Director - Applied AI Lab

The Director of the Applied AI Lab will lead the development and implementation of AI solutions to address local business challenges, provide workforce training, and support AI strategy at WCTC. This one-of-a-kind role involves collaborating with various industry partners and community stakeholders to create innovative AI programs and services that support local and regional economic development. The Director of the Applied AI Lab is WCTC's primary point of contact for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking AI expertise to help them reach their goals. With increasing demand for AI skills and expertise, this role has limitless opportunities to grow the Applied AI Lab and make a big impact on the business community in Southeast Wisconsin!

Background on AI at WCTC and the Applied AI Lab:
WCTC opened a first of its kind Applied AI Lab in Fall 2024 to serve businesses, entrepreneurs, and the workforce. In its first 6 months of operation, the lab hosted numerous AI workshops, delivered customized training and technical assistance to small and large companies, and hosted a variety of industry events. Demand continues to grow for AI expertise in this region and WCTC wants to be the leader helping our business community thrive. The WCTC Foundation is in the midst of a $6 million capital campaign to add a second floor onto the lab due to current growth needs.

Through a formal partnership with gener8tor, a leading accelerator firm, the Applied AI Lab hosts AI-specific accelerators for AI entrepreneurs and startups. This also includes hosting startup showcases, classes and lunch-n-learns for entrepreneurs, mentorship, business coaching, and more.

In addition to the Applied AI Lab, WCTC has a growing portfolio of AI academic programs from certificates to associate degree programs. WCTC was the first college in Wisconsin to offer an AI degree at the undergraduate level - our AI Data Specialist associate degree - which includes courses like Industrial Data Acquisition, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Big Data Engineering. More programs are currently under development with planned launches in Fall 2025 and 2026.

Bottom line: We are just getting started!

The annual salary for this position starts at $120k+.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.

1. Leadership and Strategy: Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Applied AI Lab, aligning with the college's mission and goals. Lead the Applied AI Lab's initiatives to enhance AI capabilities and drive innovation. Work with leadership to shape the future of AI in higher education.
2. Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Applied AI Lab, under direction of the Chief of Staff, including establishing and meeting key performance indicators. Ensure the lab's activities align with the college's long-term aims and objectives.
3. Business Services: Work alongside businesses and entrepreneurs inside the AI incubator and innovation center to lend AI expertise, refer them to AI resources, and partner with external organizations to help them reach their goals.
4. Training and Program Development: Design and implement AI training programs and services tailored to the needs of businesses and customers. Assess the feasibility of providing AI solutions and prioritize the development of programs to address business needs. Provide successful delivery of open enrollment workshops, customized contract training, and technical assistance.
5. Collaboration and Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, startups, industry partners, and other higher education institutions. Foster collaborations to support AI projects, workforce training, and student internship opportunities.
6. AI Technology: Leverage the Applied AI Lab's custom-built AI inferencing server for AI solutions and research for client's with data and processing needs and student projects. Create custom training solutions leveraging this cutting edge technology to help train the workforce in critical AI skills.
7. Research and Innovation: Stay updated on the latest developments in AI technology and research. Collaborate with faculty and staff to support WCTC's AI Enterprise Strategy.
8. Community Engagement: Represent the college at various events, conferences, and meetings related to AI and other initiatives. Promote the lab's programs and services to diverse audiences through engaging presentations and marketing materials.
9. Continuous Learning: Pursue ongoing professional development, maintain occupational competency, and ensure knowledge of current laws and regulations related to the profession(s) in which instruction is provided.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Effective interpersonal communication skills - oral, written, active listening, and non-verbal cues.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.
• Strong customer service skills which includes working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage time, organize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively integrate technology into instructional delivery and assessment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal (staff, management, personnel) and external contacts (employers, clients, and vendors).
• Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work and/or the improvement of processes and/or systems.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and/or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing priorities.
• Intermediate level of proficiency with computer software applications such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation programs. Knowledge of and familiarity with video-conferencing and technologies associated with adult-centric teaching and learning, as well as within specific programmatic disciplines, which may include web technologies, operating systems, online program tracking platforms, social media platforms, mobile technology tools, and/or AV/multimedia applications and equipment.

• Bachelor's Degree; with 7+ years' experience in AI, machine learning, data/data analytics/data science, computer science, or software development -OR- Master's Degree preferred and 5+ years' experience in the above.
• Proven experience in leading AI projects and initiatives, product development, and/or automation, preferably in a business setting.
• Proven experience working with at least one type of machine learning such as predictive analytics, computer vision, natural language processing, deep learning.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning, and data analytics.
• Experience working with high-powered computing such as edge computing, AI inferencing servers, or supercomputers.

Application Details:

All applicants (both internal and external) must submit a completed application along with the following attachments in order to be considered:

1. Current resume/CV
2. Cover letter