All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Position Description:

We are seeking applicants for a new position reporting to the Director of the Office of the CIO which will lead the planning, vetting and execution of emerging technology initiatives at VCU. This position is assigned with coordinating and managing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and program for VCU Technology Services, the central IT organization at VCU. It will coordinate the relationships and assess business needs with key university stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and other partners across VCU in IT and beyond. This role will require staying abreast of AI, other emerging technologies and higher educational trends to ensure VCU Technology Services remains a leader in innovative and impactful technology solutions. Primary responsibilities will be:

• Act as AI technology advisor to assigned business units and a champion for identifying, leading and driving AI transformation and other emerging technologies.

• Evaluate, recommend and assist with the implementation of AI and other emerging technologies to support the organizational goals of schools, units, and departments while ensuring alignment with VCU’s strategic plan and seamless integration with the IT portfolio.

• Assist with the establishment of institution-wide policies, governance, and guidelines for the use of AI and other new emerging technologies.

• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation and communicate project updates and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders. 

• Support the IT Governance program, assist with technical reviews of proposed technology for new projects, and provide leadership and assistance with the coordination of major IT projects and strategic initiatives spearheaded by the Office of the CIO. 

This position allows for flexible work arrangement, with a mix of remote days and in person meeting attendance with campus partners at our VCU campus locations in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in related fields and 5 years experience leading or managing the delivery of IT projects or services OR any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

• Proven experience in technology solution development and project implementation.

• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and industry trends, specifically AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning and cloud computing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with every level in a university environment, from the C suite and deans to faculty, staff, students and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Self-starter capable of working independently and comfortable working and communicating with a diverse group of domain knowledge experts, managers, and executives.

• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.

• A strategic thinker with a passion for leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes and student and organizational success.

• Ability to identify challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into various aspects of organizational operations and culture.

• Ability to remain flexible as priorities change, remain adaptable to change, and be able to accept and thrive in ambiguity.

• Experience with project management fundamentals and stakeholder management. Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

• Established skills in time management, multi-tasking, and prioritization of work

• Familiarity with IT service management and information security concepts and best practices.

Working at VCU Technology Services: 

At VCU Technology Services, we value people and empower one another through collaboration and inclusivity, trusted partnerships, and unequaled innovation to provide a secure, accessible, reliable, adaptable, and modern IT environment that enables the success of VCU as a leading public research institution. We are VCU’s trusted IT partner and where the University community comes for IT solutions.

The Office of the CIO supports the development and promotion of campus-wide IT initiatives, strategies, and projects established by the Chief Information Officer. We work with University and VCU Health System stakeholders to promote consistency of best practices, shared processes, and collaboration. To view more of our work and initiatives, visit our site: https://cio.ts.vcu.edu

Benefits of Working at VCU

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. As a premier institution in Richmond, VA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values and respects individuals from all walks of life.

At VCU, we don’t just accept differences - we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our employees, our students, and our community. We are all different, and we believe it’s these differences that make us stronger together.

Benefits of working at VCU include: 

• Hybrid or Full Remote Work and Flex Hours available [link]

• New Employees (0-3 Years of Service) start with 28 days of paid leave per calendar year** plus federal and state holidays [link]

• Leave plans built to promote a healthy work/life balance with the ability to carry leave forward to a following calendar year; parental leave for childbearing, caregiving, adoption, surrogacy, or foster care; caregiver leave for dependent immediate family members, community service leave for volunteer work, community participation, etc. [link]

• Tuition Benefit for continuing education and professional development, up to six credit hours per academic semester [link]

• Competitive Health Care Plan & FSA option through PayFlex [link]

• Tax-deferred annuity retirement savings program with Cash Match Plan [link]

• Professional development opportunities encouraged and offered for employees as part of annual career development, e.g. certifications, seminars, courses, annual conferences, mentorship, etc.

Hannah Steighner
hwpsteighner@vcu.edu