Program Manager of Strategic Initiatives

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Artificial Intelligence lab (AI lab) within Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan is one of the nation's top ten AI labs. The AI lab advances the work of its more than 25 faculty members by creating a welcoming and supportive research community, providing engagement with collaborative strategic initiatives, and supporting education and training of its 100+ affiliated PhD students. The manager for strategic initiatives in AI is responsible for identifying, developing, managing, and evaluating a portfolio of signature projects and research interests focused on key areas of our members' research including: machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and decision making. This will involve coordinating closely with the Office of Tech Transfer and faculty members in the AI lab. The Manager for Strategic Initiatives reports to the Director of the AI lab.

Planning and Development (50%)

• Partner with AI leadership in planning, implementing, managing and evaluating a portfolio of signature initiatives that advance the mission and vision of the AI lab, taking projects from original concept through completion
• Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations, both within and outside of the University, to help advance and enhance this work.
• Cultivate cross-campus relationships and serve as a primary point of contact for faculty members leading existing projects, or seeking to launch an AI signature research initiative
• Develop and implementation of communication strategies and events that highlight the AI lab achievements and impact

Administrative (30%)

• Prepare project proposals and presentations for leadership
• Work closely with administrative staff within the AI lab and across CSE to help oversee the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of PhD training program (e.g., help with AI admissions, AI graduate student review)
• Manage or oversee multiple cross-functional initiatives, programs, budgets and/or teams at various stages of development. Ensure that programs are resourced to deliver high quality results on time and within budget.

Outreach (20%)

• Lead outreach initiatives across the spectrum, reaching out to industry, community, and education partners

• Bachelor degree, ideally in CS or SI with specialization in AI
• 2-3 years considerable professional experience with reasonable prior management, supervisory or team leader experience is required
• Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to take initiative, be a model of professionalism, have a positive "can do" attitude, and act with high integrity

• A MS or PhD in AI or a related field
• Prior experience working in an academic research setting