Director, Center for Applied AI

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Department Booth Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence About the Department The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges. Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment. Chicago Booth is proud to claim: -an unmatched faculty. -degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents. -a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni. -strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities. As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/. Job Summary The Center Director is the executive and administrative leader of the research at the Center for Applied AI (CAAI). They are a key participant in the strategic direction of the Center and one of the main representatives of the Center, along with the Faculty Director, among all its constituencies. The Director ensures that the Center’s supportive and productive culture leads to sustained excellence across all pillars of activity and, with direction from the Faculty Director, drives the ultimate success of the Center’s responsibilities. Responsibilities Contributes to the strategic plan and vision with CAAI Faculty Director. Executes vision and mission of the Center. Recruits, mentors, and supervises CAAI staff. Identifies opportunities to support research and education through partnerships with academic, industry, and governmental organizations. Provides direction, oversight, and feedback on programming, communication, operations, and lab activities. Cultivates excellence in the Center’s services for researchers, students, and alumni. Leads fundraising efforts and stewardship activities in partnership with the CAAI Faculty Director and internal stakeholders. Manages budget and financial reporting responsibilities for all Center activities. Builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders across academia and industry. Ensures responsible data governance and security of Center-housed datasets. Represents the Center at academic, industry, and other professional events. Provides leadership for a Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University. Manages related teams. Establishes department priorities, may be responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in business, economics, data science or related field. Experience: Volunteer experience, entrepreneur experience, or other experience working in areas related to the mission of the Center. Demonstrated understanding of data science and AI as they relate to business. Professional training in business, non-profit management, or economic policy. Preferred Competencies Strong communication skills including coaching, facilitating, negotiating and effective written communications skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple constituencies in a sometimes ambiguous and fast-paced environment. Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills. Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes. Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills. Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, such as in-person, email, and phone. Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach. Working Conditions This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, South Bend , Director, Center for Applied AI, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Indiana