Director, AI Institute

Augusta University invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Director of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute, a university-wide strategic initiative designed to position Augusta University as a national leader in AI research, education, innovation, and community engagement. The AI Institute will serve as a collaborative hub connecting faculty, students, industry, government agencies, and community partners across disciplines to advance both the foundations and applications of artificial intelligence.

The Director will provide visionary leadership for the development, implementation, and growth of the AI Institute. The successful candidate will lead efforts to establish a nationally recognized research enterprise that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, promotes responsible and ethical AI innovation, develops new academic programs, and expands external research funding. The Director will work closely with academic leaders across all colleges and schools, as well as external stakeholders, to build strategic partnerships that advance Augusta University's mission in discovery, learning, community engagement, and innovation.

The Director will be expected to cultivate a collaborative culture that accelerates cutting-edge research, supports faculty success, enhances student opportunities, and contributes to Augusta University's strategic priorities, including growth in externally funded research and doctoral education. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI research and education at a comprehensive research university with strengths in health sciences, cybersecurity, computing, engineering, public service, and emerging technologies.

Strategic Leadership and Institute Development

• Provide visionary leadership for the Artificial Intelligence Institute and establish a long-term strategic plan aligned with Augusta University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Define and communicate the Institute's vision, goals, and priorities in research, education, innovation, and community engagement.
• Establish and oversee Institute governance structures, advisory boards, policies, and operational frameworks.
• Develop performance metrics and evaluate Institute outcomes related to research productivity, educational impact, partnerships, and external funding.
• Represent the Institute and Augusta University at regional, national, and international meetings, conferences, and professional organizations.

Research Excellence and Innovation

• Lead the development of cutting-edge AI research programs spanning foundational AI and interdisciplinary AI applications.
• Foster collaborations among faculty, researchers, and students across AU colleges, schools, and disciplines.
• Promote ethical, responsible, secure, and trustworthy AI research and innovation.
• Support the development of research infrastructure, advanced computing resources, and technical capabilities necessary to advance AI research.
• Facilitate the translation of research discoveries into real-world applications, innovation, commercialization opportunities, and societal impact.

Faculty, Staff, and Academic Program Development

• Recruit, mentor, and support high-performing faculty, researchers, technical personnel, and administrative staff affiliated with the Institute.
• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and high-achieving research environment.
• Support faculty success through research development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
• Lead and support the development of AI-related degree programs, certificates, workforce development initiatives, and continuing education programs.
• Promote student engagement, experiential learning, and research opportunities in artificial intelligence and related fields.

External Funding and Strategic Partnerships

• Position Augusta University as a recognized leader in AI research, education, and innovation.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand the Institute's external funding portfolio.
• Lead and support the preparation of major multidisciplinary grant proposals to federal agencies, foundations, industry partners, and other sponsors.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, healthcare organizations, government agencies, national laboratories, and community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research, educational initiatives, and technology development with external partners.

Administrative and Financial Oversight

• Provide oversight of Institute…