Assistant Director, Princeton Language and Intelligence

Princeton Language and Intelligence (PLI) , a recently launched initiative at Princeton University, seeks to develop fundamental understanding of large AI models; enable their application to research and education across academic disciplines; and study societal and ethical implications of AI as well as develop methods to avert any harms. The initiative will be growing and evolving rapidly over the coming years, with a cutting-edge computing environment and an annual budget of around $10M.
PLI seeks an individual experienced in both the research environment and academic administration, to lead all aspects of administration, including finances, hiring (of staff and researchers), funding and grant administration, programmatic details including liaison with other university units, and day-to-day operations. This position will report to the PLI Director, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Senior Manager of Academic Administration at Princeton.

 

The Assistant Director must have the capacity to help the Director envision and develop and manage new events, interdisciplinary initiatives, and new communications strategies. They will develop the unit's budget in collaboration with the Director and be responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and resources. The Assistant Director, as head of the administrative staff, will oversee day-to-day operations; support high-profile research collaborations and public events, often with other Princeton departments and centers as well as external institutions; and manage public communications, website and print materials.

Strategic Planning and Administration
- AD works collaboratively with the Director to engage faculty and their students across campus for the purpose of cultivating an informed community and fostering research synergies.
- Supports the Director’s vision for the initiative and supports the Director’s work with the executive committee, research advisory committee, and associated faculty.
- Oversees visits involving sponsors, high-ranking university representatives, visiting scholars, government and industry personnel, student collaborators, and others.
- Participates in the development and enhancement of standard operating procedures and guidelines for all matters related to PLI.

 

Personnel Management
- AD will assist with future growth of PLI faculty, administrative and technical staff appointments.
- The AD will supervise the hiring, performance reviews, merit increase process and terminations of administrative staff, including regular staff, short-term professional employees, casual hourly employees and student employees.

 

Research
- Oversees the administrative support for the research component of PLI activities, including managing the hiring process for postdocs, graduate students, research software engineers, and research scientists.
- Cultivates research collaborations at Princeton and with other institutions, and supports PLI's role on collaborative research projects.

Budget and Financial Management
- AD will develop and oversee the initiative's budget in collaboration with the Director and be responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and resources.
- Directs the day-to-day operations, with responsibility for administrative support functions and details of project management including project financial status and purchasing decisions.

 

Communications and Event Management
- Oversees the planning, coordination, organization, and execution of high-profile events activities, including lecture series, symposium, seminars, and colloquia.
- Oversees communications efforts in support of building the PLI identity and narrative.
- Supervises communications support personnel to ensure effective management of the website, blog, social media, print, and internal and external communications.

 

Facilities
- Manages PLI office space including moves, renovations and repairs; space assignments for faculty and staff and the purchase of furniture and equipment.

Essential Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree required. Candidate should be willing to learn about the artificial intelligence ecosystem, and be able to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving field.
- Experience in supervision and development of administrative or research staff in a University or Research Institute setting.
- Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work independently, strong organizational skills, consensus building, discretion and multi-tasking are essential.
- Strong analytical abilities and experience in budget management
- Advanced computer skills (Access, Word, Excel, etc.) are required.
- Occasional travel, including meetings outside of Princeton, is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications

- Advanced degree preferred.
- Familiarity with artificial intelligence ecosystem.
- Experience leading strategic planning efforts in higher education or non-profit background
- Conference and event planning experience

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

36.25

No

Yes

180 days

No

No

No

Mid-Senior Level

#LI-JE1

Join our Talent Network to receive updates about working at Princeton.
Princeton University job offers are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, reference checks, and pre-employment screening, as applicable.
If you have questions or comments regarding the iCIMS Privacy Policy or iCIMS FAQs , please contact [email protected] .
Go to our careers site.