Director of AI Workforce Innovation and Partnerships

General Summary of Position:

The Director of AI Workforce Innovation and Partnerships will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive university-wide strategy to ensure that every UMass Lowell student graduates AI-proficient not as AI developers but as capable users and innovators applying AI tools to solve real-world problems in business government nonprofit and community settings.

This position will coordinate AI-related curriculum development across all colleges and schools oversee the creation of re-skilling and certificate programs and cultivate partnerships with small businesses municipalities and other organizations to promote applied learning experiences. The Director will align these efforts with UMass Lowells broader workforce and industry engagement strategies to pilot and scale AI applications that empower future leaders to transform how organizations work and grow.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Sustainability and Enterprise Development and working closely with deans department chairs faculty the Office of the Provost Graduate and Professional Studies Industry Engagement Advancement Information Technology and Career Services the Director will serve as a connector and conduit for AI initiatives connecting faculty efforts aligning resources evaluating outcomes and ensuring consistent communication across campus and with external partners.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Strategy Coordination and Implementation:

• Working with colleges the faculty senate and all other relevant parties develop and implement a university-wide strategy to integrate AI literacy and application into the curriculum across all colleges and degree levels.
• Coordinate cross-campus efforts serving as the central point of contact for AI-related academic research and engagement activities to help foster new resources and partnerships.
• Identify and communicate ongoing AI initiatives ensuring alignment and knowledge-sharing among faculty staff and leadership.
• Establish performance metrics and evaluation processes to track progress toward institutional AI proficiency goals.

2. Curriculum & Workforce Development:

• Partner with deans chairs and faculty to embed AI-focused learning outcomes into existing courses and programs.
• Support the creation of and/or dissemination of foundational AI literacy courses required for all majors and discipline-specific modules tailored to each college.
• Lead the design of re-skilling and certificate programs for students alumni and regional professionals to expand AI competency across sectors.
• Collaborate with Career Services to integrate AI-based co-op and experiential learning opportunities preparing students to apply AI tools in real workplace settings.
• Pursue external funding to support AI-literacy and workforce development efforts.
• Collect AI business use cases across multiple disciplines/industry sectors for faculty to integrate into their courses.

3. Industry & Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain partnerships with small businesses nonprofits municipalities and regional employers to understand AI workforce needs and provide student and faculty support for AI adoption.
• Develop and oversee pilot programs through the Rist Institute that connect students with local organizations to help them learn apply and benefit from AI tools.
• Represent UMass Lowell in regional and national forums to position the university as a model for community-centered AI integration.

4. Collaboration Communication & Reporting:

• Coordinate communications about AI-related initiatives and outcomes across internal and external channels.
• Convene regular campus-wide meetings and/or working groups to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
• Prepare reports presentations and summaries for university leadership funders and partners.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Masters degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant field such as applied sciences data science information technology education or technology innovationwith 5 years of business experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement interdisciplinary programs connecting academia industry and community stakeholders.
• Proven success in managing collaborative projects that align research workforce and industry needs.
• Experience securing external funding or developing strategic initiatives supported by multiple partners.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to build consensus among diverse groups.
• Familiarity with applying artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance learning business processes or workforce development.

Additional Considerations:

• Excellent negotiation analytical and interpersonal skills; ability to work under pressure with constantly changing priorities and deadlines; ability to work independently and effectively with a variety of constituencies; excellent professional written and verbal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading large cross-sector initiatives focused on innovation technology adoption or workforce transformation.
• Ability to translate research and complex concepts into practical scalable programs or training initiatives.
• Experience working with faculty and academic leadership on curriculum or strategy development.
• Track record of developing and sustaining partnerships with industry government or nonprofit organizations.
• Skill in evaluating program performance and using data to inform improvement and growth.
• Commitment to expanding AI literacy and fostering technology-enabled innovation across disciplines.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This position is full-time benefited SEIU union in gradeP21. Anticipated salary based on range: $94293 to 25th quartile of $108437 with midpoint of $122581.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.