Director, AI Strategy & Technology Partnerships (FT), AFREDIRAITECH

College of DuPage

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of AI Strategy & Technology Partnerships provides strategic and operational leadership for the design, adoption, and responsible implementation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), immersive learning technologies (VR/AR/XR), and intelligent systems, across the College of DuPage. This role advances the College's mission by integrating innovative technologies into teaching and learning, administrative operations, student services, and institutional governance, while fostering strong collaboration with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, K–12 districts, and the broader community. The Director serves as both a technical strategist and a hands-on leader, guiding high-impact initiatives, building internal capacity, and positioning COD as a regional hub for AI innovation, workforce development, and responsible technology use.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, information systems, educational technology, data science, engineering, or related discipline) required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in emerging technologies, digital innovation, or technology leadership, preferably in higher education, public sector, or complex organizations required.
Demonstrated experience leading AI-enabled or immersive technology initiatives from concept through implementation required.
Strong understanding of AI applications, intelligent systems, data analytics, and emerging technology ecosystems required.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, technologists, administrators, and external partners required.
Experience building and leading teams and managing complex, cross-functional projects required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., educational technology, computer science, information systems, data science, engineering, or a related discipline) preferred.
Experience in higher education governance, faculty collaboration, or shared decision-making environments preferred.
Familiarity with responsible AI frameworks, ethics, data privacy, and accessibility standards preferred.
Experience working with K–12 systems, workforce partners, or community-based organizations preferred.
Track record of securing grants, partnerships, or external funding for innovation initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of COD’s institutional strategy for AI and immersive technologies in alignment with the College’s strategic plan, academic mission, and shared governance principles.
Partner closely with academic leadership, faculty, ITS, student services, and administrative units to embed AI and immersive technologies into instructional design, curriculum, operations, and decision-making processes.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on emerging technology trends, opportunities, risks, and policy implications.
Collaborate with faculty to support the pedagogically sound integration of AI and immersive technologies across disciplines, including workforce, transfer, and general education programs.
Support the development of AI-enabled learning tools, simulations, digital twins, intelligent tutoring systems, and immersive learning environments.
Promote responsible, ethical, and inclusive uses of AI that enhance access, equity, and student success.
Drive the adoption of AI-enabled solutions across administrative and student-facing functions, including analytics, reporting, workflow automation, and intelligent agents.
Identify opportunities to embed AI within existing systems, products, and processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
Maintain a continuous pulse on emerging AI applications relevant to higher education operations and governance.
Establish COD as a regional AI and innovation hub, supporting small businesses, startups, and community partners through education, collaboration, and applied innovation.
Host public forums, workshops, and convenings on AI and emerging technologies in partnership with technology companies, workforce organizations, and civic leaders.
Lead outreach and collaboration with K–12 partners to promote responsible AI literacy, ethical use, and early exposure to emerging technologies.
Build and sustain partnerships with technology companies, industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to support innovation, funding, and applied learning opportunities.
Represent COD at regional, state, and national forums related to AI, immersive technologies, and digital innovation.
Build, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team of professionals focused on AI, immersive technology, and innovation.
Foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, continuous learning, and responsible innovation.
Serve as a technical enabler for campus teams by providing guidance, frameworks, and hands-on support for AI-driven projects.
Collaborate with institutional leadership to develop policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks for the ethical, transparent, and secure use of AI and immersive technologies.
Ensure alignment with accreditation standards, data privacy regulations, accessibility requirements, and institutional values.
Other relevant duties.