Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Academic Success

Special Instructions to Applicants

First priority will be given to applications submitted on or before October 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Academic Success provides strategic leadership for the adoption, integration, and responsible use of artificial intelligence across Academic Affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi. Reporting to the Provost and working closely with the Center for Faculty Development and AI Advisory Board, the Director leads the development and implementation of academic AI strategy and initiatives supporting teaching, learning, curriculum, faculty development, academic integrity, student success, and research and grant support. The position serves as a key advisor on academic AI, leads cross-functional initiatives, develops strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, and works across the University to advance AI innovation in support of the academic mission.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive Academic Affairs strategy for the adoption and responsible integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, curriculum, faculty development, and student success.

• Provides strategic leadership for the University’s AI Advisory Board and other academic AI initiatives, establishing priorities and coordinating efforts across colleges, departments, and University partners.

• Contributes to the development of faculty programming, training, resources, and institutional guidance to support the development of AI literacy in teaching, learning, curriculum, academic research, and academic integrity, in collaboration with the Center for Faculty Development and other units across campus that provide training and support for faculty and staff.

• Pursues external funding opportunities and provides leadership and oversight for grant-funded academic AI initiatives, including project implementation, budgets, compliance, reporting, and assessment of outcomes.

• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with University units, industry, state leaders, the Mississippi AI Network (MAIN), peer institutions, and other external stakeholders to advance academic AI initiatives, applied learning, innovation, and funding opportunities.

• Monitors emerging AI technologies, policy developments, and best practices in higher education and serves as the key advisor for university leadership on their potential impact, including considerations related to governance, academic integrity, data stewardship, privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible use.

• Establishes measures for evaluating academic AI initiatives, reports progress and outcomes to university leadership, and provides strategic direction for the continued development of the University’s academic AI function, including future programmatic, technology, resource, and staffing needs. This may include on-going needs assessments.

• Performs other duties as assigned.