AI Innovation Specialist

School of Government Services•Chapel Hill, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The AI Innovation Specialist serves as an internal consultant and strategic partner to University of North Carolina System Office (UNCSO) divisions, helping teams identify opportunities to improve business processes, enhance services, and increase operational effectiveness through the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Working collaboratively across Finance, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Legal, Communications, Information Technology, and other System Office units, this position facilitates the evaluation, design, implementation, and adoption of AI-enabled solutions that support institutional priorities while ensuring alignment with governance, security, privacy, and ethical standards. The position combines business analysis, project coordination, process improvement, change management, and emerging AI technologies to help internal teams solve business challenges and improve organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in business analysis, project management, process improvement, information technology, organizational consulting, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of business process analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse internal stakeholders.
Strong facilitation and communication skills.
Ability to translate technical concepts into language appropriate for non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of project management principles and change management practices.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to learn emerging AI technologies quickly and apply them to business challenges.
Experience working collaboratively across organizational boundaries.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting enterprise technology or digital transformation initiatives.
Experience implementing or supporting AI-enabled business solutions.
Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, Microsoft Power Platform, or similar AI platforms.
Experience facilitating cross-functional projects.
Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Management).
Experience delivering training or change management activities.
Experience working within higher education or a large public-sector organization.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to UNCSO departments to identify opportunities where AI can improve efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making.
Facilitate discovery sessions with business units to understand operational challenges and identify high-value AI use cases.
Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to support successful planning and implementation of AI initiatives.
Translate business needs into actionable project plans and technology requirements.
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical applications aligned with UNCSO priorities.
Support the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-enabled tools and workflows.
Coordinate pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives with internal business partners.
Assist departments in measuring outcomes and continuously improving AI solutions.
Coordinate cross-functional AI initiatives involving multiple UNCSO departments.
Track project milestones, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
Facilitate communication among stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Support adoption of Agile or other project management methodologies where appropriate.
Analyze current business processes and identify opportunities for automation or workflow optimization.
Document existing and future-state processes.
Develop recommendations that improve efficiency while maintaining compliance and data integrity.
Support organizational change associated with AI implementation.
Develop training materials, user documentation, and communications that promote adoption.
Provide guidance and coaching to staff on effective and responsible use of AI technologies.
Encourage continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the organization.
Promote responsible, ethical, and secure use of AI technologies.
Collaborate with Information Technology and governance stakeholders to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
Assist in developing standards, best practices, and documentation supporting enterprise AI initiatives.