AI Innovation Manager

About the role

This role is strategic yet hands-on, combining innovative leadership with practical implementation. The AI Innovation Manager will manage AI processes and lead the identification, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across academic and administrative units. This role partners with faculty and staff to drive responsible, high-impact AI adoption aligned with institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a university-wide AI innovation strategy and roadmap; aligned with institutional goals for research excellence, student success, and operational efficiency.
• Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging AI tools and technologies (e.g., generative AI for curriculum design, research automation, administrative workflows, student advising, and personalized learning).
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, IT teams, and department leaders to integrate AI into academic programs, research projects, and campus operations.
• Manage AI pilots and proof-of-concept projects, including budgeting, timelines, risk assessment, and success metrics.
• Promote responsible and ethical AI use, including governance, bias mitigation, data privacy (FERPA, GDPR), and compliance with university policies and California regulations.
• Design and deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to build AI literacy among faculty, staff, and students.
• Track AI trends, emerging technologies, best practices in higher education, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Identify and prioritize AI use cases across the campus while collaborating with other ITS staff to implement scalable AI solutions.
• Partner with faculty and staff to support AI-enabled teaching, research, and operational needs to improve efficiency and user experience.
• Work with others to establish AI governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks to promote AI literacy across campus through workshops and training.
• Assist with AI technology standards, processes and evaluate and manage AI vendors, tools, and processes.
• Participate in planning activities with other areas of ITS and lead AI development of agents/bots across campus.
• Maintain thorough documentation of systems for all applications and processes while staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends to improve access to information and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in the areas of Computer Science, Computer Information System, Data Science or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3-5+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, data analytics, digital innovation AI/ML project management, agent/bot creation, innovation management, or technology strategy roles (higher education, research, or tech industry experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, data governance, and privacy considerations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills.