Senior Academic Technology Specialist

Job Posting Title:

Senior Academic Technology Specialist

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Hiring Department:

Academic Technology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jul 01, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Purpose

The AI Academic Technology Specialist will lead a portfolio of work for the Office of Academic Technology (OAT) focused on advancing teaching and learning through generative AI applications on campus. The role will collaborate with key academic technology stakeholders to ensure UT Austin's generative AI applications, resources, and special initiatives align with campus-wide academic technology standards. Portfolio projects include leading the instructional design of UT Austin’s new AI Tutor. This role will be instrumental in designing, creating, deploying, and enhancing generative AI applications and digital tools to facilitate customized, interactive learning experiences that support the responsible use of AI in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Instructional/Application Design and Development: Lead the development and design of strategic generative AI initiatives to scale the adoption of effective academic technologies and amplify the teaching and learning mission of the University. Develop and refine business requirements in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Design and implement user testing protocols to gather feedback and drive continuous improvement. Ensure adherence to the Learning Technology Adoption Process (LTAP) and other academic technology guidelines.

• Project Management and Collaboration: Serve as the project lead for strategic academic technology initiatives related to advancing the effective use of generative AI for education, interfacing with business and technical sponsors, engineers, UI/UX designers, third-party vendors, users, and other Texas higher education institutions. Facilitate partnerships among all campus stakeholders to develop standards, guidance, policies, and research on the design and use of generative AI for teaching and learning.

• Faculty Training and Support: Develop resources and training materials to help stakeholders adopt and deploy generative AI tools, including UT Austin’s AI Tutor and other applications/initiatives. Lead workshops and training sessions for faculty, instructional staff, and other stakeholders.  Provide ongoing support to faculty/stakeholders in building and deploying generative AI-based academic technologies.  

• Research and Innovation: Stay current with advancements in generative AI, education, instructional design, and other related topics.  Explore and develop new AI applications and resources for academic use. Contribute to research on the impact and effectiveness of AI-driven instructional tools.

• Assessment and Evaluation: Develop a model for evaluating project and initiative outcomes. Analyze data, prepare and deliver report findings to stakeholders, and make recommendations for improvements.

• People and Initiatives Lead: Supervise OAT student employees. Lead other strategic academic technology initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, curriculum design, instructional design, instructional technology, computer science, or related field. 2+ years of experience with AI tools in education, custom GPTs, GPT tutors, or instructional design. Demonstrated understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and experience integrating educational technology tools into academic settings. Established ability to work and communicate with various unit stakeholders and contributors. Exceptional written and verbal communication. Excellent planning and organization skills. Strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to learn from mistakes, be responsive to leadership, troubleshooting, problem-solving, risk mitigation, and timely decision-making. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity. Ability to work independently and as a strong contributor to a team.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in education, curriculum design, instructional design, instructional technology, computer science, or related field. Experience deploying custom GPTs/GPT tutors in higher e