Director, Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence/ Faculty Program Director

Bryant University; Smithfield (RI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bryant University invites applications for a Director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence. Reporting to the Provost, the role provides strategic and operational leadership to translate AI vision into practice—strengthening AI-infused education, expanding applied research, and promoting responsible use of AI campus-wide.

The Director will coordinate with deans, teaching excellence, entrepreneurship and industry partnerships to ensure an integrated, scalable AI strategy aligned with

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and operations: Set and execute a multi-year strategy for the Center; build annual operating plans, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Hub-and-spoke integration and campus partnership leadership: Support curricular integration, pedagogy development, and collaboration with centers across the campus.
• Faculty innovation and applied scholarship: Support faculty innovation through seed grants, course redesign, and external collaborations.
• Corporate and community partnerships: Develop an AI Accelerator grant program and cultivate industry relationships for internships and applied projects.

Job description

Full Time / Part Time

Full Time / Part Time Full Time

Job Type

Job Type Staff

Reports To

Reports To Provost & Chief Academic Officer

Position Summary

Reporting to the Provost & Chief Academic Officer, the Director provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for Bryant University’s Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence (the “Center”). The Director translates Bryant’s AI vision into practice by strengthening AI-infused education and credentials, expanding applied research and external partnerships, and promoting the responsible, ethical, and secure use of AI across the University.

The Center operates in a hub-and-spoke model. As the institutional “hub” leader, the Director coordinates with cross-campus partners—particularly deans and program directors, the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, the Sales Institute, the Executive Education & Career Accelerator, and the Office of Information Services—to ensure that Bryant’s AI strategy is integrated, scalable, and measurable.

Key partners and stakeholders

• Provost, deans, academic leaders, and faculty across Bryant’s colleges
• Center for Teaching Excellence (faculty development, pedagogy, course design)
• Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking (programming, prototyping, venture support)
• Bryant University Sales Institute and the Hauck Sales Performance Lab (experiential learning, competitions, employer engagement)
• Office of Information Services (data governance, privacy and security, platforms, IT enablement)
• University Advancement (fundraising strategy, stewardship, and impact reporting)
• Corporate and community partners (workforce readiness, internships, employer engagement)

This position may be appointed as either a Staff Director or a Faculty Director. The specific appointment will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, academic preparation, and relevant experience.

Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.

Principal Accountabilities

Core responsibilities aligned with the Center’s pillars:

Strategic leadership and operations

• Set and execute a multi-year strategy for the Center; build annual operating plans, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Provide operational leadership for Center’s staffing, budgeting, reporting, policy development, vendor relationships, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, support, and evaluate Center personnel—including the program manager, other staff, and student fellows—and convene advisory structures as needed.
• Serve as the Center’s primary spokesperson and convener for AI initiatives—internally and externally.

Hub-and-spoke integration and campus partnership leadership

• Curricular integration (deans and program directors): Support and facilitate the development and evaluation of AI-infused curricular pathways, stackable credentials, and experiential learning projects across disciplines.
• Pedagogy ( CTE ): Partner to design faculty development offerings on AI-enabled teaching, assessment integrity, and the responsible use of educational technology; align Center programming with faculty needs.
• Innovation and venture creation (Sprague Center): Connect AI to design thinking, makerspace prototyping, and entrepreneurship programming; support venture, product, and service concepts that leverage AI.
• Workforce and corporate upskilling (Executive Education & Career Accelerator): Develop and scale certificates and customized training programs, such as foundational and role-based AI programs, that address workforce needs and enhance Bryant’s regional visibility.
• Experiential learning: Support the colleges and the Sales Institute in developing and expanding AI-focused internships, corporate projects, student competitions, and hackathons.
• Maintain a regular cadence of planning with campus partners to ensure alignment, resourcing, and shared accountability.

Faculty innovation and applied scholarship

• Support CTE and academic leaders in advancing faculty innovation through seed grants, course redesign support, interdisciplinary project teams, and applied research collaborations with external partners.
• Build communities of practice that elevate ethical, human-centered AI, verification, and critical thinking across disciplines.

Corporate and community partnerships

• Develop a grant-funded AI Accelerator within the Center to provide training and consulting services to small businesses in Rhode Island. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Executive Education & Career Accelerator and the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. The Director will devote a significant portion of time to this initiative during the first two years.
• Cultivate and manage industry relationships that generate internships, project-based learning, datasets, scholarships, and applied pilots.

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.

Physical Capacities

Posting Number

Posting Number STA02823

Work Hours

Open Date

Open Date 08/25/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

Office of Human Resources
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02918