Executive Director AI Strategy & Enablement

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

3d•$270,000 - $290,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks a strategic and innovative leader to serve as Executive Director for AI Strategy and Enablement. This newly created executive position will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight to position CU Anschutz as a leader in the responsible, ethical, and innovative use of Artificial Intelligence. As a campus at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine and healthcare with $910M in annual research funding and over 2 million patient visits annually, CU Anschutz requires forward-thinking leadership to navigate the early stages of AI adoption while building a strong foundation for future innovation. The Executive Director for AI Strategy & Enablement will provide strategic leadership and execution to integrate artificial intelligence across the University’s administrative, research and educational functions. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, this senior leader will drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and support educational innovation through AI, while coordinating closely with university units. A key aspect of the role is to co-chair the campus AI Governance Council, establishing frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in line with institutional policies and values. The Executive Director serves as the campus’s point person for convening stakeholders and providing navigation of AI strategy within this institutional environment – identifying high-impact opportunities where AI can streamline processes or improve decision-making – and works with stakeholders at all levels to implement these solutions. This role has no direct reports initially, but the Director will collaboratively leverage a matrix of AI enablement staff and resources across the institution (e.g., in IT, data analytics, instructional design) to execute projects. In essence, the Executive Director for AI Enablement is a visionary practitioner who will help the university navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, from setting policy collaboratively with stakeholders to hands-on solution delivery, ensuring AI technologies are deployed in a way that advances the University’s mission and adherence to policies.

Requirements

Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in digital transformation, technology strategy, or innovation
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in academic, healthcare, or similarly complex organizational environments
Track record of developing and implementing governance frameworks or strategic initiatives
Experience leading AI initiatives with major AI platforms
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of machine learning models, data science methodologies, and generative AI concepts
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

PhD preferred
Experience in R1 research university or academic medical center environment
Background working in decentralized or highly matrixed organizations
Experience with change management and organizational transformation
Prior exposure to healthcare AI applications or research computing
Established network in AI, higher education, or healthcare technology communities
Experience building or leading cross-institutional initiatives
Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, capabilities, and limitations (technical expertise to understand feasibility, not necessarily to build models)
Knowledge of AI ethics, governance frameworks, and regulatory landscape
Familiarity with academic medical center operations and research environments highly preferred
Ability to lead multi-stakeholder engagements and build consensus across diverse constituencies
Understanding of data privacy, security, and compliance requirements
Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Strong relationship-building and influencing skills

Responsibilities

Develop and articulate a comprehensive, institution-wide AI strategy aligned with CU Anschutz's mission in education, research, and administrative excellence
Establish and chair AI governance structures, policies, and frameworks to ensure responsible, ethical, and compliant AI deployment
Serve as the primary convenor and coordinator for AI initiatives across schools, departments, and administrative units
Partner with research leadership to ensure AI governance support, rather than constrain, research innovation
Keep senior leadership apprised of the AI landscape and activities on the campus.
Build AI literacy and capabilities across faculty, staff, and leadership through education, training, and change management initiatives
Work with AI enablement staff to identify, evaluate, and implement high-impact AI use cases that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve outcomes
Foster a culture of innovation and responsible AI adoption appropriate for an academic medical campus in the early stages of AI maturity
Create mechanisms for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing
Represent CU Anschutz in AI forums, conferences, and collaborative networks, including other CU Campuses and CU System Office.
Build strategic partnerships with peer institutions, technology companies, research organizations, and funding agencies
Stay abreast of AI trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments to inform institutional strategy
Position CU Anschutz as a thought leader in academic medical AI adoption
Ensure AI implementations comply with ethical standards, data privacy regulations (HIPAA, FERPA), and institutional policies
Address AI fairness, bias, transparency, and security concerns
Coordinate with legal, compliance, and information security teams on AI-related risks
Develop frameworks for evaluating and monitoring AI tools and vendors