Technical Partner Manager Jobs in Naperville, IL

Description

In this role, you'll serve as a strategic technology partner and relationship leader, helping higher education institutions align their technology priorities, operational needs, and digital transformation goals with scalable solutions and services.

This role exists to support Collegis Education's managed services partners by leading technology strategy, governance, project delivery, account performance, and stakeholder relationships across assigned college and university partnerships.

What You'll Do:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to assigned institutions, providing technology thought leadership and strategic guidance aligned with institutional objectives.
• Collaborate with university leadership, CIOs, and Collegis technology leaders to develop and execute technology strategies and roadmaps.
• Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and innovative solutions that support institutional transformation and operational effectiveness.
• Translate business needs into actionable technology initiatives and service improvements
• Facilitate IT governance and steering committee processes to prioritize technology initiatives, investments, and service enhancements.
• Partner with institutional stakeholders to define project scope, business requirements, success criteria, and implementation plans.
• Oversee assigned technology project portfolios, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Coordinate resources, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications across multiple initiatives.
• Monitor risks, dependencies, and project health, proactively addressing issues and escalating concerns when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong executive-level relationships with partner institutions.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for strategic technology and service-related concerns.
• Conduct regular partner meetings, including monthly operational reviews, quarterly business reviews, and strategic planning sessions.
• Foster collaboration and trust between partner institutions and Collegis teams.
• Manage stakeholder expectations through proactive communication, transparency, and accountability.
• Assume overall accountability for the operational and financial performance of assigned accounts.
• Develop annual account operating budgets and technology investment plans.
• Monitor account profitability, revenue performance, and key financial metrics.
• Analyze monthly service delivery reports and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Partner with sales and leadership teams to identify and pursue account growth opportunities, including cross-selling and upselling services.
• Support contract renewals, service expansions, and strategic account planning efforts.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality managed services that meet or exceed contractual obligations and service level expectations.
• Collaborate with internal technology teams to communicate partner priorities, objectives, and business requirements.
• Drive service improvement initiatives based on partner feedback, operational metrics, and business needs.
• Promote accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across service delivery functions.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to Partner Management team members and other colleagues.
• Share best practices and contribute to the ongoing development of Partner Management processes and standards.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, customer focus, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Operate with a high degree of independence while effectively managing multiple partner relationships simultaneously.
• Participate in strategic initiatives, special projects, and organizational improvement efforts as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of higher education technology trends, challenges, and best practices.
• Adhere to all information security, privacy, and compliance requirements and promptly report any security-related concerns. 

What You'll Bring: Experience & Skills

• 3 years of experience in a customer-facing role interfacing with executive stakeholders, driving customer technical implementation, or leading transformation programs
• At least 10 years of IT professional experience with at least 2 years of direct staff management or leadership experience
• Understanding of at least one of the following areas: IT operations, database systems, networking, IT security, application or integration development, service architecture, or hosting services
• Ability to provide effort, leadership, and creative thinking to solve complex and significant problems in a collaborative environment
• Ability to work concurrently on multiple complex and sometimes ambiguous problems
• Strong ability to communicate complex concepts, problems, and solutions clearly and effectively to all levels of an organization
• Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and management skills
• Ability to adapt communication style to the listener's experience, background, and expectations, including technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to communicate in an effective and approachable style that engages others and builds credibility
• Ability to provide rationale when delivering complex or challenging information
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to build trust, manage expectations, and drive partner satisfaction
• Financial and business acumen with the ability to manage account performance, profitability, budgets, and growth opportunities
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate service delivery across internal and external stakeholders

Requirements

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related technical field, Management, or equivalent practical experience required

Work Environment & Schedule:

Collegis employs team members in a variety of locations across the country, with many roles designed to balance flexibility and in-person collaboration. This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring employees to work onsite 2-3 days per week. The remaining days may be worked remotely, supporting both team engagement and individual flexibility.

Who We Are:

Collegis Education partners with higher education institutions to deliver technology, marketing, and enrollment solutions that support the full student lifecycle. Our teams work across institutions to improve operations, enhance the student experience, and drive meaningful outcomes for both students and our partners. Visit collegiseducation.com to learn more.

Beware of Scams: Please note that all inquiries regarding Collegis Education job postings will come from an email domain of @mail.paylocity.com or @collegiseducation.com.

Collegis Education is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.