• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Building: PH-20
• Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000

Position Summary

The Columbia University Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director of AI Initiatives to support the Department Chair. This critical role will provide both strategic and tactical support to ensure the successful, efficient, and effective operation of DBMI in leading departmental, school-wide, and university-wide initiatives. The Executive Director of AI Initiatives will serve as a trusted advisor to the Department Chair, bridging high-level strategy with day-to-day operations, and contributing to the overall success of DBMI’s projects and initiatives.

DBMI’s mission is to train the next generation of informatics leaders and to drive pioneering research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), human-centered AI, and informatics, while fostering innovation in patient care and advancing biomedical knowledge. To achieve this mission,
DBMI leads several initiatives across the department, the school, and university. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, be passionate about our mission, and possess a deep understanding of the transformative potential of AI in health and biomedicine.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Department Chair, providing support with planning, long-term goal setting, identifying key issues and opportunities, and advising on potential course of action.
• Develop and implement procedures and best practices to ensure the success of DBMI’s projects and initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between DBMI and other university offices, stakeholders, and external partners, promoting collaboration and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Represent the Department Chair in meetings and on committees as needed.
• Manage DBMI-led projects and initiatives that require cross-functional coordination, ensuring alignment with DBMI’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Prepare documents, reports, and presentations to support departmental projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Departmental Administrator, Director of Communications, and other staff to maintain smooth operation of departmental activities.
• Organize and follow up on meetings to ensure action items are completed and goals are met.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience plus five years of related experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in an academic research setting or in a field involving AI strategic planning.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and operational oversight.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision making.
• Excellent organizational skills in a highly dynamic, deadline driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and external partners from research and industry.
• Proven problem-solving skills, and proactive work ethics with the ability to navigate complex situations with tact and diplomacy.
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, and integrity in handling sensitive matters.
• Proficiency with modern communication platforms and tools, including AI tools like Chat GPT.
• In-depth understanding of the value and potential of AI to drive innovation in patient care and advance biomedical knowledge.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.