AI Innovation Specialist

Pay range: $75,000 - $85,000 30-40 hours/week with benefits-eligibility Organization Summary Founded in 2020, School of Government Services (SOG Services) is an associated entity of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a nonprofit organization, SOG Services supports the faculty and staff of the School of Government in advancing the School's mission to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. Through this work, SOG Services also supports the broader public service, educational, and research missions of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC System. Department Information The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), reporting directly to the President of the University, is responsible for overseeing internal and campus-focused operational priorities, including leadership and coordination of key teams such as Human Resources, IT, Enterprise Data, Project Management, Advancement Shared Services, HR Shared Services, Workforce Policy, and Operational Strategy. These divisions support both the UNC System Office’s internal operations and provide strategic leadership across campus. The COO’s office advises the President, fosters relationships on his behalf, and engages with Chancellors to further the President’s strategic priorities, ensuring alignment between operational practices and institutional goals while driving efficiency and innovation throughout the University. Position Summary The AI Innovation Specialist serves as an internal consultant and strategic partner to University of North Carolina System Office (UNCSO) divisions, helping teams identify opportunities to improve business processes, enhance services, and increase operational effectiveness through the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Working collaboratively across Finance, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Legal, Communications, Information Technology, and other System Office units, this position facilitates the evaluation, design, implementation, and adoption of AI-enabled solutions that support institutional priorities while ensuring alignment with governance, security, privacy, and ethical standards. The position combines business analysis, project coordination, process improvement, change management, and emerging AI technologies to help internal teams solve business challenges and improve organizational effectiveness. Schedule and Work Location Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Location: This position is a hybrid work arrangement and will work at least three days per week onsite at the Dillon building in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District. Work Arrangement: ☐ In-Person ☒ Hybrid ☐ Remote Note: Remote and hybrid work arrangements may be reviewed annually and are subject to change based on business need. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Internal Partnership and Consulting (20% of time): Serve as a trusted advisor to UNCSO departments to identify opportunities where AI can improve efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making. Facilitate discovery sessions with business units to understand operational challenges and identify high-value AI use cases. Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to support successful planning and implementation of AI initiatives. Translate business needs into actionable project plans and technology requirements. AI Innovation and Solution Development (25% of time): Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend practical applications aligned with UNCSO priorities. Support the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-enabled tools and workflows. Coordinate pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives with internal business partners. Assist departments in measuring outcomes and continuously improving AI solutions. Project Coordination (15% of time): Coordinate cross-functional AI initiatives involving multiple UNCSO departments. Track project milestones, risks, dependencies, and deliverables. Facilitate communication among stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Support adoption of Agile or other project management methodologies where appropriate. Process Improvement (15% of time): Analyze current business processes and identify opportunities for automation or workflow optimization. Document existing and future-state processes. Develop recommendations that improve efficiency while maintaining compliance and data integrity. Change Management and User Adoption (10% of time): Support organizational change associated with AI implementation. Develop training materials, user documentation, and communications that promote adoption. Provide guidance and coaching to staff on effective and responsible use of AI technologies. Encourage continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the organization. Governance and Responsible AI (15% of time): Promote responsible, ethical, and secure use of AI technologies. Collaborate with Information Technology and governance stakeholders to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. Assist in developing standards, best practices, and documentation supporting enterprise AI initiatives. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in business analysis, project management, process improvement, information technology, organizational consulting, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of business process analysis and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse internal stakeholders. Strong facilitation and communication skills. Ability to translate technical concepts into language appropriate for non-technical audiences. Knowledge of project management principles and change management practices. Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn emerging AI technologies quickly and apply them to business challenges. Experience working collaboratively across organizational boundaries. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting enterprise technology or digital transformation initiatives. Experience implementing or supporting AI-enabled business solutions. Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, Microsoft Power Platform, or similar AI platforms. Experience facilitating cross-functional projects. Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Management). Experience delivering training or change management activities. Experience working within higher education or a large public-sector organization. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Note This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.