AI & STEM Innovation Specialist

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

6d•$90,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The AI & STEM Innovation Specialist advances this work with a particular focus on postsecondary and workforce alignment and collaboration with external partners. The Specialist leads the development and implementation of research-grounded learning experiences, instructional materials, frameworks, resources, and professional learning in artificial intelligence, data science, computational thinking, mathematical modeling, and place-based, transdisciplinary, and phenomenon-based teaching and learning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, mathematics education, data science, data science education, science, science education, computer science, STEM education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of higher education and experience.
At least 5 years of relevant professional postsecondary experience in STEM education, mathematics, science, computer science, data science, curriculum and resource development, professional learning, educational innovation, or a related field, with demonstrated experience advancing initiatives across education systems.
Experience working with external partners such as state agencies, postsecondary institutions, education systems, districts, workforce or industry organizations, education organizations, or other stakeholders.
Experience integrating artificial intelligence, data science, computational thinking, or other emerging technologies into instructional materials, professional learning, or educational initiatives.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to represent the Center effectively in field-facing settings.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate professional learning, convenings, or collaborative processes for a wide variety of audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively across a variety teams and contexts, and consistently meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or higher in a STEM field, STEM education, mathematics education, higher education leadership, data science, computer science, or a related field.
Experience with postsecondary mathematics pathways, STEM education reform, or place-based, phenomenon-based, and transdisciplinary teaching and learning.
Experience leading or managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or initiatives, including the ability to develop and manage timelines, deliverables, communications, and implementation activities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing high-quality instructional resources, learning experiences, frameworks, or professional learning grounded in research and effective teaching and learning practices.
Strong understanding of pedagogy and adult learning (andragogy) and the application of these principles to professional learning and instructional design.
Experience facilitating professional networks, communities of practice, convenings, or cross-sector collaborations.
Demonstrated expertise in AI, emerging technologies, data science, computational thinking, or related areas, including the ability to thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies into learning experiences to strengthen critical thinking, reasoning, creative problem solving, learner engagement, and learner-centered instructional design.
Understanding of the connections among PK–12, postsecondary, and workforce systems, with the ability to apply this understanding to the design of relevant and future-focused learning pathways.
Demonstrated ability to use research, data, and evaluation evidence to inform design, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Experience advancing policies, practices, or systems-level strategies that promote innovation and alignment across PK–12, postsecondary, and workforce systems.
Experience collaborating with workforce, industry, or community partners to connect education and learning to career readiness and emerging workforce needs.
Familiarity with national systems change initiatives in STEM and workforce and emerging trends related to AI, data, and the future of work.

Responsibilities

Design and develop high-quality, research-grounded instructional materials, resources, frameworks, implementation supports, and professional learning experiences that integrate artificial intelligence, data science, computational thinking, mathematical modeling, and transdisciplinary STEM that builds the capacity of educators, leaders, partner organizations, and systems to implement innovative instructional approaches and support continuous improvement.
Develop phenomenon-based and place-based learning experiences that strengthen conceptual and contextual learning and help learners connect mathematics, science, literacy, data, and emerging technologies to authentic questions, challenges, and future opportunities.
Develop guidance, tools, and resources that support the responsible and effective integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into teaching, learning, instructional materials, and professional practice.
Support the successful implementation of AI and STEM innovation initiatives, including project planning, timelines, deliverables, materials development, communication, coordination, and targeted technical assistance to ensure high-quality work products and outcomes.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure projects are implemented with quality, coherence, and fidelity to project goals while remaining responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.
Support the development and refinement of project strategies, implementation approaches, and tools that strengthen the Center's capacity to scale innovative mathematics and STEM initiatives across education systems.
Contribute to data collection, analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement processes that monitor implementation, assess progress, and inform future project development and scaling.
Contribute to business development, grant proposals, and strategic partnerships that expand the Center's AI and STEM innovation portfolio across PK–12, postsecondary, and workforce systems.
Develop or contribute to scopes of work, project plans, timelines, budgets, and evidence-of-impact narratives that support new initiatives and funding opportunities.
Identify emerging opportunities, trends, and potential partnerships that align with the Center's strategic priorities in artificial intelligence, STEM, data science, and transdisciplinary learning.
Contribute postsecondary content and expertise to marketing, communications, presentations, and informational materials that elevate the Center's AI and STEM innovation work.
Contribute expertise related to postsecondary systems, structures, pathways, and reform trends to inform the design and implementation of innovative mathematics, STEM, and AI initiatives.
Develop resources, frameworks, and strategies that strengthen coherence and alignment across PK–12, postsecondary education, and workforce systems and support the development of future-ready learning pathways involving AI and STEM.
Collaborate with postsecondary institutions, workforce partners, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure learning experiences and initiatives are relevant to evolving educational, workforce, and community needs.
Help identify and advance project opportunities to connect PK–12 learning with postsecondary success, workforce preparation, and family-sustaining careers.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to advance shared priorities and extend the reach and impact of the Center's AI and STEM innovation work.
Coordinate ongoing collaboration with key partners, including shared planning, resource development, implementation, and quality assurance processes that ensure coherence across instructional materials, professional learning, and implementation supports.
Collaborate closely with colleagues across the AI & STEM Innovation team, the Building Capacity for Innovation team and other Dana Center teams to leverage expertise, strengthen cross-team connections, and produce high-quality, timely work.
Represent the Center as a thought partner and contributor to the field through presentations, publications, convenings, professional networks, and other opportunities that advance the adoption, implementation, and scaling of innovative AI and STEM approaches.
Contribute to organizational culture, strategic planning, and cross-team initiatives that align emerging innovation opportunities with the Center's mission, priorities, and long-term impact.