Director of AI Acceleration

Colorado School of Mines•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•$140,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Director of AI (Artificial Intelligence) Acceleration is a key member of the Information Technology (IT) Department and Leadership Team. The Director is a proactive, self‑driven leader responsible for developing and executing a transformative AI vision that moves the university into a new era of operational efficiency, innovation, and productivity. This role anticipates needs, initiates action, and shapes the institution’s future by imagining, designing, and deploying cutting‑edge AI solutions that drive measurable value and lasting business impact. As a strategic leader and champion for change, the Director sparks momentum, fosters cross‑functional collaboration, and sets the standard for responsible and ethical AI adoption. Leading and managing an agile team with purpose and clarity, the Director of AI Acceleration partners with executive, academic, and administrative leaders, and key stakeholders to proactively identify opportunities and accelerate implementation of agentic‑AI solutions that strengthen institutional capabilities. The role consistently drives forward progress, integrates creative thinking with technical acumen, and delivers meaningful, measurable outcomes that position Mines as a leader in AI‑driven transformation. This position is currently hybrid, with the expectation that the Director will maintain campus presence a minimum number of days per week in Golden, Colorado.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in computer science, data science, engineering, business administration, or a related field; or equivalent advanced training and experience.
5+ years of progressive leadership experience in one or more of the following domains: Executive product management or ownership in technology-driven organizations Strategic implementation of AI, machine learning, or digital transformation initiatives Business analysis, process optimization, or IT strategy Data analytics, governance, or enterprise data strategy Leading technology enablement or transformational programs
Visionary leader with deep expertise in AI/ML concepts, generative AI, advanced prompt engineering, and model evaluation.
Exceptional ability to translate innovative and complex technical ideas into actionable, high-impact strategies for multiple audiences.
Comprehensive familiarity with cloud and enterprise AI platforms (Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, AWS).
Advanced knowledge of data privacy, compliance, and governance frameworks (FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR).
Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with executive and technical stakeholders.
Proven track record of leading organizational transformation and inspiring cross-functional excellence.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in computer science, business, data science, engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience leading AI, data-driven, or transformational initiatives in complex, regulated, or higher education environments.
Strategic leadership within research, higher education, or public sector organizations.
Experience designing and leading AI governance initiatives, model transparency, and risk management frameworks.
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Project Management Professional (PMP), Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate, Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer, or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
Fluency in advanced AI/ML development, including model evaluation, prompt design, and iterative testing.
Expertise in AIOps tools and practices for continuous integration, monitoring, and optimization of AI systems.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Google Gemini, and other enterprise AI platforms.
Proficiency in Agile methodologies, strategic product management, and transformational leadership.

Responsibilities

Envision, develop, and implement an AI strategy collaboratively with the CIO and key stakeholders that aligns with the university’s mission and business, academic, and research priorities.
Drive transformative change by identifying key opportunities for AI-powered efficiencies, cost optimization, and service excellence across university operations.
Lead the adoption of AI solutions ensuring scalable, secure, and sustainable value delivery.
Guide the exploration and integration of emerging AI technologies to enhance business models and advance academic excellence.
Establish a culture of innovation by fostering experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement in AI-driven initiatives.
Champion the end-to-end lifecycle of AI product development from ideation and prototyping to deployment and iteration.
Accelerate the adoption of cloud-based and enterprise AI services, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with business strategy.
Adhere to the Mines AI governance policy ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical use.
Ensure data privacy and security best practices are followed in all solutions.
Define and track outcome‑quality measures and key performance indicators to validate accuracy, minimize hallucinations, and sustain results.
Empower teams to translate complex AI technologies and concepts into practical solutions that drive stakeholder engagement and operational success.
Inspire and orchestrate collaboration among academic, administrative, and technical stakeholders to ensure broad alignment and buy-in for the AI vision.
Chair AI steering committees and advisory groups, proactively seeking input, feedback, and guidance, as well as providing strategic counsel and fostering a community of practice around innovation.
Lead the development of comprehensive AI literacy programs, training resources, and change management campaigns to elevate skills and confidence across the institution.
Serve as a trusted advisor and visible ambassador for AI, building strong partnerships and promoting a shared vision of future success.
Lead, mentor, and develop the AI team to ensure high performance, technical excellence, and strong customer service.
Set and communicate expectations related to service quality and customer experience.
Recruit and retain top talent; support team growth through training and development.
Oversee daily operations and ensure that teams prioritize work effectively to meet institutional goals.
Foster collaboration across IT functions to support operational stability and timely project delivery.
Forecast staffing and resource needs for ongoing operations and project commitments.
Implement best practices for operational processes and promote continuous improvement.

Benefits

Flexible health and dental care options
Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
Free RTD Ecopass
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center.
We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center.

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