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The AI Plus Institute has reached a pivotal stage, having successfully laid a strong foundation during its start-up phase. With the arrival of the new permanent director, the institute is prepared to advance in significant ways, including expanding operations, cultivating external partnerships, and implementing high-impact initiatives to establish UAlbany as a leader in AI innovation and research.

The Associate Director and Chief Operations Officer will provide critical leadership and operational management for the AI Plus Institute, ensuring the effective execution of its mission to advance interdisciplinary AI research, education, and strategic partnerships at the University at Albany. Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director will oversee administrative, operational, and external engagement functions to support the institute's growth during this pivotal phase.

With a strong emphasis on strategic planning, relationship building, and program execution, the Associate Director will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate cross-sector partnerships, and position the institute to deliver on its goals. The role requires a leader with experience in higher education, government relations, fundraising, organizational management, and grant writing, with a solid understanding of research-driven initiatives.

The Associate Director will also support all the institute's reporting centers, including the Center for Emerging AI Systems (CEAIS) and AI & Society Research Center, while serving as a liaison to key university offices, such as the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED), University Advancement, and Government and Community Relations.

The Associate Director and Chief Operations Officer will be instrumental in advancing the AI Plus Institute's mission by providing operational leadership, fostering strategic partnerships, and aligning programs with institutional goals. This role builds on foundational progress made during the institute's start-up phase and supports its growth into a regional and national leader in AI research and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic and Operational Leadership

+ Oversee the institute's day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient management of resources, budgets, and workflows to support research, educational programs, and public-facing initiatives.

+ Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement policies and strategies that align with the institute's long-term goals and drive toward financial sustainability.

+ Support the oversight and management of reporting centers, including operational planning, program execution, allocation of administrative support, and resource alignment.

Administrative and Financial Management

+ Lead administrative functions, providing mentorship to other staff and developing systems to streamline operations.

+ Manage the institute's financial planning and oversight, including budget development, grant administration, and strategic resource allocation.

+ Serve as the liaison to the RF and OSI for grant services, ensuring research teams receive comprehensive pre- and post-award support.

External Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

+ Cultivate and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations to advance research collaborations, external funding, and institute visibility.

+ Represent the institute at local, state, and national levels, raising awareness of its mission and fostering partnerships that drive innovation and research opportunities.

+ Coordinate with university offices, including VPRED and Government and Community Relations, to external initiatives and budget opportunities with Institute priorities.

Research and Infrastructure Support

+ Collaborate with ITS and VPRED to enhance supercomputing capabilities, ensuring the infrastructure effectively supports AI research and educational activities.

+ Continue to develop and support the Institute's interdisciplinary research teams, partnerships, and projects that advance the Institute's objectives.

Program Implementation and Advancement

+ Work with leadership to identify funding opportunities, advocate for program priorities, and develop strategic plans to move initiatives forward.

+ Oversee special projects, including community engagement activities, and advocacy efforts to position the institute as a regional and national leader.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Masters' degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, or Public Policy.

+ Demonstrated experience in leadership roles involving organizational operations, strategic planning, and financial management.

+ Strong background in program management, external relations, and advocacy, particularly in higher education or research environments.

+ Demonstrated ability to secure and manage funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit entities.

+ Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience as a spokesperson or representative in public forums.

+ Familiarity with interdisciplinary initiatives and research infrastructure (e.g., supercomputing access and support).

+ Foundational knowledge of AI concepts and familiarity with higher education research priorities in emerging technology fields.

+ Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.

+ Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging, relative to their role.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Additional educational experience in a complementary field; for example, if a Master's degree is in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, etc., then a degree or an educational background or formal training in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field is preferred?this may include a minor, relevant coursework, or a recognized professional certification.

+ Experience in government relations or university advancement.

+ Experience with economic impact reporting, workforce development initiatives, and strategic program development.

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000

Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three-year period. Please refer to the following website for the complete Annual Security Report ("Clery Report"): http://police.albany.edu/asr.htm

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The University at Albany offers a variety of performing arts, world class libraries, and competitive sporting events.