Position Overview
The Director of Applied Artificial Intelligence Graduate Program provides academic and administrative leadership for the institution's interdisciplinary graduate program in Applied AI. This position reports to the Associate Dean of the School of Computing and is responsible for program development, curriculum oversight, student success, faculty coordination, and strategic planning for the program. The Director fosters collaboration across disciplines and integrates diverse perspectives in AI applications spanning business, healthcare, social sciences, engineering, and other fields. The Director operates on a 12-month administrative appointment and maintains an active connection to the field through teaching 16 contact hours annually within the program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership and Administration
• Strategic Planning and Program Development
  • Implement the strategic vision for the interdisciplinary Applied AI graduate program in alignment with Lipscomb University, Raymond B Jones College of Engineering, and School of Computing strategic goals
  • Foster collaboration among faculty from multiple diverse disciplines including computer science, business, healthcare, entertainment and the arts, social sciences, engineering, and humanities
  • Lead program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Identify emerging trends in AI across multiple domains and translate them into curricular innovation
  • Establish and maintain an advisory board with industry partners, practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors
  • Develop partnerships with organizations applying AI in diverse contexts and fields
  • Promote the integration of ethical, social, and domain-specific considerations in AI education
• Curriculum and Academic Quality
  • Oversee curriculum design, development, and revision to ensure relevance, rigor, and interdisciplinary integration
  • Coordinate with faculty across various departments to maintain academic standards and learning outcomes for integrated courses
  • Ensure curriculum addresses both technical AI competencies and domain-specific applications relevant to a variety of professional contexts
  • Review and approve new course proposals, course syllabi, and instructional materials
  • Ensure program alignment with accreditation standards and best practices in AI education
  • Monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness metrics, enacting changes through a continuous improvement process
• Faculty Coordination and Development
  • Recruit, mentor, and evaluate adjunct and full-time faculty from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who teach courses within the program
  • Coordinate teaching assignments and course scheduling across departments and units
  • Foster a collaborative teaching environment that values interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Support faculty professional development in AI pedagogy, emerging technologies, and cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • Conduct regular faculty meetings and facilitate curriculum discussions that bridge technical and applied domains
• Student Services and Recruitment
  • Oversee academic and cohort-building portions of the admissions processes and participate in student recruitment efforts
  • Advise students on academic planning, career pathways, and program requirements
  • Monitor student progress, retention, and success metrics
  • Address student concerns and resolve academic issues as they arise
  • Coordinate capstone projects, internships, studio experiences, and industry connections for students
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Develop and manage the program budget in collaboration with the Dean
  • Allocate resources effectively to support program operations and growth
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships
  • Oversee equipment, software licensing, and computational resource needs specific to the educational needs of the Applied AI graduate program
• External Relations and Advocacy
  • Represent the program at institutional committees, conferences, and professional events
  • Build relationships with industry partners for internships, employment, and collaboration
  • Promote the program through marketing initiatives and community engagement
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Applied AI program
• Teaching Responsibilities
  • Develop and deliver course content in areas of expertise related to applied artificial intelligence
  • Maintain currency in AI methodologies, tools, and applications through teaching and professional development
  • Model effective pedagogy and innovative instructional approaches for program faculty
  • Engage with students to understand their learning needs and program experience
• Administrative Duties
  • Prepare reports, accreditation materials, and program documentation
  • Maintain accurate program records and documentation
  • Participate in college and university committees as assigned
  • Collaborate with other academic units on cross-disciplinary initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Required
  • Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in any discipline with demonstrated expertise in the application of artificial intelligence across a variety of domains
  • Minimum of three years of professional experience applying AI, machine learning, or data science methodologies in research, industry, or practice
  • Strong foundation in AI principles and demonstrated ability to bridge technical concepts with domain-specific applications
  • Prior teaching experience at the graduate level
  • Evidence of administrative or leadership experience in academic or professional settings
  • Ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences
• Preferred
  • Experience directing or coordinating interdisciplinary academic programs
  • Record of successful grant writing or securing external funding
  • Industry or applied research experience implementing AI solutions in specific domains (healthcare, finance, education, public policy, etc.)
  • Publications or presentations demonstrating AI applications across disciplines
  • Experience with program assessment and accreditation processes
  • Established professional network spanning technical and applied AI communities
  • Background that combines technical AI knowledge with domain expertise in a specific field