institutional stakeholder environments
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to travel up to 50%
- Business development or educational technology sales experience targeting higher education enterprise accounts
- Hands-on experience with Gemini for Education, Google AI Pro, or other enterprise AI platforms
- Proficiency in CRM software and enterprise sales methodologies
- Track record developing and executing go-to-market strategies for complex AI or cloud solutions in higher education
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
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Healthcare Strength — Health, dental, and vision plans are broadly available alongside EAP resources and HSA/FSA options. Coverage is often characterized as solid relative to large‑corporate peers, even if details vary by plan and location.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off frameworks include flexible or unlimited PTO for many salaried roles, plus standard paid holidays. These structures can support work‑life balance when team workload permits.
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Parental & Family Support — Offerings include parental leave, adoption and fertility assistance, dependent care resources, and related family supports. These benefits broaden the total rewards package beyond core health and retirement programs.
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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.
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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
