Director, AI Strategy & Governance

Director, AI Strategy & Governance

Provides leadership in administering, implementing, and supporting the College's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, governance processes, and operational AI solutions. Partners with academic and administrative departments to ensure AI tools and practices are implemented responsibly, securely, and in alignment with institutional goals. Serves as a trusted advisor to College stakeholders by identifying opportunities to improve operational effectiveness, decision-making, and student success through appropriate use of AI.

Essential Functions

• Provides leadership for the day-to-day execution of the College's AI strategy and governance framework.
• Coordinates and supports AI governance councils, working groups, and cross-functional teams.
• Delivers proactive hands-on assistance with AI-related operational activities, pilots, and implementation efforts.
• Leads AI use-case intake, evaluation, documentation, and approval processes.
• Provides timely assistance and support to departments in identifying appropriate, responsible AI use cases that support institutional priorities.
• Proactively responds to escalated AI-related operational, compliance, or risk issues.
• Partners with Information Security, Legal Services, Risk Management, and the Data Governance Council to ensure AI solutions comply with FERPA, accessibility standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Provides expert consultation in support of vendor evaluation and implementation activities related to AI-enabled systems and services.
• Develops and maintains standards, procedures, documentation, and guidance for responsible AI use.
• Leads process improvement initiatives related to AI adoption and governance.
• Anticipates and responds to stakeholder needs accurately, professionally, and with a commitment to service excellence.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with College stakeholders, ITS leadership, and external partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience / Training

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Data Analytics, Business, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. Significant related experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of demonstrated experience working in technology, data, governance, or program management roles.
• Demonstrated experience implementing policies, frameworks, or governance processes.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across departments in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in roles requiring analytical problem-solving and sound judgment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts and enterprise AI applications.
• Working knowledge of governance, risk management, privacy, and data protection principles.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to document processes, standards, and decisions clearly and accurately.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, service-oriented team environment.
• Ability to research, analyze issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a deadline-driven environment.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to sustain productive stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to complete work assignments independently.
• Demonstrated intermediate project management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Critical thinker with the ability to identify and implement operational efficiencies.
• Ability to confidentially and discreetly handle sensitive information.
• Ability to collaborate, persuade, and gain cooperation on complex initiatives.
• Ability to respond effectively to the needs of students and the community.

Competencies

Critical Competencies

• Service Focus
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement

Very Important Competencies

• Quality of Work
• Collaboration

Important Competencies

• Adaptability
• Time Utilization

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience / Training

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience supporting governance councils or cross-functional committees.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, automation, analytics, or AI-enabled platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of project financial management (budgets, forecasting).
• Familiarity with data governance, accessibility standards, and compliance requirements.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

(The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Work is performed in a normal, professional office environment.
• Work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated.
• Employees typically sit to perform job duties and perform repetitive motions using a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying light materials may be required.
• Occasional travel to meetings or professional development activities may be required.

Target Starting Salary Range: $85,000 to $95,000 The final offer for the successful candidate is targeted to fall within this range but will be based upon an assessment of internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications in relation to the minimum and/or preferred job requirement(s).

Special Note: If hired, you must reside in the state of Ohio and be within commuting distance of this work location/campus to respond to onsite work demands upon the employment start date and throughout the duration of your employment with the College, as outlined in 3354:1-40-01.1 Recruitment and Selection Procedure.

Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.