Executive Director AI Strategy & Enablement

Executive Director AI Strategy & Enablement

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: University Central Administration

Job Title: Executive Director for AI Strategy & Enablement

Position #:  - Requisition #: 38604

Job Summary: Executive Director for AI Strategy & Enablement responsible for the responsible, ethical use of AI, leveraging a matrix of AI enablement staff and resources, and serving as a visionary practitioner.

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive, institution-wide AI strategy aligned with CU Anschutz's mission in education, research, and administrative excellence.
• Establish and chair AI governance structures, policies, and frameworks to ensure responsible, ethical, and compliant AI deployment.
• Serve as the primary convenor and coordinator for AI initiatives across schools, departments, and administrative units.
• Partner with research leadership to ensure AI governance support, rather than constrain, research innovation.
• Keep senior leadership apprised of the AI landscape and activities on campus.
• Build AI literacy and capabilities across faculty, staff, and leadership through education, training, and change‑management initiatives.
• Work with AI enablement staff to identify, evaluate, and implement high‑impact AI use cases that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.
• Foster a culture of innovation and responsible AI adoption appropriate for an academic medical campus in the early stages of AI maturity.
• Create mechanisms for cross‑functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Represent CU Anschutz in AI forums, conferences, and collaborative networks, including other CU campuses and CU System Office.
• Build strategic partnerships with peer institutions, technology companies, research organizations, and funding agencies.
• Stay abreast of AI trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments to inform institutional strategy.
• Position CU Anschutz as a thought leader in academic medical AI adoption.
• Ensure AI implementations comply with ethical standards, data privacy regulations (HIPAA, FERPA), and institutional policies.
• Address AI fairness, bias, transparency, and security concerns.
• Coordinate with legal, compliance, and information security teams on AI‑related risks.
• Develop frameworks for evaluating and monitoring AI tools and vendors.

Hybrid (three days per week on campus and as needed for in‑person meetings).

• Medical:
  Multiple plan options
• Dental:
  Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance:
  Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan:
  Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off:
  Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit:
  Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass:
  Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 7‑10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in digital transformation, technology strategy, or innovation.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives in academic, healthcare, or similarly complex organizational environments.
• Track record of developing and implementing governance frameworks or strategic initiatives.
• Experience leading AI initiatives with major AI platforms.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of machine learning models, data science methodologies, and generative AI concepts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD preferred.
• Experience in R1 research university or academic medical center environment.
• Background working in decentralized or highly matrixed organizations.
• Experience with change management and organizational transformation.
• Prior exposure to healthcare AI applications or research computing.
• Established network in AI, higher education, or healthcare technology communities.
• Experience building or leading cross‑institutional initiatives.

• Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, capabilities,…