Director of AI Acceleration

Colorado School of Mines•Colorado, CO

3d•$140,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of AI Acceleration is a strategic leader in the Information Technology Department and Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The Director develops and executes a transformative AI vision to improve operational efficiency, innovation, and productivity across Colorado School of Mines. The role identifies opportunities, designs and deploys AI solutions, drives measurable business impact, and champions responsible and ethical AI adoption. The Director leads and manages an agile AI team and partners with executive, academic, administrative, and technical stakeholders to identify opportunities and accelerate agentic-AI solutions. The position advances AI-driven institutional transformation through strategic planning, product development, governance, stakeholder engagement, organizational AI literacy, and operational team management. The role is currently hybrid and requires a minimum number of campus-presence 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.
At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in one or more of the following: 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; or leading technology enablement or transformational programs.
Deep expertise in AI/ML concepts, generative AI, advanced prompt engineering, and model evaluation.
Ability to translate innovative and complex technical ideas into actionable, high-impact strategies for multiple audiences.
Familiarity with cloud and enterprise AI platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.
Advanced knowledge of data privacy, compliance, and governance frameworks, including FERPA, HIPAA, and 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 experience within research, higher education, or public sector organizations.
Experience designing and leading AI governance initiatives, model transparency, and risk-management frameworks.
Certification such as 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

Collaborate with the CIO and stakeholders to develop and implement an AI strategy aligned with university mission and business, academic, and research priorities.
Identify opportunities for AI-powered efficiencies, cost optimization, and improved service across university operations.
Lead adoption of scalable, secure, and sustainable AI solutions and explore emerging technologies to enhance business models and academic excellence.
Foster experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement in AI initiatives.
Lead the end-to-end AI product lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping through deployment and iteration.
Accelerate adoption of cloud-based and enterprise AI services and ensure their integration aligns with business strategy.
Follow Mines AI governance policy and ensure transparency, accountability, ethical use, data privacy, and security in AI solutions.
Define and track outcome-quality measures and KPIs to validate accuracy, minimize hallucinations, and sustain results.
Help teams translate complex AI technologies into practical solutions that promote stakeholder engagement and operational success.
Build collaboration among academic, administrative, and technical stakeholders to align on the AI vision.
Chair AI steering committees and advisory groups, solicit feedback and guidance, provide strategic counsel, and foster a community of practice.
Develop AI literacy programs, training resources, and change-management campaigns across the institution.
Serve as an AI advisor and ambassador, building partnerships and promoting a shared vision.
Lead, mentor, and develop the AI team to support high performance, technical excellence, and customer service.
Set expectations for service quality and customer experience; recruit and retain talent and support staff development.
Oversee daily operations and prioritize team work to meet institutional goals.
Foster collaboration across IT functions to support operational stability and timely project delivery.
Forecast staffing and resource needs for operations and project commitments.
Implement operational best practices and promote continuous improvement.

Benefits

Flexible health and dental care options.
13 paid holidays per year, including a week-long winter break for the entire campus.
Generous sick and vacation time.
Fully vested retirement plan from the first day of employment, with employer contribution.
Tuition benefits: 6 credits per year for employees and a 50 percent discount for dependents.
Free RTD Ecopass.
Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado.
Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games.
Access to the Recreation Center, including fitness classes, training, and a swimming pool.
Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center.
On-campus daycare center.