Executive Director, Kentucky Center for Digital Innovation

Department:

Research Development & Strategic Initiatives

Location:

Non-Campus Other

Time Type:

Full time

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Req ID:

R107472

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten (10) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 17 (Salaried)

Position Description:

The University of Louisville seeks a visionary and driven Director to lead the Kentucky Center for Digital Innovation. The Director will spearhead the Center’s mission to accelerate the adoption of AI and cybersecurity systems across Kentucky by attracting and integrating resources from higher education, government, and industry. This role will drive collaborative, multidisciplinary research, education, and workforce development through community engagement in AI and cybersecurity, positioning the Center as a self-sustaining regional and national leader. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: 

• Develop and implement the Center’s strategic plan, aligning with the mission to advance AI and cybersecurity through education, research, and collaboration. 

• Foster partnerships with state/federal agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to enhance the Center’s impact and funding opportunities. 

• Oversee the Center’s operations, including attracting and retaining top talent, budget management, grant acquisition, and resource allocation. 

• Secure diverse funding streams, including grants, contracts, and service revenue from public and private sector partnerships, to support the Center’s long-term sustainability. 

 

Research and Innovation: 

• Lead cutting-edge research in AI and cybersecurity. 

• Secure external funding (e.g., NSF, DoD, NSA, and industry grants) to support research initiatives and facility operations, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). 

• Publish findings in high-impact journals and represent the Center at national/international conferences. 

Education and Workforce Development: 

• Support academic units in the development of interdisciplinary degree programs, training initiatives, and educational efforts in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. 

• Collaborate with faculty to enhance curriculum and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. 

• Build workforce pipelines through partnerships with private business and government agencies, addressing Kentucky’s AI and cybersecurity talent needs. 

Security and Compliance: 

• Collaborate with Information Technology Services and the Office of Research and Innovation to ensure compliance with federal and industry cybersecurity standards (e.g., DFAR regulations, CMMC, NIST, ICD-705 for SCIF operations). 

• Oversee the security of Center facilities, data, and intellectual property, maintaining a culture of risk awareness. 

• Manage accreditation processes for secure research environments, if applicable. 

Community and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Provide cybersecurity services and training to state/local government and industry partners.   

• Provide AI business process, operations, and change management services and education to state/local government and industry partners.  

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Center, promoting its mission and achievements to stakeholders, media, and the public. 

• Build a regional AI and cybersecurity ecosystem by engaging with community organizations, higher education partners, K-12 schools, and policymakers. 

• Advocate for policies that enhance AI adoption and cybersecurity resilience in Kentucky and beyond.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. or terminal degree in computer science, electrical/computer engineering, or a related field (cybersecurity/AI). 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 7–10 years of leadership experience in AI and cybersecurity with some combination of experience in academia, government, and industry. 

• Proven track record of securing external funding (grants, contracts) and managing multidisciplinary teams. 

• Expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and related technologies. 

• Experience directing a research center or managing secure facilities (e.g., SCIFs). 

• Established network in cybersecurity and AI, including government agencies (e.g., DoD, DHS) or industry partners. 

• Record of peer-reviewed publications or