IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System

2d•$122,100 - $225,000

About The Position

The Information Technology Technical Director for AI Initiatives is a new leadership role within the University of Pennsylvania’s Information Systems & Computing (ISC) Technical Services division. Reporting to the Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer, the Director partners with ISC leadership, technical teams, campus stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to identify high-impact AI opportunities and establish near- and long-term roadmaps. The role combines technical expertise with strategic vision to distinguish practical opportunities from emerging trends, drive implementation, and promote sustainable, responsible, and pragmatic AI practices. The Director translates governance and risk considerations into clear, actionable guidance; builds consensus and support across campus leadership, including the President, Provost, and Office of the Executive Vice President; and aligns technical teams around a shared vision to turn AI strategy into institutional action. Information Systems & Computing is Penn’s central IT organization. Its 300-plus employees provide core network, data, voice, video, and enterprise application infrastructure and services, working with the University’s IT organizations to support Schools and Centers. ISC emphasizes customer service and reliable, cost-effective implementation of modern IT solutions while serving as a trusted advisor to Penn’s IT community, faculty, staff, and students. The position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The stated annual pay range is $122,100 to $225,000, with salary offers based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, and internal and external market data. Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending strategic investments that maximize institutional value and impact.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to define priorities, develop roadmaps, align resources, and drive execution.
Exceptional listening, verbal, and written communication and relationship-building skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence without direct authority, and drive results across organizational boundaries.
Experience managing multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities while meeting timelines, resource constraints, and budget objectives.
Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of technology programs and services serving a large, diverse customer base.
Sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong customer-service orientation in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with leading AI vendors such as Anthropic and OpenAI is strongly preferred.
Experience in higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with ISC leadership and campus stakeholders to shape and evolve AI strategies, priorities, and offerings.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across academic, research, and administrative domains.
Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of AI-related projects from ideation through implementation.
Serve as a liaison between technical teams, functional units, and campus leadership to ensure alignment of priorities.
Champion responsible AI practices, including governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical considerations.
Stay informed about emerging AI trends, tools, and higher education practices to inform institutional direction.
Coordinate with procurement, legal, and compliance teams on AI-related vendor engagements and policies.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household.