Job Description

About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Shape the Future of AI, Data, and Research at One of America’s Most Beautiful Campuses

Join the University of South Carolina in Columbia, the vibrant capital city of one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. As we revolutionize our digital landscape, we are seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as our Assistant Vice President for Enterprise AI, Data, and Research Computing Services. Help us transform South Carolina’s flagship campus into a nationally recognized hub for cutting-edge innovation, research, and data-driven excellence.

In this high-impact, on-site leadership role, you will play a pivotal part in defining and executing the university’s enterprise-wide vision for artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and high-performance research computing. Your work will directly influence the academic, research, and administrative success of a dynamic R1 institution.

Why Join Us?
Be a strategic enabler of transformation at a university ranked #1 for first-year student experience.
Build and lead a team of high-performing professionals and drive institution-wide impact across AI, data governance, and research computing.
Collaborate with forward-thinking leaders who prioritize innovation, data-informed decision-making, and service excellence.
Work in a vibrant urban setting, with access to Columbia’s cultural and culinary scenes, while enjoying the beauty of our historic campus.

In This Role, You Will:
Lead and manage enterprise AI, data, and research computing strategies, aligning with institutional priorities and academic goals.
Champion ethical, secure, and scalable AI and analytics practices, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible innovation.
Oversee and grow research computing infrastructure that supports complex, interdisciplinary research at scale.
Serve as a key advisor and thought leader, representing USC in national and industry collaborations.
Build an inclusive, service-oriented culture that empowers students, faculty, and staff through digital transformation.

We’re Looking for a Leader Who:
Has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing enterprise AI or data analytics initiatives.
Possesses deep experience in research computing, data strategy, and AI/ML applications.
Demonstrates a commitment to data ethics, privacy, and governance in a complex institutional environment.
Brings strategic vision and operational excellence to IT service delivery.
Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative culture where curiosity and innovation are valued.

The AVP for Enterprise AI, Data, and Research Computing Services Is an on-site role in downtown Columbia, SC.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and at least 10 years of job-related experience, including some prior management experience. Typically reports to an Associate VP or VP.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in data analytics or AI, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven success in leading enterprise-scale AI or analytics initiatives.
Experience in higher education or research-intensive environments.
Familiarity with academic governance and institutional data systems.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Cross-Functional Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement – Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate across academic, research, and administrative units to drive innovation and institutional effectiveness.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expertise – Demonstrated ability to design and apply AI/ML solutions, such as natural language processing and predictive analytics, to improve academic, research, and operational outcomes.
Strategic Leadership in Data and Digital Transformation – Proven skill in developing and executing enterprise-level strategies that align AI, data analytics, and research computing with institutional priorities.
Research Computing and Infrastructure Oversight – Comprehensive understanding of high-performance computing and cloud-based platforms to support and scale data-intensive research initiatives.
Data Governance and Ethical Technology Use – Expertise in implementing data privacy, compliance, and ethical standards to ensure responsible AI and analytics practices across the university.
Excellent Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities – Skilled in identifying challenges, evaluating solutions, and making data-driven decisions to enhance IT service delivery and operations.
Data-Driven Mindset with Strong Analytical Skills – Proficiency in leveraging data and performance metrics to assess IT service effectiveness, drive continuous improvement, and align with institutional goals.
Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities in a Dynamic IT Environment – Skilled in balancing competing demands, meeting deadlines, and adapting to evolving institutional and technological needs.
Strategic Planning and Technology Governance – Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and managing integrated IT processes, such as AI lifecycle management, data governance, and research computing support, to align enterprise technology initiatives with institutional priorities.
Experience in Organizational Change and Team Development – Proven ability to lead change initiatives, mentor staff, and cultivate high-performing teams that align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
Commitment to Service Excellence and Customer Engagement – Focus on enhancing the user experience through effective IT support strategies, accessibility initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts that drive customer satisfaction.

Job Duties
Job Duty
Senior Level Leadership
Lead and supervise departmental staff, ensuring alignment with the division’s strategic plan initiatives through proactive management and collaboration. Manage the departmental budget in strict alignment with divisional budgetary expectations and master planning, while adhering to all financial, human resources, and administrative policies and procedures. Maintain an on-campus presence to foster a cohesive team environment and ensure the successful execution of both departmental and divisional goals. Promote a USC-focused workforce by minimizing outsourcing and actively engaging in budgetary and annual planning to support internal development and growth.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Oversight of AI, Data, and Research Technology Programs
This position is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and governance of advanced analytics platforms, AI tools, and research computing environments. The AVP ensures that systems supporting machine learning, predictive modeling, and natural language processing are scalable, secure, and accessible to stakeholders across academic, administrative, and research domains. The role requires close coordination with IT, the Office of Research, and faculty to ensure that infrastructure investments meet the evolving needs of data-intensive projects and research innovation. The AVP also leads efforts to continuously evaluate and improve technologies and processes, fostering an agile environment that supports experimentation and discovery.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Data Ethics, Compliance, and Responsible Innovation
The AVP leads the development and enforcement of data governance policies and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible use of institutional data and AI applications. This includes ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, as well as industry best practices related to data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and cybersecurity. The AVP plays a critical role in institutional conversations about the implications of emerging technologies and promotes transparency, accountability, and equity in their application. By establishing clear ethical guidelines and risk mitigation strategies, the AVP helps safeguard the university’s reputation and builds trust among stakeholders.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Cross-Functional Team Leadership and External Engagement
The AVP leads a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, engineers, analysts, and research computing professionals, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The role includes cultivating internal partnerships with faculty, deans, IT leadership, and administrative units to identify high-impact projects and drive data-informed decision-making across campus. Externally, the AVP represents the university in AI and data science consortia, national research initiatives, and industry collaborations, elevating the institution’s profile and securing opportunities for funding, shared resources, and thought leadership. The AVP also champions data literacy and professional development by initiating workshops, training programs, and campus-wide engagement strategies.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Integration and Advancement of AI, Data, and Research Computing Ecosystems
The AVP is responsible for unifying and advancing the university’s enterprise AI, data analytics, governance, and research computing strategies to support the complex needs of an R1 institution. This includes aligning enterprise data assets, AI capabilities, and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure to enable scalable, secure, and ethical innovation across research, teaching, and administrative operations. The AVP collaborates with academic and research leadership to ensure computing resources and data platforms are optimized for grant-funded initiatives, interdisciplinary projects, and emerging fields such as computational social science and digital humanities. By integrating governance frameworks with cutting-edge technology, the AVP ensures that faculty, researchers, and administrators have access to reliable, ethically managed, and high-impact data tools that drive discovery, insight, and institutional excellence.