Do you have experience leading institution-wide digital education technology or AI innovation, leading strategy delivery, and implementing new systems and governance?
Do you enjoy building strong relationships across diverse academic and professional communities, and thrive in roles where collaboration, influence and strategic thinking lead to real organisational impact?
If so, we would love to receive an application from you for this new leadership role at the University of Kent.
The Head of Artificial Intelligence leads our new AI@Kent team and is responsible for shaping and implementing the University’s institution-wide approach to artificial intelligence. The role provides strategic and operational leadership on the ethical, inclusive and effective use of AI across education, research and professional services, ensuring Kent takes a proactive, values-led approach to innovation.
A professional services leader, the Head of AI acts as the University’s expert advisor on AI adoption and governance. Reporting directly to the Director of Information Technology Services, you will coordinate cross-institutional initiatives, oversee AI governance frameworks, and help Kent mitigate institutional risks associated with unmanaged AI use — including data protection concerns, academic integrity challenges, and reputational exposure. You will work in partnership with colleagues across academic Schools, central directorates and executive leadership to build long-term, responsible capability in this rapidly evolving area.
This role is full-time and for a fixed period of two and a half years.
As Head of Artificial Intelligence, you can expect to be involved in:
- Spearheading the development and delivery of Kent’s institutional AI strategy, aligning it with strategic ambitions in education, research, digital transformation, and operational effectiveness.
- Providing visible leadership and authoritative guidance on the opportunities, risks, and governance implications of emerging AI technologies across all areas of university activity.
- Overseeing the delivery of key strategic projects, such as supporting the adoption of AI platforms for staff and students, ensuring on-time delivery, effective evaluation, and alignment with institutional goals.
- Leading the development of governance frameworks, institutional policies, and legal compliance structures for the ethical use of AI, working closely with Information Governance, Legal, and sector partners.
- Developing strong and effective relationships with academic Schools to embed AI into research, teaching, assessment, and curriculum design, ensuring alignment with Kent’s values, academic standards, and student success goals.
What will you bring to the role?
- A deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI presents to higher education (especially generative AI)
- The ability to think and plan strategically, articulate priorities and imperatives, and contribute to the delivery of strategic objectives and in-year needs
- Substantial experience leading strategic or institutional projects in AI and/or digital education
- Demonstrable leadership experience, including line management and cross-team collaboration
- Experience engaging staff, students, or external partners in the co-design of digital services or educational innovations
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
- 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
- Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent
We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/
Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [email protected] quoting reference number ITS-012-26.
