Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Location Norfolk, VA Job Summary The Assistant Vice President for Research and AI Enablement provides strategic and operational leadership for the environments, platforms, and capabilities that enable, power, and operationalize the university’s research ecosystem through AI, research computing, and integrated digital capabilities. Positioned within Digital Innovation, this role is uniquely designed to bridge research, teaching and learning, and operational innovation. It focuses on building and operating scalable, secure, and high-performance environments that support research, while translating those capabilities into broader institutional impact through instructional innovation and operational applications. The AVP plays a critical role in connecting AI, research computing, and digital product development to enable new models of discovery, learning, and execution. By integrating these domains, the role helps translate research capabilities into applied solutions that support academic programs, institutional operations, and external partnerships. The AVP serves as a key institutional connector, working closely with researchers, academic leadership, the University Information Security Office ( UISO ), and other stakeholders to ensure that research and innovation environments are aligned, secure, and responsive to evolving needs. The role also connects research, AI, and applied innovation through MonarchSphere, enabling the translation of research into scalable solutions, pilots, and real-world outcomes. Position Type FullTime Type of Recruitment General Public Minimum Qualifications PhD in a relevant field (e.g., data science, information systems, educational technology, or related discipline) Comprehensive experience in research, including participation in or support of externally funded research initiatives Significant leadership experience in digital innovation, research computing, or technology-enabled research environments Considerable direct experience with research computing environments, cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS ), and high-performance computing Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in research contexts Demonstrated ability to lead across research, academic, and operational domains Proven ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, faculty, and institutional stakeholders Statement of Economic Interests This position is required to complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interest upon hire in accordance with the Code of Virginia. Sensitive Positions This position is designated as sensitive. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the final candidate. Salary range for this position is $200,000 – $230,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications. Preferred Qualifications Considerable experience in higher education or research-intensive institutions Considerable experience supporting interdisciplinary and data-intensive research initiative Familiarity with research funding landscapes and grant development processes Considerable experience aligning technology initiatives with instructional and research standards Conditions of Employment This is a hybrid position, requiring a traditional 40-hour work week. Computer equipment will be supplied for remote work; high-speed internet is the responsibility of the employee. The equipment provided to staff with approved telework agreements enables them to deliver vital services to University faculty, staff, and students from remote locations. Many of our operations can and should continue as usual, even when the main physical campus is closed. Therefore, all division employees with an approved telework agreement are generally expected to work during official University closures. Job Open Date 10/28/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Application Review Date 11/04/2026 Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required Please include a resume and cover letter with the completed application. Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check. Department Information Equity Statement It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable Accommodation Request If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. ODU Statement Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.