Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Director of Operations, Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence (D
Inside Higher Ed, Benton, Maine, United States
Overview
Assistant Director of Operations, Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Davis AI) The Assistant Director of Operations plays a central role in ensuring the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence operates effectively and efficiently in pursuit of its mission to advance human-centered, interdisciplinary AI learning and research. Working closely with the Director, this position provides operational leadership, manages budgets and resources, coordinates cross-campus initiatives, and supports programs, partnerships, and communications. The Assistant Director of Operations ensures smooth day-to-day functioning of the institute, enabling students, faculty, and staff to engage meaningfully in AI-related scholarship and innovation. Department:
Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence Pay Rate Type:
Salary Employee Type:
Full-time Job Summary The essential duties include leading and coordinating operational processes, managing budgets and contracts, coordinating programs and events, developing project management systems, and supporting policy and procedural development to enhance efficiency and compliance. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is representative; other duties may be assigned. Responsibilities
Operations and Administration (35%): Lead and oversee day-to-day operational processes for the Institute, including office management, budgeting, purchasing, and reporting. Manage institute-affiliated hiring, contracts, and onboarding in coordination with Human Resources. Coordinate logistics for programs, events, and meetings, including scheduling, facilities, catering, and vendor management. Develop and maintain project management systems to track initiatives, deadlines, and outcomes. Assist in policy and procedural development to enhance institute efficiency and compliance. Strategic and Programs Support (20%): Partner with the Director to implement and monitor the Institute’s strategic and operational plans. Support the execution of interdisciplinary AI programs, workshops, seminars, and events across academic departments. Contribute to data collection, assessment, and reporting of Institute activities and strategic progress. Provide administrative support for faculty and student-led research initiatives. Support efforts to ensure alignment of Institute programs with emerging trends in AI education and applications. Communication and Partnerships (15%): Serve as primary contact for inquiries related to the Institute, ensuring timely and professional communication. Collaborate with campus partners, external institutions, and industry contacts to advance the Institute’s mission. Support internal and external communications, including event promotion, newsletters, digital content, and social media presence. Represent Davis AI at campus and community events to increase awareness and engagement. Student and Faculty Engagement (15%): Supervise and mentor student employees, providing guidance on professional and academic growth. Coordinate with faculty and staff to schedule and support institute-affiliated teaching and research activities. Facilitate connections between students, faculty and external partners engaged in AI initiatives. Promote student involvement through workshops, collaborative research, and campus events. Research and Grant Support (15%): Assist with identifying, coordinating, and supporting grant proposals and funding opportunities. Help maintain records of funded projects, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation. Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Public Policy, Business Administration); Master’s degree preferred. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, nonprofit, or related operational roles. Demonstrated experience in operations management, event and program coordination, or project leadership. Proven record of managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and facilitating complex initiatives. Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary or academic environments is preferred. Competencies Operational Excellence: Strong organizational, planning, and project management abilities. Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills; able to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders. Collaboration: Skilled at fostering cooperation and teamwork across departments and disciplines. Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Innovation: Proactive in developing and improving systems, processes, and workflows. Physical/Mental Demands The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Maintain confidentiality with regard to employee data and privacy needs. Ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines and manage sudden, urgent task completion. Interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals who express strong emotions. Move around the office space and campus facilities as required. Frequent computer use, including keyboard and monitor use. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions and manage multiple projects. Moderate noise level with potential for occasional louder sounds. To Apply
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Management and Administration Industries
Higher Education
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Assistant Director of Operations, Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Davis AI) The Assistant Director of Operations plays a central role in ensuring the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence operates effectively and efficiently in pursuit of its mission to advance human-centered, interdisciplinary AI learning and research. Working closely with the Director, this position provides operational leadership, manages budgets and resources, coordinates cross-campus initiatives, and supports programs, partnerships, and communications. The Assistant Director of Operations ensures smooth day-to-day functioning of the institute, enabling students, faculty, and staff to engage meaningfully in AI-related scholarship and innovation. Department:
Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence Pay Rate Type:
Salary Employee Type:
Full-time Job Summary The essential duties include leading and coordinating operational processes, managing budgets and contracts, coordinating programs and events, developing project management systems, and supporting policy and procedural development to enhance efficiency and compliance. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is representative; other duties may be assigned. Responsibilities
Operations and Administration (35%): Lead and oversee day-to-day operational processes for the Institute, including office management, budgeting, purchasing, and reporting. Manage institute-affiliated hiring, contracts, and onboarding in coordination with Human Resources. Coordinate logistics for programs, events, and meetings, including scheduling, facilities, catering, and vendor management. Develop and maintain project management systems to track initiatives, deadlines, and outcomes. Assist in policy and procedural development to enhance institute efficiency and compliance. Strategic and Programs Support (20%): Partner with the Director to implement and monitor the Institute’s strategic and operational plans. Support the execution of interdisciplinary AI programs, workshops, seminars, and events across academic departments. Contribute to data collection, assessment, and reporting of Institute activities and strategic progress. Provide administrative support for faculty and student-led research initiatives. Support efforts to ensure alignment of Institute programs with emerging trends in AI education and applications. Communication and Partnerships (15%): Serve as primary contact for inquiries related to the Institute, ensuring timely and professional communication. Collaborate with campus partners, external institutions, and industry contacts to advance the Institute’s mission. Support internal and external communications, including event promotion, newsletters, digital content, and social media presence. Represent Davis AI at campus and community events to increase awareness and engagement. Student and Faculty Engagement (15%): Supervise and mentor student employees, providing guidance on professional and academic growth. Coordinate with faculty and staff to schedule and support institute-affiliated teaching and research activities. Facilitate connections between students, faculty and external partners engaged in AI initiatives. Promote student involvement through workshops, collaborative research, and campus events. Research and Grant Support (15%): Assist with identifying, coordinating, and supporting grant proposals and funding opportunities. Help maintain records of funded projects, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation. Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Public Policy, Business Administration); Master’s degree preferred. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, nonprofit, or related operational roles. Demonstrated experience in operations management, event and program coordination, or project leadership. Proven record of managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and facilitating complex initiatives. Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary or academic environments is preferred. Competencies Operational Excellence: Strong organizational, planning, and project management abilities. Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills; able to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders. Collaboration: Skilled at fostering cooperation and teamwork across departments and disciplines. Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Innovation: Proactive in developing and improving systems, processes, and workflows. Physical/Mental Demands The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Maintain confidentiality with regard to employee data and privacy needs. Ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines and manage sudden, urgent task completion. Interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals who express strong emotions. Move around the office space and campus facilities as required. Frequent computer use, including keyboard and monitor use. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions and manage multiple projects. Moderate noise level with potential for occasional louder sounds. To Apply
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Management and Administration Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr