Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies

EDUCAUSE; Washington; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce College District seeks an Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies to provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for responsible and equitable AI adoption across the college. The role focuses on moving from policy development to implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Executive Director collaborates with executive and dean teams to integrate AI across academic, administrative, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible management experience in strategy, digital transformation, or technology leadership.
• Proven experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, or technology leadership in higher education or a similar complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and oversight to position the college as a leader in AI and emerging technologies.
• Lead development and activation of district-wide, equity-driven AI strategy across academic, administrative, and operational functions.
• Establish governance structures, policies, and practices for responsible, ethical, and equitable adoption of AI and emerging technologies.

Skills

AI strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Change leadership

Governance

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Pierce College District seeks a strategic and innovative leader to serve as Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies. This executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight to position Pierce College as a leader in the responsible, ethical, equitable, and innovative use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. As Pierce College continues to build institutional capacity for the effective use of artificial intelligence, the Executive Director will help establish a strong foundation for responsible innovation while preparing the College for future technological advancements. The Executive Director is both a strategist and a practitioner, helping the District move from exploration and policy development to implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies leads the development and activation of a district-wide, equity-driven strategy, including the identification, evaluation, deployment, and optimization of solutions that support Pierce College’s diverse community of learners and employees. In partnership with the Executive Team, Dean Team, shared governance bodies, and institutional committees, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and execution to integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across the College's academic, administrative, and operational functions. This senior leader advances initiatives that enhance student success, educational innovation, workforce readiness, employee effectiveness, and operational efficiency across the institution.

The Executive Director serves as the District’s primary convener and coordinator for AI and emerging technology initiatives, bringing together stakeholders across divisions, departments, and employee groups to develop shared understanding, identify high-impact opportunities, and advance solutions that improve learning, decision-making, services, and operations. A key aspect of the role is establishing governance structures, frameworks, policies, and practices that support the responsible, ethical, and equitable adoption of AI and emerging technologies in alignment with institutional values, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements.

Working collaboratively through a matrix of faculty, staff, subject matter experts, and institutional resources, the Executive Director advances strategic initiatives and drives implementation across the District. As both a visionary and a practitioner, this leader helps Pierce College navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, from collaboratively developing policy and governance structures to implementing practical solutions that strengthen outcomes for students and employees. The Executive Director ensures innovation advances the District’s mission, supports equitable outcomes, and prepares students and employees for the future of work.

Education Required

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
  

Experience Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including leadership in strategy, institutional transformation, digital innovation, technology solutions, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  

OR

• Proven experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, or technology leadership within higher education or a similar complex organization.
• Experience with budget planning, compliance frameworks, and performance metrics.
• Experience leading initiatives in complex, decentralized, or matrixed organizations.

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of AI technologies, trends, ethical principles, risk management and their application in education.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, collaborate, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups and shared governance environments.