Job Summary The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an Executive Director who will focus on the planning and implementation strategy for a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative. The goal of the initiative is to leverage current strengths in teaching and research and define new opportunities and priorities around AI in support of better access for all to life-changing AI resources on a global scale.
This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal. Position Description The Executive Director will work in partnership with the SEAS Dean and senior leadership, faculty, staff, and partners across the University and externally to accomplish the following:
Build an actionable program model with the overarching goal of providing reliable and safe AI solutions for under-resourced populations on a global scale, which maximizes the impact of existing SEAS and Harvard resources and identifies gaps and ways to address them. The program model will include a detailed launch and implementation plan, organizational structure, identified project partners, pilot projects, operational and program budgets, and a near-term and long-term fundraising strategy. Develop and implement fundraising strategy to raise the funds to support the program on an ongoing basis, working in partnership with the SEAS Dean, University Development Office (UDO), the Office for Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) and others. Establish Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) as well as measurement tools to assess progress and outcomes for evaluation of impact. Map the existing AI research and teaching resources at SEAS which align with the program vision to understand the current landscape and recommend organizational opportunities to strengthen SEAS' effort to support the program. Build a cross-school, cross-university, network of collaborators that aligns with the program. Identify and map other outreach, research and education areas across the University, create clear program parameters, what is in scope, and where the collaboration points are. Identify and develop collaboration opportunities with international and U.S. based partner organizations focused on improving access to resources in underserved communities and populations (i.e., healthcare outcomes, education, climate readiness). Define collaboration models and procedures for international and U.S. based on-site work, establish a strategy and lay groundwork for pilot projects. Identify and define educational opportunities including curricular needs, course development, and opportunities to engage undergraduate and graduate students in the mission of the program – classes, fellowships, research opportunities, experiential projects, etc. Identify and define research opportunities needed to support the development of and access to safe and reliable AI resources on a global scale working closely with relevant faculty. Identify, in partnership with the SEAS Dean, UDO and AA&D, a lead sponsor to cover initial development costs. May manage direct reports as the program develops. There may be opportunities for teaching as a part of the curricular development of the program. Basic Qualifications PhD in computer science or related field required. A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including demonstrated experience in developing and managing international programs. A cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position. Additional Qualifications and Skills Proven experience as a highly effective, visionary leader and senior operations manager. Experience with business development in new or emerging markets. Prior success in fundraising. Experience in developing and managing international programs and a willingness and ability to travel to program sites in the U.S. and internationally. Demonstrated communication and relationship building skills. Outstanding judgment, discretion, and diplomacy skills. Excellent organizational, administrative and staff management skills. Experience developing academic initiatives and/or teaching is a plus. Additional Information This is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal. A cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position. The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide a visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions. This position is based on our Allston, MA campus and an in-person, on-campus presence is expected. A hybrid/flexible work schedule may be explored with the hiring manager during the interview process. The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. Benefits
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