Assistant/Associate Director of the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Job Description
Department:
Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby is seeking an assistant/associate director for the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Reporting to the director of the Institute, the assistant/associate director will help establish Colby as a nationally recognized center of excellence in interdisciplinary human-centered AI teaching and research, building the Institute from the ground up.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of an institution like Colby, a deep sympathy for the needs of faculty and students, and an interest in meeting the Institute’s core goals of establishing a first-of-its-kind institute for artificial intelligence at a liberal arts college through:
• Promoting interdisciplinary AI-informed faculty scholarship
• Assisting with AI-informed programs for students across a range of disciplines
• Leveraging partnerships with external academic, industry, and government partners

The assistant/associate director is an essential member of the Institute. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence change and growth across the College and beyond. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Work with the director to guide, implement, and evolve the Institute’s operating and strategic plans
• Provide leadership, strategic planning, and implementation in alignment with the vision and mission of the Institute
• Manage the Institute budget
• Coordinate Institute-affiliated hiring and contracts
• Develop strategic partnerships for the Institute throughout the campus, community, and globally
• Manage new initiatives for the Institute as they arise
• Facilitate Institute-affiliated research and teaching
• Partner with Institute-affiliated personnel and other parts of Colby to help drive the Institute’s mission
• Assist director with data-gathering, written reports, and other means of reporting and assessment for Institute initiatives
• Responsible for drafting complex proposals or reports as requested
• Develop and sustain a well-organized project management tracking system
• Schedule, plan, and staff program activities and events, including some evenings and weekends
• Act as point person for questions and inquiries about the Institute, including email, phone, text, and face-to-face
• Serve as a liaison for the Institute to other campus offices
• Work with participating staff and faculty to coordinate scheduling and Institute needs, including room reservations and set-up, catering, etc.
• Communicate program details with campus community and external partners
• Supervise, train, and evaluate student workers
• Develop and advise Institute student staff in their academic and professional pursuits
• Assist in the promotion and integration of the Institute throughout campus and with external partners
• Serve on campus-wide committees and working groups as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• 3-5 years of related work experience in higher education or non-profit organizations preferred
• Proven experience with budget management, event planning and facilities management, program development and implementation, and timeline management
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and be organized in a fast-paced working environment
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong relationship building skills and ability to work with people from all levels
• Deep knowledge of higher education standards and practices
• Innovative approach to solving problems
• Excellent organizational and project development skills
• Experience with or interest in strategic planning
• Must be flexible, show initiative, and have a results-driven philosophy
• Effective interpersonal, spoken, and written communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple and varied tasks independently
• Attention to detail and accuracy are critical
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential information tactfully
• Strong aptitude for collaborating and creating with others
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Highly developed computer skills including experience with Workday, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite; experience with webpage creation and maintenance and the use of social media is desired
• Collaborative, constructive, and positive approach to work
• Deep appreciation for Colby’s mission and values, the ability to effectively communicate it, and the ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community

KEY RELATIONSHIPS :

Reporting to the director of the Davis Institute for AI, the coordinator will collaborate with Institute-affiliated faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. The coordinator will also regularly interact with external and internal Institute partners as well as with donors, alumni, and parents.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Must be able to work additional hours during busy periods, including evenings. Ability to interact with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external constituencies regularly is crucial.

TO APPLY :

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Assistant/Associate Director of AI - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855