The Artificial Intelligence Director will provide leadership for COMPASS, a four-year initiative funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s FIPSE Special Projects program. The Director is responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the AI Division and for coordinating all project activities, including governance development, faculty and staff engagement, pilot projects, evaluation, reporting, and sustainability planning. This position serves as the primary institutional and federal point of contact for the grant and ensures alignment with Columbia State’s mission, policies, and institutional priorities.

This position will be primarily located on the Williamson, TN Campus.

Essential Functions

• Provide overall leadership and coordination for the COMPASS project and the AI Division
• Oversee development and implementation of AI governance structures, ethical-use frameworks, and institutional standards
• Chair and coordinate the AI Advisory Council, including agendas, documentation, and follow-up actions
• Supervise project personnel, including the AI Specialist and Faculty Leads
• Coordinate faculty-led pilot projects and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines
• Work closely with Institutional Research and the External Evaluator to support data collection, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement
• Ensure timely submission of all required federal reports, documentation, and deliverables
• Coordinate project activities across Academic Affairs, Student Services, Information Technology, and workforce partners
• Lead sustainability planning, including identification of funding options beyond the grant period
• Represent the project at institutional meetings, statewide convenings, and national conferences as appropriate
• Provide development, oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment, progression, retention and graduation growth for the service area.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience in higher education leadership, academic administration, or educational program management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects or grant-funded initiatives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Experience working across departments and with external partners
• Experience working with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in educational or organizational settings
• Prior experience managing federally funded grants
• Familiarity with community college environments and workforce focused programs

Working Conditions

• Normal sitting and movement in an office environment.
• Visual and hand usage of a computer.
• Travel to Columbia State centers and sites, business and industry locations, and other service area locations.
• Varied work hours, including days, evenings or weekends as needed to carry out duties.

Titles Supervised

AI Specialist

This position will be primarily located on the Williamson, TN Campus.

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.  

Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501