Emerging Technology Strategist

General

Summary:

The Emerging Technology Strategist provides in-person technical, operational, and applied leadership for the evaluation, piloting, implementation, and day-to-day support of emerging technologies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. This role plays a critical function in translating innovation strategy into hands‑on execution, ensuring that new technologies—particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI), innovation platforms, and Maker Space (3D Printing) environments are responsibly introduced, effectively supported, and positioned for broader institutional adoption.

Reporting to the Director for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Digital Accessibility, the Strategist serves as the primary technical lead responsible for evaluating, piloting, implementing, and supporting emerging technologies and innovation initiatives. The position works closely with faculty, researchers, staff, students, and IT partners to support teaching, research, administrative workflows, and innovation programming. This position will also be responsible for maintaining the Maker Space Studio's 3D printers and other assistive technology.

• Serve as the technical lead for evaluating, piloting, and supporting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence platforms, instructional tools, and innovation technologies.
• Conduct hands‑on testing, configuration, documentation, and operational readiness assessments of emerging tools.
• Support AI pilots and early‑stage deployments in alignment with institutional AI governance, security, and responsible‑use frameworks.
• Provide technical consultation and subject‑matter expertise to faculty, staff, researchers, and students adopting emerging technologies.

• Conduct technical evaluations of emerging technologies to determine institutional fit, operational readiness, security considerations, accessibility impacts, and support requirements.
• Coordinate with Information Security, Enterprise Applications, Infrastructure, and Academic Technology teams during technology evaluations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the university’s emerging technology roadmap.
• Track pilot outcomes, adoption trends, utilization metrics, and lessons learned.

• Manage the day‑to‑day technical and operational activities of Technovation and Maker Space environments.
• Support innovation programming, workshops, demonstrations, and events within these spaces.
• Supervise, train, and mentor student employees supporting innovation labs and Maker Space operations.
• Serve as the primary supervisor for student employees supporting Technovation, Maker Space, and emerging technology initiatives.
• Ensure innovation spaces operate in a manner that is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with institutional expectations.

• Coordinate and support pilot programs, proofs of concept, and limited‑scale deployments of emerging technologies.
• Assist with vendor demonstrations, evaluations, and trials, providing technical input and operational feedback.
• Document pilot outcomes, including benefits, risks, operational requirements, accessibility considerations, and recommendations.
• Partner with the Director to inform decision‑making regarding pilot continuation, scale‑up, or discontinuation.

• Provide technical content and advanced support for training and adoption initiatives led by the Technology Training & Adoption Specialist.
• Contribute hands‑on demonstrations, advanced workshops, and use‑case examples related to emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with colleagues across IT, Academic Technology, Research Computing, and Client Services to support innovation adoption.
• Act as a liaison between technology teams and users engaged in innovation projects.

• Evaluate accessibility considerations during emerging technology pilots and lab based implementations.
• Identify accessibility risks or gaps and collaborate with the Digital Experience &…