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 Lowell's 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):

• Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant field such as applied sciences, data science, information technology, education, or technology innovation-with 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,…