Application and AI Solution Development Manager

Application and AI Solution Development Manager Location: Arlington Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM Salary: commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience. The Application and AI Solution Development Manager leads the development, delivery, and support of custom‑developed applications and AI solutions for the University. The role oversees software teams and full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes with a focus on user interface/experience and product experience (UI/UX/PX), ensuring high‑quality, scalable, and timely outcomes. Working closely with OIT analysts and stakeholders, the manager turns business needs into actionable technical plans while guiding project execution and resources. Ideal candidates have strong higher‑education SDLC experience—covering architecture, integrations, upgrades, and optimization—and expertise in generative AI practices. Custom Application Development and AI Solutions Lead the design and deployment of campus‑scaled AI models (e.g., chatbot systems, recommendation engines, data‑driven insights). Architect, plan, and oversee custom application development in languages such as Python or PHP. Manage end‑to‑end AI workflows and oversee pipelines and model governance, particularly for accuracy, security, and compliance. Ensure applications are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with institutional needs (e.g., analytics, prediction, automation, branding). Project and SDLC Management Manage application delivery projects through the full SDLC, applying development methodologies and championing continuous service improvement. Facilitate user acceptance testing, training, and documentation to support successful implementation and end‑user readiness. Lead service improvement initiatives based on feedback, analytics, and evolving campus needs. Team Leadership and Development Provide leadership and mentorship to development teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and growth. Oversee staffing, training, task assignment, and performance feedback to ensure team effectiveness. Facilitate team meetings, prioritize work, and promote professional development. Manage team reporting, including performance metrics, SLA analysis, and service improvement recommendations. Coordinate consultants and other external involvement with development teams. Technical Oversight Deliver technical leadership across system design, development, and maintenance while implementing and managing controls to ensure system integrity. Investigate, mitigate, and resolve major issues and problems, managing escalation and conflict resolution. Ensure compliance with FERPA, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance (CMMC), accessibility, security, and data governance standards. Offer strategic guidance on custom application development, AI technologies, and service enhancements. Ensure seamless UI/UX/PX experiences for students and campus stakeholders. Stakeholder & Vendor Relations Serve as a strategic liaison between technical teams and business units, translating requirements into effective solutions. Align system enhancements with institutional goals and academic calendars. Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Provide client support through troubleshooting, training, and process improvements. Reporting and Budgeting Report team and project status to senior leadership. Assist in budget planning and monitoring for developed applications and AI‑related services. The job duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties/responsibilities performed. Management retains the right to add or modify duties at any time. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field. Ten (10) years of related experience in IT working with application development teams, including five (5) years of leadership experience, or fourteen (14) years of any equivalent education, training, or experience. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in educational technology, business administration, computer technology or related field. Understanding of core machine learning concepts, LLM architectures, evaluation methods, prompt engineering and development. Experience leading teams developing custom and AI applications, related architecture, and general resource metrics. Strong understanding of all phases of the application development lifecycle, SDLC methodologies, production support procedures, and project management disciplines. Certifications in custom software development or Artificial Intelligence. Practical experience working in Higher Education developing custom solutions for campuses. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of building large‑scale, maintainable, modular applications suitable for campus or enterprise use. Familiarity with cloud performance tuning, cost optimization, and infrastructure reliability. Experience working as part of large projects in a consultant/advisory role. Self‑starter, with high energy and outstanding analytical and problem‑solving skills. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Experience with accounting principles used in fund accounting. Experience with statistical data analysis and visualization. Knowledge of computing in a large enterprise environment including networking, PC support, cloud infrastructure, database systems, data warehousing, and software development processes. EEO Statement It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr