AI Integration & Engagement Lead
Southwestern Law School is committed to responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into its operations. In line with this commitment, we are seeking an innovative AI Integration & Engagement Lead to guide the adoption and safe integration of AI tools across the law school’s administrative functions. This full-time, remote position reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and will spearhead initiatives to improve process efficiency, workflow optimization, knowledge management, and staff productivity through appropriate AI solutions. The AI Integration & Engagement Lead will act as a bridge between IT, Institutional Research, and various administrative (and select academic) units to promote data-informed decision making and ensure ethical, responsible AI use campus-wide. As technology advances, this future-oriented role is expected to evolve, requiring adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.
This role is a forward-looking position at the intersection of technology and operations. It is expected to adapt and expand as AI technologies evolve and new institutional needs emerge. The AI Integration & Engagement Lead will play a pivotal part in shaping Southwestern’s journey toward enhanced efficiency and innovation through artificial intelligence.
Key Responsibilities
- AI Tool Evaluation & Implementation: Research, evaluate, and implement AI tools suitable for administrative use. Focus on solutions that streamline processes, automate workflows, enhance knowledge management, and boost employee productivity. Lead pilot projects and rollouts of selected AI tools, ensuring they meet departmental needs and add operational value.
- Monitor Emerging Integrations: Stay abreast of emerging AI features and integrations in the school’s existing systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, Canvas LMS, Ellucian SIS). Proactively test new capabilities and communicate relevant developments to stakeholders, maximizing our use of built-in AI enhancements.
- Data & Analytics Support:Collaborate with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to leverage AI for data-informed decision making. Support basic reporting automation, develop AI-assisted analytics dashboards or tools, and help translate data insights into actionable recommendations for campus administrators.
- Cybersecurity & Privacy Assurance:In partnership with the IT team, conduct hands-on security and privacy evaluations of all prospective AI tools. Assess data protection, compliance, and risk factors for each solution, and ensure that any adopted tools meet cybersecurity standards and privacy requirements (especially in alignment with FERPA and other regulations).
- Training & User Engagement: Create and deliver effective training materials, workshops, and user guides to foster AI literacy among employees. Tailor training programs to a diverse range of staff—from the tech-curious to the tech-averse— to ensure comfortable and competent use of AI tools. Provide ongoing support and cultivate an environment of continuous learning and responsible experimentation with AI.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration:Serve as a liaison between the IT department, Institutional Research, and other administrative (and academic) units to coordinate AI initiatives. Facilitate clear communication about AI projects, gather input on departmental needs, and ensure a cohesive approach to AI adoption that complements academic AI efforts (without duplicating the Vice Dean for AI Initiatives’ academic focus).
- Governance & Policy Development:Contribute to the development of institutional AI governance and policy. Work with campus leadership to shape guidelines for ethical AI use, data security, and compliance. Help establish best practices and protocols for AI tool usage, and update these policies as technologies and regulatory landscapes evolve.
Required Qualifications
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, educational technology, or a related field; 5+ yearsof relevant experience implementing technology-driven process improvements (experience with AI tools or automation projects is strongly preferred). We are a Colleague Ellucian school and prefer experience with that or another Ellucian system.
- AI and Tech Savvy: Demonstrated ability to research and critically evaluate emerging technology tools. Hands-on familiarity with contemporary AI platforms (e.g., generative AI like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, etc.) and their practical applications in a workplace setting.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and data privacy best practices. Ability to assess software tools for compliance with security/privacy standards and to collaborate with information security personnel to remediate risks.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proven ability to explain technical concepts in clear, accessible language to non-technical audiences and to prepare effective documentation or reports.
- Training & Engagement: Experience developing training programs or instructional materials and delivering presentations or workshops. Comfortable leading learning sessions and one-on-one coaching for users with varying levels of technical proficiency.
- Project Collaboration: Strong project management and collaboration skills. Able to lead cross-functional initiatives, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and drive projects to completion. Self-directed and organized, with the ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Higher Education Experience:Experience working in a college, university, or similar academic environment. Familiarity with the administrative operations of educational institutions and an understanding of the culture of higher education.
- Knowledge of Regulations: Working knowledge of legal/educational compliance frameworks such as FERPA, data protection regulations, and accessibility standards as they relate to technology and data.
- Data & Analytics Collaboration: Prior experience partnering with data analysts, institutional research, or business intelligence teams on reporting or analytics projects. Understanding of basic data analysis concepts or tools (e.g. Excel, BI software) and how AI can augment analytical work.
- Enterprise Systems Familiarity:Exposure to systems used in higher education (for example, learning management systems like Canvas, student information systems like Ellucian, or productivity suites like Office 365) – and awareness of any AI features or integrations in such systems.
- Additional Education/Certifications:A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Information Technology, Data Science, Educational Tech) and/or professional certifications in project management (PMP), change management, or AI/ML are a plus.
Compensation: $100,000/YR
To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to jobs3@swlaw.edu.