AI Innovation Manager

Company Description

California Baptist University (CBU), founded in 1950 by the California Southern Baptist Convention, is a distinguished institution offering a wide range of academic programs. With a diverse enrollment of over 12,000 students, CBU provides more than 80 undergraduate majors, 30 master's programs, and five doctoral programs, all designed to prepare students for professional and personal success. CBU is nationally recognized, including being named a Best Regional University by U.S. News & World Report (2025). Faculty and staff at CBU are committed to the institution’s Christian ethos, fostering an environment of academic excellence and faith integration. The university holds multiple accreditations and certifications, ensuring a high standard of education across various disciplines.

Apply at: https://jobs.calbaptist.edu/postings/10184

Role Description

This role is strategic yet hands-on, combining innovative leadership with practical implementation. The AI Innovation Manager will manage AI processes and lead the identification, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across academic and administrative units. This role partners with faculty and staff to drive responsible, high-impact AI adoption aligned with institutional policies.

Qualifications

• Expertise in AI technologies, machine learning, data analytics, and emerging trends in artificial intelligence.
• Develop and execute a university-wide AI innovation strategy and roadmap; aligned with institutional goals for research excellence, student success, and operational efficiency.
• Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging AI tools and technologies (e.g., generative AI for curriculum design, research automation, administrative workflows, student advising, and personalized learning).
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, IT teams, and department leaders to integrate AI into academic programs, research projects, and campus operations.
• Manage AI pilots and proof-of-concept projects, including budgeting, timelines, risk assessment, and success metrics.
• Promote responsible and ethical AI use, including governance, bias mitigation, data privacy (FERPA, GDPR), and compliance with university policies and California regulations.
• Design and deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to build AI literacy among faculty, staff, and students.
• Track AI trends, emerging technologies, best practices in higher education, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Identify and prioritize AI use cases across the campus while collaborating with other ITS staff to implement scalable AI solutions.
• Partner with faculty and staff to support AI-enabled teaching, research, and operational needs to improve efficiency and user experience.
• Work with others to establish AI governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks to promote AI literacy across campus through workshops and training.
• Assist with AI technology standards, processes and evaluate and manage AI vendors, tools, and processes.
• Participate in planning activities with other areas of ITS and lead AI development of agents/bots across campus.
• Maintain thorough documentation of systems for all applications and processes while staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends to improve access to information and services.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Experience in project management, collaboration across diverse teams, and leading cross-departmental AI initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of AI ethics, regulatory compliance, and best practices in higher education settings is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional projects and driving innovation.
• Previous experience applying AI in an educational or research setting is a distinct advantage.