Job SummarySHI is seeking a Chief Technology Strategist to champion our Software, Cloud, and Microsoft ecosystem strategy while serving as a trusted industry voice on technology adoption and spend optimization. This executive-level role sits at the intersection of enterprise technology strategy and responsible technology investment, helping organizations understand both what to adopt, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Copilot, security, and compliance solutions, and how to optimize those investments through FinOps, software asset management, license optimization, and AI consumption cost governance.
As the public-facing strategic leader for SHI's Software, Cloud, Microsoft, and Spend Optimization vision, you will translate the expertise of our ITAM and FinOps advisory teams into compelling narratives for customers, industry audiences, executive stakeholders, and technology leaders. While you will not be responsible for performing licensing or financial analyses, you will position SHI as a trusted advisor that helps organizations scale technology investments as intelligently as they scale usage.
Role Description- Own and evolve SHI's narrative around cloud economics, Microsoft ecosystem strategy (Microsoft 365, Azure, Copilot, security, and compliance), and modern software governance.
- Serve as the external storytelling voice for SHI's spend optimization perspective, including: FinOps practices Software Asset Management (SAM) IT Asset Management (ITAM) AI tokenomics and the evolving challenges of forecasting, governing, and optimizing AI consumption-based costs as licensing models continue to evolve.
- Partner closely with SHI's internal FinOps, ITAM, and licensing practitioners to transform frameworks, benchmarks, and customer outcomes into conference presentations, thought leadership content, and publishable materials.
- Represent SHI at Microsoft-focused and cloud industry events, including Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Inspire, Directions, FinOps X, IAITAM ACE, and other technology conferences and trade shows.
- Develop and maintain a content strategy spanning both technology innovation and spend optimization topics, including: Webinars Byline articles Video content Podcast appearances Industry commentary
- Act as a bridge between SHI's practitioner teams and external audiences by simplifying complex technology and spend-management concepts into accessible business-focused messaging.
- Build a personal brand and industry following that establishes SHI as a trusted voice on emerging Microsoft and cloud technologies as well as technology cost management and governance.
Behaviors and Competencies- Communication: Can lead and model exceptional communication at all levels of the organization, develop and implement communication strategies, and coach others to improve their communication skills.
- Collaboration: Can lead complex team projects, inspire others to collaborate effectively, and foster a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.
- Interpersonal Skills: Can lead others in developing their interpersonal skills, proactively drive organizational interpersonal relationships, and foster a culture of open communication and collaboration.
- Negotiation: Can lead strategic negotiations, inspire others to develop negotiation skills, and foster a culture of constructive dialogue and compromise.
- Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to recognize and create value in uncertain and unstructured situations through innovative thinking and strategic vision.
- Impact and Influence: Can drive organizational change and win the support of key stakeholders through effective influence and persuasion.
- Analytical Thinking: Can lead and innovate in the application of analytical thinking, solve complex problems, influence others, and contribute to best practices.
- Business Acumen: Can provide strategic guidance and insights to drive overall business success.
- Technical Expertise: Can create new applications for technical knowledge and skills and can lead the development of technical standards and procedures.
- Leadership: Can lead strategic team initiatives, inspire others to take leadership roles, and foster a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
- Networking: Can lead strategic networking initiatives, inspire others to develop networking skills, and foster a culture of collaborative professional growth.
Skill Level Requirements- Strong understanding of Microsoft technologies and the broader cloud ecosystem.
- Ability to communicate complex technical and financial concepts in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner to business and technical audiences.
- Fluency in cloud economics, software governance, and technology adoption trends.
- Directional understanding of FinOps, software asset management, and IT asset management concepts, including: Cost visibility License optimization Renewal strategies Consumption-based pricing models
- Awareness of AI consumption and token-based pricing models and their impact on budgeting and governance.
- Strong public speaking, presentation, and storytelling capabilities.
- Ability to develop thought leadership content across multiple formats and channels.
- Ability to form and communicate informed, defensible opinions on industry trends and technology strategy.
- Strong written communication skills for both long-form and short-form content.
- Experience creating technical, educational, and thought leadership content for external audiences.
- Ability to build and engage professional audiences through social, digital, video, podcast, or community platforms.
Other Requirements- 7+ years of experience working directly with Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft 365, Azure, security, compliance solutions, or related enterprise cloud and software platforms.
- 2+ years of experience in a public-facing role such as: Technology Evangelist Technical Marketing Professional Community Leader Field Advocate Similar industry-facing positions
- Demonstrated public speaking experience, including conference presentations, speaking engagements, or recorded sessions.
- Proven ability to establish credibility with technical and business audiences.
- Demonstrated experience developing audience engagement through channels such as LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, newsletters, or similar platforms.
Preferred- Exposure to FinOps, ITAM, or SAM concepts through prior professional experience.
- Relevant certifications: Microsoft 365 Certified, Azure Solutions Architect, Security/Compliance certifications.
- Familiarity with FinOps Foundation, IAITAM communities, methodologies, and terminology.
- Experience communicating Microsoft Copilot or broader AI-in-the-Microsoft-stack narratives, including evolving licensing structures and consumption-based cost models
The estimated annual pay range for this position is $275,000 - $375,000 which includes a base salary and bonus. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.
