Job Abstract

Department

Princeton AI Lab

Category

Academic Administration

Job Type

Full-Time

The Princeton Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (AI Lab), a newly established administrative support structure, seeks an Executive Director (ED) to advance its mission of facilitating new AI research initiatives at Princeton. The AI Lab aims to be agile, enabling it to seize new opportunities and adapt to future advancements in AI. It will provide essential administrative support for high-impact research projects that will transform research and applications at Princeton and beyond.

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for supporting the Director by executing policies and implementing the strategic direction of the AI Lab. The candidate must have the capacity to help envision and develop new programming, coordinate new interdisciplinary initiatives, and establish and manage marketing and branding strategies. The ED will develop and manage the initiative's budget in coordination with the Director, oversee grant proposal production, and handle day-to-day operations. Responsibilities also include cultivating research collaborations, managing communications, representing the Director at meetings and public events, and overseeing reporting for both University and external stakeholders.

The ED will supervise program managers of new AI core initiatives and programs, and will oversee the functional areas of budget management; facilities and operations; staff supervision and performance management; and policy and compliance. The Executive Director reports directly to the AI Lab Director, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Director of Academic Administration.

Strategic Leadership: The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the AI Lab, establishing it as a central support structure for AI research at Princeton. Working closely with the Director, the ED will assist in developing organizational strategies, facilitating research priorities, and fostering partnerships both on and off campus.

Staff supervision: The Executive Director oversees the recruitment, performance evaluations, merit increase processes, and terminations of staff, including AI Lab personnel, program managers for core AI initiatives, short-term professionals, casual hourly employees, and student workers.

Research and Events: The Executive Director oversees the planning, coordination, organization, and execution of high-profile events, including lecture series, symposia, seminars, and colloquia.

Budget and financial management: The Executive Director will develop the administrative budget for the AI Lab in collaboration with the Director. The ED is responsible for the careful and appropriate allocation of operational funds, endowed or restricted funds, and grants or sponsored research. The ED will monitor spending, provide regular and timely financial analysis and projections to the Director, and establish internal controls for relevant staff members.

Communications: The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the communication efforts of the AI Lab and its associated initiatives. This includes ensuring the execution of comprehensive communication strategies to effectively promote the Lab's mission, research, and events to both internal and external audiences.

Facilities/Events Management: The Executive Director manages office moves, renovations, and repairs, ensuring efficient use of space and resources. This includes overseeing space assignments and coordinating the purchase of department furniture and equipment.

Essential Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, plus at least 7 years of work experience.

- Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and communications skills.
- Ability to effectively manage the resources of the department: experience in budget management, oversight of financial operations.
- High level of emotional intelligence, sound judgment and strategic agility in dynamic environments.
- Supervisory experience and ability to coach and mentor staff; values importance of diversity and inclusion
- Strong organizational and management skills; demonstrated project planning skills; ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
- Strong personal initiative; self-motivated and self-directed; unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and discretion; appreciation for the values of higher education and sensitivity to the nuances of academic culture.
- Ability to work with confidential information and manage sensitive data with the utmost integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

- Advanced degree (i.e. Masters or PhD) in related field
- Academic program creation background
- Project management experience
- Experience in facilities management

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS