Description

About the Opportunity

The University of Dayton invites applications and nominations for the newly created, cabinet-level position of Vice President for Emerging Technologies (VP-ET). This visionary role represents a bold commitment to shaping how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will transform higher education while remaining deeply rooted in our Catholic, Marianist mission.

Reporting jointly to the Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President & Chief Information Officer, the VP-ET will serve as the university's senior leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to integrate AI and emerging technologies across our academic mission, operational functions, and community engagement. This dual reporting structure ensures the VP-ET can strengthen both the academic enterprise and operational excellence while maintaining strategic alignment between the university's two key technology leaders.

As a member of the President's Cabinet and regular participant on the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Research & Scholarship Committees, the VP-ET will provide strategic counsel on adapting to changes in the higher education landscape and capitalizing on new opportunities presented by technology. This is a rare opportunity to define a transformational leadership role at a pivotal moment in both technological innovation and higher education.

The Role

The Vice President for Emerging Technologies will shape and guide the university's vision for integrating emerging technology, particularly artificial intelligence, across strategic functions in alignment with our Catholic, Marianist identity and mission. This leader will spark innovation and fortify the university's market position during a period of rapid technological development.

The linkage to the Provost enables the VP-ET to strengthen the university's academic enterprise and sharpen competitive advantage through direct collaboration with deans and faculties on program innovation and emerging technology integration. The linkage to the VP/CIO ensures alignment between the university's key technology leaders and guarantees that AI and emerging technologies enhance not only learning and teaching but also campus operations and student support.

The VP-ET will work seamlessly across the university as a thought partner with leadership and faculty, establishing enabling technology strategies realized through academic and administrative divisions. Through extensive partnership, this leader will:

• Collaborate with the President, Provost, Deans, Vice Presidents, and VP/CIO to provide thought leadership and set priorities for AI, emerging technologies, and related innovation
• Identify, guide, and support strategic implementation of AI and emerging technologies in operations and student support to reduce costs, improve efficiency and productivity, and enhance the university's market position
• Co-chair the AI Steering Committee and lead or support structures advancing AI integration across the university
• Lead initiatives to rapidly ensure graduates are prepared to lead and thrive in an AI-enabled world
• Enable selective AI-related research that strengthens pedagogy and advances the Common Good
• Facilitate university-wide dialogue on the ethical, mission-driven integration of AI technologies, ensuring uses that balance technological possibilities with the enduring importance of human-centered practices

Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced degree (master's or doctorate) in a relevant field
• Significant knowledge of higher education, technology strategy, or related fields
• Substantial senior leadership experience (4+ years) with proven track record driving innovation and digital transformation, preferably in higher education
• Deep understanding of AI and emerging technologies, including capabilities, limitations, trends, and applications in academic and administrative contexts
• Demonstrated success building agreement for change through influence rather than authority
• Understanding of change management in complex organizations
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and the Common Good
• Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

Preferred:

• Experience in a Catholic or mission-driven institution
• Record of scholarship or applied work in AI ethics, education, or policy

Success Profile. The ideal candidate will be a:

• Mission-driven strategist Keeps the Catholic, Marianist educational mission central in every decision
• Connector & translator Bridges academic, technical, and administrative communities
• Ethics-first innovator Balances innovation with moral responsibility
• Future-oriented leader Ensures students are prepared for leadership in an AI-enabled world
• Curious leader Asks questions, listens deeply, and engages with others

About the University of Dayton. The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university with a distinctive commitment to both academic excellence and the Marianist educational tradition. Our mission emphasizes educating the whole person, building community, and leading and serving in an interconnected world.

Application Process. The University has retained Next Generation Leadership Partners to assist with this recruitment. The complete job description can be found @ https://tinyurl.com/VPETJD.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Mary Beth Baker, Managing Partner, marybeth@nextgenpartnersllc.com. Please submit your resume and cover letter describing your interest and experience at: https://tinyurl.com/UDVPET

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is identified. The deadline for applications to receive full consideration is February 6, 2026.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University of Dayton is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.