Rice University creates new leadership role to support responsible AI use in teaching and learning

Rice is hiring an Assistant Director for AI and Education to lead faculty-focused innovation pilots and embed responsible AI into classroom practice as universities increasingly formalize AI integration strategies.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, Rice University is hiring an Assistant Director for AI and Education to guide faculty on how best to integrate the technology into teaching and learning. The newly created position reflects the university’s broader strategic focus on “responsible AI,” a priority set out in its 2024 institutional plan.

AI integration at the center of new Rice University role

The new position was shared on LinkedIn by Jennifer Shade Wilson, Director of the Program in Writing and Communication at Rice University. The post highlights the university’s focus on supporting AI use in pedagogy, noting the role will help staff explore how AI intersects with teaching strategy, experimentation, and institutional values.

According to Wilson’s LinkedIn post, “One of the tenets of Rice's strategic plan adopted in Fall 2024 is 'responsible AI,' and this position will help support that work on the teaching side of the university.”

The job listing states the Assistant Director will report to the Associate Provost for Digital Learning and Strategy and will work across departments to identify promising use cases, lead faculty innovation pilot programs, and oversee communications related to AI-in-education initiatives.

“Reporting to the Associate Provost for Digital Learning and Strategy, this role will co-design and manage faculty-focused innovation pilot programs, lead communications related to Rice’s AI-in-education initiatives, and build a culture of experimentation around AI-powered pedagogy,” the job post reads.

The role also includes collaboration with internal partners, such as the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Transformational Technology and Innovation unit. The goal is to align pilot projects with Rice’s long-term academic goals and its commitment to experimentation in teaching.

Expectations and candidate profile

The university is seeking a candidate with strong familiarity in instructional design, generative AI tools, and strategic faculty engagement. The ideal applicant should be comfortable working across academic and technical teams, facilitating partnerships, and leading innovation efforts.

“The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and empathetic collaborator who thrives at the intersection of educational innovation, emerging technology, and faculty engagement,” the job post notes.

Applicants must have at least four years of professional experience in fields such as academic innovation or instructional design. A hybrid working arrangement is offered, with an annual salary range of $96,000–$106,000.

Rice Digital Learning, the team overseeing the position, is responsible for expanding access to Rice’s academic programs through flexible digital education. It partners with faculty to create online and hybrid learning opportunities.

The appointment is one of many recent developments in U.S. higher education aimed at supporting faculty with the growing demands of AI literacy and application.