Operations Innovation Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

SUMMARY: This role is strategic yet hands-on, combining innovative leadership with practical implementation. The AI Innovation Manager will manage AI processes and lead the identification, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across academic and administrative units. This role partners with faculty and staff to drive responsible, high-impact AI adoption aligned with institutional policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Develop and execute a university-wide AI innovation strategy and roadmap; aligned with institutional goals for research excellence, student success, and operational efficiency.

2. Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging AI tools and technologies (e.g., generative AI for curriculum design, research automation, administrative workflows, student advising, and personalized learning).

3. Collaborate with faculty, researchers, IT teams, and department leaders to integrate AI into academic programs, research projects, and campus operations.

4. Manage AI pilots and proof-of-concept projects, including budgeting, timelines, risk assessment, and success metrics.

5. Promote responsible and ethical AI use, including governance, bias mitigation, data privacy (FERPA, GDPR), and compliance with university policies and California regulations.

6. Design and deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to build AI literacy among faculty, staff, and students.

7. Track AI trends, emerging technologies, best practices in higher education, and provide strategic recommendations.

8. Identify and prioritize AI use cases across the campus while collaborating with other ITS staff to implement scalable AI solutions.

9. Partner with faculty and staff to support AI-enabled teaching, research, and operational needs to improve efficiency and user experience.

10. Work with others to establish AI governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks to promote AI literacy across campus through workshops and training.

11. Assist with AI technology standards, processes and evaluate and manage AI vendors, tools, and processes.

12. Participate in planning activities with other areas of ITS and lead AI development of agents/bots across campus.

13. Maintain thorough documentation of systems for all applications and processes while staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends to improve access to information and services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervise employees and student workers. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Interview and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve issues.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to live and uphold the University's Christ-centered mission and values.
• Experience in AI/ML project management, agent/bot creation, innovation management, or technology strategy roles (higher education, research, or tech industry experience strongly preferred).
• Deep knowledge of AI technologies, including generative AI, machine learning, large language models, and responsible AI practices.
• Proven success leading cross-functional projects and driving technology adoption.
• Strong understanding of higher education environments, including research, teaching, and academic governance.
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with data privacy laws (FERPA, etc.) and ethical AI frameworks.
• Experience in higher education and related ERP/SIS systems such as Banner, Salesforce and Canvas.
• Familiarity with generative AI, LLMs, and academic technology ecosystems.
• Experience developing training programs or faculty development initiatives.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations.
• Ability to simultaneously coordinate and complete multiple projects.
• Maintain a long-term, big picture view; foresee obstacles, risks and opportunities.
• Ability to supervise and train employees.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse faculty, staff and student body.
• Ability to perform thorough research to propose alternatives and options.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to present information effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions.
• Ability to direct and work closely with vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required in the areas of Computer Science, Computer Information System, Data Science or related field; Master’s degree preferred. 3-5+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, data analytics, digital innovation AI/ML project management, agent/bot creation, innovation management, or technology strategy roles (higher education, research, or tech industry experience strongly preferred). Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects. Strong understanding of AI ethics, data governance, and privacy considerations. Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder‐management skills.