**All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).** **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:** **About the Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation:** This job posting is being advertised by Minnesota State University Moorhead **on behalf of the** **Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation** . The Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation, a nonprofit organization, supports Minnesota State University Moorhead's mission by engaging alumni, donors, and friends to secure philanthropic support. Our efforts enable the institution to provide exceptional education, research, and community service. **Why Join Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation?** 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 Foundation 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. **Minnesota State Moorhead Foundation 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. **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 **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