Job Description for the AI Sandbox Coordinator position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Title: AI Sandbox Coordinator

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs

Department: Provost

Position Summary

The artificial intelligence (AI) sandbox coordinator provides administrative, operational, and programmatic support for Elon's AI initiative to advance the implementation of the Boldly Elon strategic plan. Reporting to the director of AI integration, the successful candidate must be highly motivated, capable of working in a fast-paced environment, and interested in developing a working knowledge of the AI and AI Sandbox Lab operations at Elon. In addition to coordinating day-to-day logistics for the AI Sandbox Lab environment (virtual and/or in person) and related campus-wide activities, the AI sandbox coordinator will: (a) collaborate with the Director of AI integration, faculty and staff to build capacity for the integration of AI applications in teaching, learning, research, and service at Elon; (b) oversee the AI student group; and (c) work with the director of AI integration to support day-to-day operations of the AI Initiative in support of Boldly Elon strategic plan.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.
Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.
• Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• 28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.
• Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses
• Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.
• Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.
• Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.
• Free use of campus fitness facilities.
• Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.
Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.
Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, data science, instructional technology, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with major artificial intelligence platforms and tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, MistralAI, Cohere, HuggingFace, AI21 Labs, or comparable technologies.
• At least one year of experience in administrative coordination, project support, or similar roles, ideally within a higher education context.
• Demonstrated success coordinating resources, events, and logistical support for technology-driven educational or research initiatives.
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple complex tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous experience supporting initiatives related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or AI research.
• Previous experience working within a university research center, academic support unit, innovation hub, or technology-focused institute.
• Familiarity with Elon University’s technological infrastructure and systems (e.g., Microsoft Ecosystem, Azure, ChatGPT), organizational culture, and operational processes.
• Experience supporting grant-funded projects, including activities such as budget tracking and reporting.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, Smartsheet).
• Experience managing web content through content management systems (e.g., WordPress) or basic skills in web editing (HTML).
• Familiarity with web application development frameworks and platforms (e.g., Next.js, React, JavaScript, Azure Web App services).
• Working knowledge of machine learning and deep learning development pipelines and their practical applications..

Job Duties

• LAB OPERATIONS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the AI Sandbox Lab environment, ensuring resources are accessible and functional for faculty, staff, and students.
  • Coordinate access to, maintain inventory of, and provide basic support for AI-related software, hardware, datasets, and cloud computing resources utilized in the lab.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for the Elon AI initiative for technical support requests, system maintenance, and the provisioning of necessary technological resources.
  • Develop, organize, and maintain clear documentation, user guides, and standard operating procedures for lab resources and AI tools promoted by the initiative.
  • Promote, distribute, and help ensure adherence to university policies regarding data security, privacy, and ethical usage protocols for AI tools and resources.
• PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for meetings, workshops, training sessions, seminars, guest speaker visits, and other events related to AI initiatives in collaboration with the Director of AI integration, including room reservations, catering, audiovisual setup, and preparation/distribution of materials.
  • Maintain accurate program records, databases, participant lists, and contact information for AI initiative stakeholders.
  • Help development of workshops and program ideas related to AI to enhance teaching, learning, and research at Elon.
  • Coordinate and facilitate regular activities, meetings, and special events for the AI student group to enhance student involvement and interdisciplinary collaboration in AI initiatives.
• CAMPUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
  • Provide direct support and leadership to the AI student group, assisting with project coordination, resource management, and promoting active student engagement in AI-related experiential learning and work opportunities.
  • Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable first point of contact for faculty, staff, and student inquiries regarding AI initiatives, lab resources, and related events.
  • Support faculty, staff, students in identifying, accessing, and utilizing appropriate AI tools and resources for teaching, learning, research, and project work, directing them to specialized support (e.g., IT, Library, Data Nexus) when necessary.
  • Facilitate connections between students, faculty, and relevant campus support units (e.g., Center for Writing Excellence, Belk Library, Data Nexus, Center for Design Thinking and other key stakeholders) to foster interdisciplinary engagement with AI.
• COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH:
  • Assist the Director in maintaining and updating content for the AI Hub website and potentially other communication channels (e.g., newsletters, social media).
  • Help prepare and disseminate promotional materials, announcements, and reports related to AI activities and events.
  • Support effective communication flow between the Director, the AI Team, faculty, students, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• SUPPORT FOR EMERGING INITIATIVES:
  • Provide essential logistical, administrative, and coordination support for new AI-related projects, pilot programs, grant activities, and special events as directed by the Director of AI Integration, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to evolving priorities.