Special Advisor, Digital Transformation Student Experience and Digital Transformation

Bow Valley College is Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students. We launch our students by preparing them for in-demand jobs through high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance our graduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts, social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolve our students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling. Proud to be named one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, our applied research focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation. Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary’s first esports arena, and the Bears varsity team, Bow Valley College, is celebrating 60 years of student success. Learn more about the opportunities we create at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Help Shape the Future of Digital Transformation in Higher Education

Bow Valley College is looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to join our Student Experience and Digital Transformation division as Special Advisor, Digital Transformation.

Reporting to the Vice President, Student Experience and Digital Transformation, this senior leadership role will help guide the institution’s digital transformation journey by advancing strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, and supporting modernization efforts across the College.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, and is passionate about enhancing the student and employee experience through digital innovation.

About the Role

As the Special Advisor, Digital Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance in the development and implementation of the College’s Digital Transformation Framework and related initiatives.

You will work collaboratively across academic, administrative, and student service areas to help align technology, innovation, and institutional priorities while supporting sustainable, student-focused transformation.

This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and lead cross-functional initiatives in a highly collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Digital Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of the College’s Digital Transformation Framework and roadmap
• Provide strategic advice on emerging technologies, digital innovation, and modernization opportunities
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance student experience, academic excellence, and institutional effectiveness
• Collaborate with leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to build alignment and drive innovation
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional digital transformation projects across the institution

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Build strong relationships across the College and with external partners, consortiums, and stakeholders
• Represent Bow Valley College on institutional, provincial, and national initiatives related to digital transformation
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders and departments on digital opportunities, risks, and change initiatives
• Foster collaboration between academic, administrative, and technical teams

Communication & Change Leadership

• Champion a culture of innovation, digital literacy, and continuous improvement
• Support organizational change management initiatives and promote adoption of digital solutions
• Develop communication strategies and provide updates to senior leadership and governance groups
• Help ensure transparency, engagement, and shared understanding across the College community

Governance, Policy & Operational Support

• Support the development and implementation of digital policies, procedures, and governance practices
• Collaborate on initiatives related to cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, and compliance
• Assist with operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and reporting activities related to digital initiatives
• Ensure projects and initiatives align with institutional priorities, budgets, and regulatory requirements

Team & Leadership Support

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to project teams and staff
• Foster collaborative and inclusive working relationships across departments
• Support the development of interdisciplinary and cross-functional initiatives
• Contribute to a positive, innovative, and student-centered organizational culture

What You Bring

You are a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience leading digital transformation, organizational change, and enterprise-wide initiatives within complex organizations.

You bring proven expertise in developing and executing institution-wide digital strategies that enhance student experience, operational effectiveness, and innovation. You excel at building trusted relationships, influencing senior leaders, and fostering consensus across diverse stakeholder groups while leading complex cross-functional initiatives.

You have strong knowledge of emerging technologies, enterprise systems, data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and change management, supported by solid project, financial, and operational planning capabilities.

An exceptional communicator and people leader, you foster collaboration, champion continuous improvement, navigate ambiguity with sound judgment, and inspire confidence and engagement across the institution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Higher Education Leadership, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 7–10 years of senior-level experience in digital transformation, IT strategy, enterprise modernization, or related leadership roles
• Experience leading or advising on large-scale, complex initiatives within higher education or similarly complex organizations
• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups
• Police Information Check required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing digital strategies, frameworks, or transformation plans within post-secondary education
• Knowledge of enterprise systems, cloud technologies, AI, analytics, cybersecurity, and governance frameworks
• Strong understanding of organizational change management and institutional planning processes

Why Join Bow Valley College?

At Bow Valley College, we are committed to innovation, collaboration, and student success. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful institution-wide transformation while working alongside passionate and forward-thinking colleagues. You will help shape how technology and innovation support learning, engagement, and operational excellence across the College community.

Apply Today , if you are ready to help advance digital transformation in higher education and make a meaningful impact at Bow Valley College, we encourage you to apply.

Please apply directly at:

This opening is a full time Temporary salaried Management position. This assignment is expected to start July 1, 2026, and end June 30, 2027.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note all successful candidates will be required to present government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and a police information check (dated within 3 months of your start date). If your education was received internationally, as proof of education qualifications, you will be required to provide an international education assessment from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator.

Join us at a pivotal moment as we bring Launch | Advance | Evolve to life, creating exceptional student and employee experiences that advance transformative education and launch careers to new heights.

Closing date:

We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly, as this posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.