Director of Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Innovation (IT Manager II) - 61095348

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to establish and execute the agencys artificial intelligence (AI) vision and roadmap. This role will guide the development and integration of responsible, high-impact AI applications across the Department and school districts, ensuring tools and processes align with SCDEs mission, promote operational efficiency, and support educators, students, and families.

The Director of AI Strategy and Innovation will work closely with agency leadership, districts, technology teams, and state partners to design, launch, and scale secure and ethical AI solutions. This includes overseeing policy frameworks, talent development, vendor partnerships, and product governance to ensure safe and effective AI adoption.

Responsibilities:

• Set and Execute the Statewide AI Vision: Define a clear, actionable strategy for the ethical and effective use of AI across the Department and school districts, aligned to SCDEs priorities.
• Lead Cross-Functional AI Implementation: Guide teams in the design, development, and deployment of AI use cases (such as workflow automation, student success prediction, and instructional support) leveraging large language models, machine learning, and intelligent process automation.
• Develop Responsible AI Policies and Standards: Establish governance, risk, and compliance frameworks that ensure transparency, data privacy, and cybersecurity in all AI applications. Stay abreast of emerging laws and best practices in public sector AI.
• Drive Innovation through Collaboration: Engage with district leaders, agency offices, technical partners, and thought leaders to foster knowledge-sharing, pilot new initiatives, and scale effective AI practices statewide.
• Support Capacity-Building: Design and lead professional learning opportunities to equip educators, staff, and administrators with foundational AI literacy and skillsets to use AI confidently and responsibly.
• Oversee AI Project Portfolios: Manage the AI project pipeline, including vendor engagement, resource planning, ROI measurement, and reporting. Promote iterative learning, user-centered design, and transparent progress tracking.
• Represent SCDE: Serve as a public voice for South Carolinas AI efforts in K-12 education, presenting at conferences, advising policymakers, and cultivating strategic alliances with partners.

A bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, information technology, mathematics, statistics, management information science or a related field and experience in telecommunications, data processing and/or information technology. Relevant experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Data Science, Educational Technology, etc.).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in product management, technology, data strategy, or AI implementation.
• Proven leadership in developing and launching AI-driven systems or services, preferably within education or government.
• Deep knowledge of AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, large language models), data privacy, ethical design, and digital transformation.
• Experience in strategic planning, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communicator with the ability to distill complex concepts into actionable strategy for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to combine deep business knowledge with management skills to inspire teams, cultivate a collaborative culture, and achieve strategic goals.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.
The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:
Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
15 days sick leave per year.
13 paid holidays.
State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.