Assistant Director of AI and Innovation

To serve as the implementation and experience lead, pairing pedagogical expertise with the management and deployment of the technical platforms and repositories that educators and staff use daily with Artificial Intelligence., 1. Chair and lead national, state, and regional innovation committees to build consensus, set emerging educational technology benchmarks, and promote Region 16's pioneering initiatives on a massive scale.

2. Drive cross-functional collaboration across internal ESC service areas to break down silos, aligning diverse teams around unified innovation frameworks and the deployment of AI ecosystems.
3. Consult and advise district superintendents, school boards, and senior government executives on the strategic deployment, ethical integration, and long-term vision of AI in education.
4. Govern and standardize regional policies, data privacy frameworks, and security compliance measures for AI applications to ensure safe, ethical, and age-appropriate technology deployment across K-12 environments.
5. Establish and monitor clear standardization protocols for digital repositories and AI implementation strategies, ensuring strict alignment with state, federal, and national compliance standards.
6. Steward and optimize fiscal resources, grant funding, and budgetary allocations dedicated to national and state-level AI programs and innovation initiatives.
7. Vet, select, and negotiate high-level corporate technology contracts, software licenses, and service level agreements (SLAs) with global tech vendors to maximize ROI and operational efficiency.
8. Drive national and state revenue-generation and adoption strategies for a robust portfolio of premium programs, including TexBuy, Google licenses, FMLA Tracker, the EdHive Contract System, and Escalate Coaching.
9. Consult with educational entities to perform needs-assessments, successfully positioning ESC innovative solutions, platforms, and coaching services to increase district engagement and drive sustainable revenue growth.
10. Architect and deploy comprehensive marketing strategies and cross-program advertising concepts that successfully target local, state, and national markets.
11. Direct the structural expansion of the AI Center Website, AI Design Lab, and specialized repositories to serve as scalable, national models for digital learning and resource curation.
12. Oversee the continuous innovation and lifecycle management of the asynchronous AI training platforms and "turnkey" professional development modules to support thousands of active users nationwide.
13. Travels as a part of job responsibilities.
14. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the service area director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
15. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
16. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
17. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
18. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
19. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
20. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
21. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
22. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by the supervisor.
23. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
24. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification

• Master's Degree in Instructional Design, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field required
• Superintendent and School Board leadership experience required
• Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field required
• Valid Texas Educator Certification preferred, * Demonstrated expertise in K-12 professional development, curriculum design, and instructional use cases.
• Demonstrated professional presentation skills and the ability to design, implement and manage presentation development throughout the presentation life-cycle.
• Experience in creating and managing professional development opportunities and training platforms
• Technical proficiency in managing internal tools, digital ecosystems, and specialized repositories
• Ability to lead specialized training for K-12 and Government entities
• Strong pedagogical and technical skills required to bridge instruction and system management
• Strong communication and advocacy skills
• Strategic thinker with attention to ethical implications of emerging technologies, * Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals