Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies

Please Note: The salary range for this position is $133,454.00 - $165,115.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $139,015.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. 

Pierce College District seeks a strategic and innovative leader to serve as Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies. This executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight to position Pierce College as a leader in the responsible, ethical, equitable, and innovative use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. As Pierce College continues to build institutional capacity for the effective use of artificial intelligence, the Executive Director will help establish a strong foundation for responsible innovation while preparing the College for future technological advancements. The Executive Director is both a strategist and a practitioner, helping the District move from exploration and policy development to implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies leads the development and activation of a district-wide, equity-driven strategy, including the identification, evaluation, deployment, and optimization of solutions that support Pierce College’s diverse community of learners and employees. In partnership with the Executive Team, Dean Team, shared governance bodies, and institutional committees, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and execution to integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across the College's academic, administrative, and operational functions. This senior leader advances initiatives that enhance student success, educational innovation, workforce readiness, employee effectiveness, and operational efficiency across the institution. 

The Executive Director serves as the District’s primary convener and coordinator for AI and emerging technology initiatives, bringing together stakeholders across divisions, departments, and employee groups to develop shared understanding, identify high-impact opportunities, and advance solutions that improve learning, decision-making, services, and operations. A key aspect of the role is establishing governance structures, frameworks, policies, and practices that support the responsible, ethical, and equitable adoption of AI and emerging technologies in alignment with institutional values, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements. 

Working collaboratively through a matrix of faculty, staff, subject matter experts, and institutional resources, the Executive Director advances strategic initiatives and drives implementation across the District. As both a visionary and a practitioner, this leader helps Pierce College navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, from collaboratively developing policy and governance structures to implementing practical solutions that strengthen outcomes for students and employees. The Executive Director ensures innovation advances the District’s mission, supports equitable outcomes, and prepares students and employees for the future of work.

About the District

Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For nearly 60 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community recreational park and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views. 

Pierce College at Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country. 

ur colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

The Executive Director for AI and Emerging Technologies will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Leads the integration of AI and other emerging technologies at Pierce College, including developing and driving Pierce College’s AI strategy and roadmap, establishing a governance framework, guardrails for compliance, policies, processes, and best practices for responsible use and adoption of tools, processes and/or technological enhancements across the enterprise.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year equity-driven AI strategy aligned with the institution’s mission and goals.

• Identify opportunities for AI to transform teaching, learning, workforce preparedness, and administrative processes.

• Monitor emerging trends, opportunities, risks, and regulatory developments related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and advise executive leadership on strategic implications for the District.

Innovation & Integration

• Lead initiatives to embed AI tools and practices into academic programs, student services, and operational workflows in all areas of the institution.

• Partner with Employee Learning and Development and faculty to incorporate AI into curricula and pedagogy.

Governance & Ethics

• Lead development of policies and frameworks for ethical, responsible, and equitable use of AI, in collaboration with shared governance structures.

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards related to AI technologies.

Strategic Partnerships & Engagement

• Work closely with IT, leadership, shared governance bodies, and external partners to implement AI solutions.

• Represent Pierce College in regional, state, and national conversations related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

• Develop strategic partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders, workforce organizations, governmental agencies, and technology providers.

• Position Pierce College as a thought leader in the responsible and equitable adoption of AI in higher education.

Organizational Development & Capacity Building

• Lead equity-informed institutional change efforts related to AI and emerging technology adoption.

• Build organizational readiness through communication, training, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement strategies.

• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and responsible technology use.

• Establish structures and processes that encourage cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the scaling of effective practices across the institution

Data & Analytics

• Provide strategic leadership for the appropriate use of AI-driven analytics to support student outcomes, operational efficiency, and institutional decision-making. 

Risk Management & Compliance 

• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure AI implementations comply with applicable equity, ethical, regulatory, privacy, and institutional requirements, including HIPAA and FERPA.

• Address AI fairness, bias, transparency, and security concerns. 

• Coordinate with legal, compliance, and information security teams on AI-related risks. 

• Develop frameworks for evaluating and monitoring AI tools and vendors.

• Responsible for the ideation, evaluation, recommendations, and prioritization of generative AI, agentic AI, and artificial general intelligence (AGI) solutions.

• Responsible for implementation of assessment and leading iterative processes for continuous improvement with AI. Collaborates with IT and business leaders to support internal solution development and vendor partnerships.

• Partners with HR, Compliance, and Information Security to manage risk and data privacy.

Education Required

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. 

Experience Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including leadership in strategy, institutional transformation, digital innovation, technology solutions, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

OR

• Proven experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, or technology leadership within higher education or a similar complex organization. 

• Experience with budget planning, compliance frameworks, and performance metrics.

• Experience leading initiatives in complex, decentralized, or matrixed organizations.

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of AI technologies, trends, ethical principles, risk management and their application in education.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate, collaborate, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups and shared governance environments.

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
  

• Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening.

• Cover Letter: Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
  
• Resume: Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.
  
• Transcripts: Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework. International transcript must include a foreign transcript evaluation.For a list of approved credential evaluation services, visit National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
  • Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
    
  • Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).
    
• References: Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. 
  
• Supplemental Question: Provide a response to the following question.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, visit the Equity, Engagement, and Belonging webpage.

Terms of Employment
This is a full-time, administrative-exempt position. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur.

Standard work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. Regular and consistent attendance is required. This position may be eligible for occasional remote work once the incumbent is established in the role. Regular and consistent attendance is required. 

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $133,454.00 - $165,115.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $139,015.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. 

Physical Work Environment

This position works indoors in an office environment that requires visual concentration, dexterity, and precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions, and operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please Note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. 

Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. 

For roles in finance or those with cash handling requirements, the successful candidate must consent to and pass a credit check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the credit check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position. Must not be in default on any student loans.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.