IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

ID: 7373334
Posted: Newly posted
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job 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 Description

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.