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Job Description Summary

The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the part-time Academic Director for our new master’s program in AI Strategy and Innovation, which will begin in Fall 2025. This leadership role will ensure that this new program achieves sustained academic excellence and strong marketplace relevance to provide high value to our students. To optimize our work and the experiences of our students, staff and faculty, we seek to hire academic leaders who are committed to inclusive practices that value the backgrounds, experiences, and voices of all of our community members. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive and equitable environment for all given our commitment to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. The Academic Director is a faculty leader integral responsible for program oversight, continuous improvement of curriculum, student mentoring and guidance, advisory board leadership, faculty coordination, and support of curriculum-related aspects of the accreditation review process.

Job Description

An ideal candidate will have

• earned master’s degree in business, technology, computer science, or a related field 

• significant experience leading and coordinating artificial intelligence efforts in a professional setting

• evidence of effective graduate-level, online course development and teaching experience

This is a part-time faculty professor of the practice position (non-tenure track) located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Preference is given to candidates based in Charlotte. However, remote work arrangements with regular travel to Charlotte may be considered. Faculty rank and compensation is commensurate with professional experience and academic background.

Job Role

Wake Forest University has a strong sense of community with faculty and staff who are dedicated to the mission of educating the whole person. SPS focuses on accelerating the professional growth of adult students in the Charlotte community and beyond by providing accessible, flexible, affordable, and leading-edge educational experiences by leveraging our academic areas of excellence and external strategic partnerships.

The SPS’s innovative online Master of AI Strategy and Innovation (MAISI) focuses on AI technologies, systems, and leadership skills necessary to drive AI initiatives in complex organizational environments. Students will engage with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, exposing them to machine learning, deep learning, and AI implementation. At the same time, they will develop a strong foundation in ethical considerations, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional leadership, enabling them to navigate the evolving AI landscape with proficiency and visionary insight. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not only adept at deploying AI systems but are also prepared to lead ethically and strategically in a rapidly transforming world.

The Academic Director plays an influential role in developing a culture of innovation, equity, and collaboration that centers on the success of our students and community partners. As a key subject-matter expert, the Academic Director nurtures close connections to industry and community/professional organizations and possesses a deep understanding of best and emerging practices in the field.

SPS faculty consists of a combination of practitioner-scholars from industry and affiliated professors who serve as faculty members in other academic units of the university. The program faculty collaborate to provide a relevant and engaged learning experience to students and are deeply connected to the practice of their profession. The successful candidate will possess relevant experience in professional settings in order to lead this faculty team and continually evolve the MAISI program to ensure program leadership in the marketplace, high student engagement and outcomes, and impactful mentoring by professional experts.

In support of the SPS goals to provide industry-relevant and cutting-edge academic programs, the Academic Director will be expected to establish and lead a Program Advisory Board made up of industry experts who will assist in the ongoing stewardship of the program and provide mentoring to students. Collaborating closely with SPS staff and the Program Advisory Board, the Academic Director will routinely monitor program outcomes and seek input from students, faculty, and external stakeholders to continuously enhance the program and its impact.

The Academic Director should also be a dynamic leader and impactful mentor who is deeply committed to adult learning. Preferred candidates will possess a graduate degree in risk management or a related field. Ideal candidates will also possess a minimum of five years experience working leading in AI strategy and organizational innovation in a professional setting.

Additional Job Description

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. Founded in 1834, the University is ranked among the top thirty national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. With other 5,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the work. Click here for quick facts about the University

The School of Professional Studies

The School of Professional Studies (SPS) is the newest school of Wake Forest University. SPS houses innovative graduate degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, as well as relevant Executive Education courses, for working professionals. SPS is focused on developing accessible and market-relevant programs that build upon Wake Forest’s current areas of strength as well as delivering future professional development education that is essential to the growing economy of Charlotte, where the School is located, and the surrounding region. SPS is at the frontier of what’s next for Wake Forest University as the university boldly expands into Charlotte with the construction of an Innovation District in partnership with Atrium Health. SPS is an exciting strategic initiative for the university benefiting from strong support from the university community, including administration and trustees, and the business and civic leaders of Charlotte. 

SPS has a vision to develop a new kind of leader. It helps working professionals rise to the challenges of today’s dynamic job market by teaching in-demand skills and awarding sought-after credentials. The School empowers its students to adapt, grow, and excel, shaping them into leaders who will guide businesses into the future with integrity. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPS offers fully online programs students can complete from anywhere, as well as opportunities to network, learn, and connect in person. Learn more about the School of Professional Studies online at https://sps.wfu.edu.

Charlotte, North Carolina

The fifth fastest growing city in the U.S., Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina, with more than 874,000 residents. The city is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Charlotte metropolitan area, especially in the financial sector. It is the second largest financial banking center in the U.S. after New York City. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Charlotte is one of the nation’s top cities expected to experience continued economic growth, particularly for start-ups. 

Charlotte has opportunities and activities of a large city with the welcoming community of a small town. Great school systems, a variety of parks and outdoor venues, eclectic food scene, wonderful museums, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment venues make this city one to enjoy year around. Business Insider ranked the city 14th in its list of 50 Best Places to Live in America. 

Like many great cities, Charlotte has attracted people from across the world who now call it home. The different ethnicities, ages, and religions found within the city have enhanced Charlotte’s culture and sense of community.

Sports are plentiful in Charlotte. Whether cheering on the city’s pro football team, the Carolina Panthers; pro basketball team, the Charlotte Hornets; the major league soccer team, the Charlotte FC in its first season in Charlotte; the minor league baseball team, the Charlotte Knights, or the minor league hockey team, the Charlotte Checkers, this city offers plenty of game day excitement.

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Application Procedure

Required materials include a letter of application that addresses the academic and professional experience and statements of teaching philosophy and diversity, current curriculum vitae, recent course evaluation results (online, graduate-level courses preferred), and three references with full contact information including emails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant).  (Note: Formal transcripts will be required before a hiring offer can be made.)  

Benefit plan descriptions and details concerning eligibility and coverage are available online (https://hr.wfu.edu/benefits/).

In order to provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. 

Time Type Requirement

Part time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.  ​

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