IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is seeking an IT Technical Director for AI Initiatives within ISC to lead strategic AI programs and roadmaps. You will partner with campus stakeholders, translate governance and risk considerations into actionable guidance, and drive responsible AI implementation across divisions.

This leadership role requires strong communication, cross‑functional influence, and the ability to balance innovation with institutional priorities while shaping a

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending strategic investments that maximize institutional value and impact.
• Experience working with leading AI vendors, such as Anthropic and OpenAI, strongly preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to define priorities, develop roadmaps, align resources, and drive execution.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence without direct authority, and drive results across organizational boundaries.
• Experience managing multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities while meeting established timelines, resource constraints, and budget objectives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with ISC leadership and campus stakeholders to shape and evolve a slate of AI strategies, priorities, and offerings.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across academic, research, and administrative domains
• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of AI-related projects from ideation through implementation.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams, functional units, and campus leadership to ensure alignment of priorities.
• Champion responsible AI practices, including governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical considerations.
• Stay informed on emerging AI trends, tools, and higher education practices to inform institutional direction.
• Coordinate with procurement, legal, and compliance teams on AI-related vendor engagements and policies.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Executive communication

Stakeholder influence

Portfolio management

Customer-service orientation

Education

Bachelor of Science with 5–7 years experience

Higher education experience (preferred)

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

IT Technical Director, AI Initiatives

Job Profile Title

Information Technology Technical Director

Job Description Summary

The Information Technology Technical Director for AI Initiatives is a new leadership role within Information Systems & Computing (ISC), reporting to the Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), for ISC's Technical Services division. The director partners with ISC leadership, technical teams, campus stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to identify high-impact AI opportunities and establish near- and long-term roadmaps. This role combines strong technical expertise with strategic vision to distinguish practical opportunities from emerging trends, drive implementation, and promote sustainable, responsible, and pragmatic AI practices. The Director also translates governance and risk considerations into clear, actionable guidance. This highly visible leader builds consensus and secures support across campus leadership, including the President, Provost, and the Office of the Executive Vice President, while aligning technical teams around a shared vision and turning AI strategy into institutional action.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with ISC leadership and campus stakeholders to shape and evolve a slate of AI strategies, priorities, and offerings.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across academic, research, and administrative domains
• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of AI-related projects from ideation through implementation.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams, functional units, and campus leadership to ensure alignment of priorities.
• Champion responsible AI practices, including governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical considerations.
• Stay informed on emerging AI trends, tools, and higher education practices to inform institutional direction.
• Coordinate with procurement, legal, and compliance teams on AI-related vendor engagements and policies.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending strategic investments that maximize institutional value and impact.
• Experience working with leading AI vendors, such as Anthropic and OpenAI, strongly preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to define priorities, develop roadmaps, align resources, and drive execution.
• Exceptional communication (listening, verbal, and written) and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence without direct authority, and drive results across organizational boundaries.
• Experience managing multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities while meeting established timelines, resource constraints, and budget objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of technology programs and services serving a large, diverse customer base.
• Sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong customer-service orientation in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About Information Systems & Computing

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is the University of Pennsylvania's central IT organization, providing the core networ