Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence at University of California, Riverside – Riverside, California
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About This Position
Overview
Job ID 36566572
Category Information Technology
Organization Info Technology Solutions
Department Reporting and Analytics Dept
Location Remote/Hybrid
Salary $126,700 - $248,700
Date Posted October 30, 2025
Application Deadline Open Until Filled
Schedule 8AM - 5PM
Full/Part Time Full-time(100%)
Level of Supervision General Direction
Personnel Program Code Management & Sr Professional
Other Information Qualifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No
UC Internal Job: No
Position Information
Information Technology Solutions at UC Riverside is seeking a strategic and technical Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to lead our artificial intelligence and data science initiatives. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who can act as a technical strategist and a hands-on expert. You will partner with leaders across ITS and our campus to bring high-impact projects to life. As a key technical leader, you will be responsible for building and mentoring a team of AI professionals and serving as a technical enabler for our development teams. You will drive the adoption of AI across our campus by empowering teams to integrate AI capabilities into their work, whether it's embedded within custom applications, reporting, or intelligent agents. Your work will involve having a constant pulse on solutioning to embed AI within existing products, processes, and initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to shape our AI capabilities and build a culture of innovation by turning challenges into powerful, AI-driven solutions.This position is classified as predominantly remote with occasional visits to campus as needed. Working hours will be based on Pacific Standard Time (PST). The full salary range for the Executive Director of Data Science $126,700 - $248,700 annually. However, the pay scale for this position is up to $230,000 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Requirements
Educational Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. | Required |
| Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field. | Preferred |
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 8 - 13 years of related experience. | Required |
| Solid understanding of machine learning models, data science methodologies, and generative AI concepts. | Required |
| Proficiency in programming languages like Python and experience with relevant AI/ML frameworks. Vertex AI experience a plus. | Required |
| Demonstrated experience with product management, including requirements gathering, roadmap development, and stakeholder management. | Preferred |
| Proven experience translating high-level business needs and user requirements into detailed, actionable technical specifications and user stories for development teams. | Preferred |
| Experience in a higher education or public sector environment. | Preferred |
| Experience with data quality and data governance best practices. | Preferred |
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Must pass a background check. | Required |
| Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. | Required |
| Occasional travel for university related business meetings, conferences and/or professional development. | Required |
| Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours | Required |
| Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with executive-level management on a regular basis. |
| Familiarity with data quality and governance issues and requirements. |
| Expert knowledge of data management systems, practices and standards. |
| Thorough knowledge of relevant rules and regulations. |
| Demonstrated ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization. |
| Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Demonstrates problem-solving skills. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills. |
| Expert analytical and design skills, including the ability to abstract information requirements from real-world processes to understand information flows in computer systems. |
| Ability to represent relevant information in abstract models. Critical thinking skills and attention to detail. |
| Ability to prepare models at varying levels of detail, such as broad conceptual and planning models as well as detailed logical designs or dimensional models. |
| Expert skill in logical data design, data integration and the specification of data services. |
| Good negotiation and influencing skills. |
| Demonstrated service orientation skills. |
| A talent for identifying the root cause of user problems and framing them in a way that allows for effective AI and data-driven solutions. |
| Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire and educate diverse audiences. |
| A proactive and collaborative leader who can work across departments to build consensus and drive change. |
| The ability to listen and speak with users and stakeholders in a clear, non-technical way to truly understand their challenges and needs. |
| A servant leader mindset, with a passion for coaching, mentoring, and empowering others to succeed. |
Additional Information
In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.
UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.
- UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
- UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
- UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
- Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
- Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
- UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview