AI and Automation Project Director

Work Arrangement: Requisition Number: 260113 Regular or Temporary: Regular Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: UNIVERSITY Date: Aug 6, 2025 Duke University: Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Finance and Administration  is seeking a  Director of AI and Automation Project Management  to lead a transformative initiative deploying AI and automation across Duke’s academic and administrative units. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—partnering with developers, faculty, and administrators to bring strategic AI projects to life.

You’ll guide project planning, execution, and evaluation, ensuring each initiative aligns with Duke’s mission and delivers measurable impact. From managing budgets and timelines to facilitating cross-functional collaboration, you’ll be the driving force behind sustainable AI integration at Duke. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, software development, or project management

4+ years of experience leading full-cycle technical projects, including enterprise software development

2+ years of experience in AI, IT, or higher education environments

Experience with application security models and data architecture design

Familiarity with project management software and methodologies Preferred Qualifications: Experience with multiple AI tools in professional settings

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to translate customer needs into actionable technical requirements

Prior experience working in a university setting Other Requirements: This position is  Onsite  at Duke University

Occasional travel may be required for project coordination and stakeholder engagement

Must comply with Duke’s IT security and data protection policies Be Bold. Lead  the evaluation, planning, and execution of AI and automation projects across Duke units

Develop  formal project plans with timelines, testing phases, and post-launch support strategies

Coordinate  cross-functional teams to translate academic and administrative needs into actionable milestones

Manage  budgets, reporting, and communications with internal leadership and external funding agencies

Facilitate  training, deployment, and adoption of AI tools to ensure long-term success Choose Duke.

Duke University is a leader in academic excellence and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of AI and automation in higher education, working within a collaborative and mission-driven environment. You’ll be part of a team that values creativity, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership.

Located in Durham, NC, Duke offers access to cutting-edge research, a vibrant campus culture, and a competitive benefits package. Join us in building smarter, more efficient systems that support the university’s goals and enhance the experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Job Code: 00003791 PROJECT LEADER, SYSTEMS Job Level: 15 Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression,gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodationwill be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh