Edtech.com's Summary

University of Pennsylvania is hiring an IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives to lead artificial intelligence strategy for Information Systems & Computing, the university's central IT organization. This new leadership role reports to the Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of the Technical Services division and works with campus leaders, technical teams, and subject-matter experts to find high-impact AI opportunities and build near- and long-term roadmaps. The director also turns governance and risk concerns into clear guidance and promotes responsible, pragmatic AI use across the university.

Highlights

Partner with IT leadership and campus stakeholders to shape AI strategies, priorities, and offerings.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across academic, research, and administrative areas of the university.
Lead AI projects from ideation through implementation, acting as the liaison between technical teams, functional units, and campus leadership.
Champion responsible AI practices, including governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical considerations.
Coordinate with procurement, legal, and compliance teams on AI vendor engagements and policies, and keep current on emerging AI tools and higher education practices.
Build consensus and secure support among senior campus leaders, including the President, Provost, and the Office of the Executive Vice President.
Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending strategic investments, with experience working with AI vendors such as Anthropic and OpenAI strongly preferred.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage a portfolio of technology programs serving a large, diverse customer base, and influence stakeholders without direct authority; higher education experience is preferred.
Salary range of $122,100 to $225,000, in a hybrid-eligible role.

IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives Full Description

Job Description Summary

The Information Technology Technical Director for AI Initiatives is a new leadership role within Information Systems & Computing (ISC), reporting to the Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), for ISC’s Technical Services division. The director partners with ISC leadership, technical teams, campus stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to identify high-impact AI opportunities and establish near- and long-term roadmaps. This role combines strong technical expertise with strategic vision to distinguish practical opportunities from emerging trends, drive implementation, and promote sustainable, responsible, and pragmatic AI practices. The Director also translates governance and risk considerations into clear, actionable guidance. This highly visible leader builds consensus and secures support across campus leadership, including the President, Provost, and the Office of the Executive Vice President, while aligning technical teams around a shared vision and turning AI strategy into institutional action.

Job Responsibilities:

Partner with ISC leadership and campus stakeholders to shape and evolve a slate of AI strategies, priorities, and offerings.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across academic, research, and administrative domains
Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of AI-related projects from ideation through implementation.
Serve as a liaison between technical teams, functional units, and campus leadership to ensure alignment of priorities.
Champion responsible AI practices, including governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical considerations.
Stay informed on emerging AI trends, tools, and higher education practices to inform institutional direction.
Coordinate with procurement, legal, and compliance teams on AI-related vendor engagements and policies.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending strategic investments that maximize institutional value and impact.
Experience working with leading AI vendors, such as Anthropic and OpenAI, strongly preferred.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to define priorities, develop roadmaps, align resources, and drive execution.
Exceptional communication (listening, verbal, and written) and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence without direct authority, and drive results across organizational boundaries.
Experience managing multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities while meeting established timelines, resource constraints, and budget objectives.
Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of technology programs and services serving a large, diverse customer base.
Sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong customer-service orientation in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Experience in higher education preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About Information Systems & Computing:

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is the University of Pennsylvania’s central IT organization, providing the core network, data, voice, video, and enterprise application infrastructure and services upon which Penn’s numerous Schools and Centers build their unique tools and capabilities.

ISC’s 300-plus employees work closely with the University’s IT organizations in order to create, deliver and support products and services that help Schools and Centers operate efficiently and effectively. We strive to be easy to work with, and to serve as a trusted advisor to Penn’s IT community, faculty, staff and students in support of an environment of discovery and progress.

Department / School

Information Systems and Computing

Pay Range

$122,100.00 - $225,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

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IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives

Edtech.com's Summary

IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives Full Description

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