Director, AI Strategy & Technology Partnerships (FT), AFREDIRAITECH

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of COD's institutional strategy for AI and immersive technologies in alignment with the College's strategic plan, academic mission, and shared governance principles.
• Partner closely with academic leadership, faculty, ITS, student services, and administrative units to embed AI and immersive technologies into instructional design, curriculum, operations, and decision-making processes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on emerging technology trends, opportunities, risks, and policy implications.
• Collaborate with faculty to support the pedagogically sound integration of AI and immersive technologies across disciplines, including workforce, transfer, and general education programs.
• Support the development of AI-enabled learning tools, simulations, digital twins, intelligent tutoring systems, and immersive learning environments.
• Promote responsible, ethical, and inclusive uses of AI that enhance access, equity, and student success.
• Drive the adoption of AI-enabled solutions across administrative and student-facing functions, including analytics, reporting, workflow automation, and intelligent agents.
• Identify opportunities to embed AI within existing systems, products, and processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
• Maintain a continuous pulse on emerging AI applications relevant to higher education operations and governance.
• Establish COD as a regional AI and innovation hub, supporting small businesses, startups, and community partners through education, collaboration, and applied innovation.
• Host public forums, workshops, and convenings on AI and emerging technologies in partnership with technology companies, workforce organizations, and civic leaders.
• Lead outreach and collaboration with K-12 partners to promote responsible AI literacy, ethical use, and early exposure to emerging technologies.
• Build and sustain partnerships with technology companies, industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to support innovation, funding, and applied learning opportunities.
• Represent COD at regional, state, and national forums related to AI, immersive technologies, and digital innovation.
• Build, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team of professionals focused on AI, immersive technology, and innovation.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, continuous learning, and responsible innovation.
• Serve as a technical enabler for campus teams by providing guidance, frameworks, and hands-on support for AI-driven projects.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership to develop policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks for the ethical, transparent, and secure use of AI and immersive technologies.
• Ensure alignment with accreditation standards, data privacy regulations, accessibility requirements, and institutional values.
• Other relevant duties.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, information systems, educational technology, data science, engineering, or related discipline) required.
• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., educational technology, computer science, information systems, data science, engineering, or a related discipline) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in emerging technologies, digital innovation, or technology leadership, preferably in higher education, public sector, or complex organizations required.
• Demonstrated experience leading AI-enabled or immersive technology initiatives from concept through implementation required.
• Strong understanding of AI applications, intelligent systems, data analytics, and emerging technology ecosystems required.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, technologists, administrators, and external partners required.
• Experience building and leading teams and managing complex, cross-functional projects required.
• Experience in higher education governance, faculty collaboration, or shared decision-making environments preferred.
• Familiarity with responsible AI frameworks, ethics, data privacy, and accessibility standards preferred.
• Experience working with K-12 systems, workforce partners, or community-based organizations preferred.
• Track record of securing grants, partnerships, or external funding for innovation initiatives preferred.

Pay & Schedule

• Grade 16 / Starting salary beginning at $131,800/annually, based on education and experience.
• Regular travel required.
• This is a fully on-campus position with an expectation of on-site work five days per week; hybrid work is not available.