Executive Director, School of Emerging Technology

Golden Gate University; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden Gate University seeks an Executive Director for the School of Emerging Technology to drive global growth, academic excellence, and industry relevance across AI programs.

Based in San Francisco or Singapore, you will lead two‑continent initiatives, stand up the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, and build partnerships with tech companies and governments to advance innovation and student success.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in the technology industry.
• Established credibility and network in AI, emerging technologies, or adjacent fields.
• Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives, managing budgets, and overseeing teams.
• Strong communication and public presence, with the ability to represent the School externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, launch, and continuous improvement of degree and non‑degree programs in applied AI across two hubs (San Francisco and Singapore).
• Build industry partnerships that shape curriculum, projects, and talent pipelines; secure sponsorships and funding.
• Oversee Center for Applied AI programming and external engagements with tech companies, investors, and government partners.
• Manage growth, enrollment targets, and revenue development in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial academic environment.

Job description

Golden Gate UniversityPosition DescriptionPosition Title: Executive Director, School of Emerging TechnologyDepartment: School of Emerging TechnologyReports To: Founding Dean, School of Emerging TechnologyClassification: Full-Time, ExemptLocation: San Francisco, CA or SingaporeAbout Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate University (GGU) is a global university headquartered in San Francisco with a mission to expand economic mobility through career‑aligned higher education. GGU is building a new AI‑focused, multilingual model for global learning, with the School of Emerging Technology at the center of this transformation. Since launching this model in Fall 2025, GGU has experienced significant enrollment growth both domestically and internationally and now reaches students in over 60 countries.GGU has long been a top U.S. university for adult learners and a leading destination for military‑connected students GGU graduates rank #21 nationally in earnings four years after graduation—on par with Duke and Columbia—and every student completes AI coursework to graduate as an AI Bilingualist, fluent in both their discipline and applied artificial intelligence.About the School of Emerging TechnologyThe School of Emerging Technology is the world’s first multilingual global school of applied AI, delivering project‑based programs across two hubs: San Francisco and Singapore.The School operates at significant scale:Largest DBA in Emerging Technology globallyMS in Artificial Intelligence1,200+ students taught by 30+ industry‑experienced AI facultyAI curriculum delivered in English, Chinese, Mongolian, Vietnamese, and Spanish, with additional languages to followThe School is also building the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, a new platform for:Industry innovation partnershipsExecutive education for senior leadersAI start‑up founder programsPublic events and global conveningsAbout the RoleThe Executive Director is the operational and strategic leader of the School of Emerging Technology. Reporting to Founding Dean Simon See, the Executive Director drives global growth, academic excellence, and industry relevance across all programs.This role is ideal for a tech‑industry executive who has built and scaled organizations and now wants to shape the future of global AI education.You will:Lead a rapidly expanding AI school operating across two continentsBuild industry partnerships that directly shape curriculum, projects, and talent pipelinesLaunch new programs and business lines, including executive education and corporate trainingStand up and operationalize the Center for Applied AIRepresent the School to technology companies, investors, government, and global partnersThis is a rare opportunity to bring a product, platform, and growth mindset into higher education at a moment of global transformation.Key ResponsibilitiesAcademic & Program LeadershipLead the design, launch, and continuous improvement of degree and non‑degree programs in applied and agentic AI.Ensure curriculum remains market‑relevant through direct engagement with industry, emerging technologies, and global trends.Oversee delivery of the AI Core curriculum across all GGU programs.Manage in‑person immersion experiences in San Francisco and Singapore.Industry Partnerships & External EngagementServe as the School’s primary external representative to technology companies, investors, government agencies, and global partners.Build strategic partnerships that deliver projects, talent pipelines, sponsorships, and funding.Support and engage an advisory board of senior technology leaders.Collaborate with Advancement on fundraising for the School and the Center for Applied AI.Represent the School publicly through events, media, and thought leadership.Growth & New Business DevelopmentSet and achieve global enrollment and revenue targets.Partner with Marketing and Enrollment on positioning, recruitment, and student experience.Identify and develop new markets, program formats, and business lines—including executive education, corporate training, and innovation programs.Faculty & Team LeadershipRecruit, onboard, and develop faculty and staff, including industry practitioners.Oversee workload planning, scheduling, and performance management.Build a culture of excellence, innovation, and velocity.Center for Applied Artificial IntelligenceStand up the Center and launch its programming: innovation partnerships, executive education, founder programs, public events, and hybrid program immersions.Build relationships across the San Francisco and Singapore technology ecosystems.Operations, Budget & ComplianceManage the School’s budget, resource allocation, and financial performance.Ensure compliance with university policy, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.Coordinate with the Provost, HR, Finance, IT, Marketing, and other university offices.Required15+ years of senior leadership experience in the technology industry, with a track record of building and scaling organizations.Established credibility and network in AI, emerging technology, or adjacent fields.Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives, managing budgets, and overseeing teams.Strong communication and public presence, with the ability to represent the School to external audiences.Ability to operate in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment.PreferredInternational leadership experience, especially in Asia.Experience launching new programs, ventures, or business units.Experience collaborating with or leading faculty, researchers, or technical experts.Multilingual or cross‑cultural communication skills.Personal AttributesEntrepreneurial, decisive, and comfortable operating with autonomy.Collaborative, with the ability to build trust across faculty, staff, and partners.High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to student success.Energized by change and rapid growth.CompensationSalary range: $250,000–$350,000, depending on experience.Supplemental InformationTo apply: Please go to http://www.ggu.edu/jobs to submit an application, letter of interest, and a resume.In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, taking a protected leave (e.g., family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforces these practices. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all demographics.Circa