Executive Director of the Institute of Applied AI

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Working Title:

Executive Director of the Institute of Applied AI

Institution:

Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Classification Title:

Non Employee

Bargaining Unit / Union:

Contingent Workers

City:

Moorhead

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Employment Condition:

Contractor

Salary Range:

Why Join Minnesota State Moorhead?

The Institute of Applied AI offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of AI education and workforce development in the Fargo-Moorhead region and beyond. As the inaugural Executive Director, you will lead a groundbreaking initiative that prepares students, faculty, and the community to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Minnesota State Moorhead is committed to innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration—making it the ideal place to build a transformative AI institute that creates real-world impact.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Provost, the Executive Director of the Institute of Applied AI will lead the university’s efforts to integrate AI across academic disciplines, enhance student career readiness, support faculty in AI-driven pedagogy and research, and drive operational efficiencies through AI adoption. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with faculty, university leadership, and external partners to position Minnesota State Moorhead as a regional leader in applied AI. The position will be housed within the Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation, allowing for strategic flexibility in securing external funding, grants, and industry partnerships.

The Executive Director will serve as a key member of the Provost’s Council and work in close alignment with academic affairs, enrollment management, institutional effectiveness, and university operations. The position is responsible for building a self-sustaining office through external funding, industry partnerships, and innovative revenue-generating initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibility #1: Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment – 25%

• Serve as a member of the Provost’s Council, ensuring AI initiatives align with Minnesota State Moorhead’s academic mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the development and execution of the Institute’s vision, positioning Minnesota State Moorhead as a leader in applied AI within the Minnesota State system and the region.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with faculty, deans, and academic leaders to integrate AI into curricula and research initiatives.
• Collaborate with Institutional Effectiveness to explore AI-driven efficiencies in university operations, student success, and enrollment management.

Responsibility #2: Faculty Collaboration & AI Curriculum Development – 20%

• Work with a faculty task force from all academic colleges to embed AI literacy and applications into existing and new programs.
• Develop faculty professional development opportunities, including AI Teaching Fellows and grants for AI-enhanced teaching.
• Support faculty in applied research and securing external funding for AI-related projects.
• Provide AI-related workshops and resources to equip faculty with tools to integrate AI into their pedagogy effectively.

Responsibility #3: Industry Partnerships & External Engagement – 20%

• Establish partnerships with businesses, healthcare organizations, K-12 education, and nonprofits to connect AI learning with workforce needs.
• Collaborate with local and state agencies on AI workforce development initiatives.
• Develop funding strategies, including securing grants, industry sponsorships, and philanthropic support, to ensure the Institute’s long-term sustainability.
• Serve as Minnesota State Moorhead’s public-facing leader on AI applications, speaking at conferences, hosting events, and engaging with the community.

Responsibility #4: AI-Enhanced Student Learning & Career Readiness – 20%

• Ensure Minnesota State Moorhead graduates gain AI skills relevant to their professions by embedding AI across disciplines.
• Expand hands-on AI learning experiences, such as internships, research collaborations, and industry-sponsored projects.
• Partner with Career Services to align AI learning outcomes with employer expectations and workforce trends.
• Develop co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities, including AI boot camps, hackathons, and speaker series.

Responsibility #5: AI-Driven Institutional Innovation – 10%

• Identify and implement AI applications that enhance university operations, student support services, and decision-making.
• Partner with IT, Institutional Research, and Enrollment Management to explore AI-driven efficiencies in student success initiatives, advising, and recruitment.
• Develop training programs for staff and administrators to leverage AI in their roles.

Responsibility #6: Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Serve on university committees, task forces, and advisory boards related to AI, innovation, and workforce development.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI trends to ensure Minnesota State Moorhead remains at the forefront of AI integration in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (AI, Data Science, Business, Education, or related discipline).
• Five or more years of experience in higher education, industry, or AI-related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing external partnerships, securing funding, and leading interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Proven ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance AI education and research.
• Experience leading or supporting AI-driven innovation, curriculum development, or research initiatives.
• Excellent communication and public-speaking skills, with the ability to translate AI concepts for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education administration, particularly in AI curriculum development, faculty support, or workforce partnerships.
• Success in securing external grants and industry funding.
• Familiarity with AI ethics, policy considerations, and responsible AI implementation.
• A strong network within AI-related industries and workforce sectors. 

Salary Range:

The wage range for this role is $95,000 - $140,000 annually.

Full time or Part time:

Full time

Benefits:
The projected compensation range for this position will be competitive and commensurate with the selected candidate's background and experience. The compensation package includes a base salary plus benefits such as health care reimbursement, paid time off, sick time, holidays, and employer contributions to a retirement plan.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and a list of professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

06-23-2025

Position End Date:

01-03-2028

Open Date:

05-08-2025

Close Date:

05-30-2025

Posting Contact Name:

Sara Beth Lien

Posting Contact Email:

mw9695me@minnstate.edu