University of North Carolina to appoint first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer as sector formalizes AI leadership

The UNC System Office has opened applications for a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer to oversee system-wide AI strategy across 17 campuses, following a wider trend of U.S. universities embedding senior AI roles.

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Office has announced it is hiring a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) to provide strategic vision, executive leadership, and operational oversight for AI integration across the 17-campus system.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the CAIO will be responsible for identifying, planning, and implementing system-wide AI initiatives. The role is designed to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce operational costs, improve educational outcomes, and support institutional missions across the UNC system.

The position will also act as a convenor of campus-level AI leads, data officers, and academic innovators, with a brief to ensure coherent strategies, shared best practices, and scalable implementations. According to the job description, the role requires coordination and diplomacy across diverse institutions to embed consistent policies and approaches to AI.

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus system. Nearly 250,000 students are enrolled across 16 universities and the NC School of Science and Mathematics.

System Office staff are tasked with executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing university-wide leadership in academic affairs, financial management, planning, student affairs, and government relations. The office also has oversight of affiliates including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

The new CAIO will work under a hybrid arrangement, with at least three days per week onsite at the Dillon Building in downtown Raleigh.

UNC’s move to appoint a CAIO reflects a growing trend of U.S. universities formalizing AI integration strategies at the leadership level. Last month, Rice University launched a search for an Assistant Director for AI and Education, tasked with leading faculty-focused innovation pilots and embedding responsible AI into classroom practice.

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