AI Extension Specialist

The Professor of Practice in Artificial Intelligence is a vital role bridging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research at UW-Madison with practical applications for Wisconsin communities and beyond. This high-impact position will work closely with campus-based faculty in Artificial Intelligence, and alongside the Division of Extension's statewide network of educators and specialists, taking complex AI concepts from university faculty and staff and transforming them into accessible and actionable insights for local governments, small businesses, community organizations, and youth educators.

The successful candidate for this non-credit Professor of Practice in Artificial Intelligence position will help expand and sustain training and support for local governments, especially in rural communities, to understand the opportunities, risks, and operational aspects of AI and AI-enabled systems. The successful candidate for this position will translate AI research and technology produced by UW-Madison through the RISE-AI initiative into practice with a nationally scalable, community-focused program for AI training and professional development.

Essential Responsibilities of this position include:

• 
  AI Research Translation & Application (40%):
  
  
  • Proactively engage with UW-Madison faculty and staff, including those conducting established AI research and newly hired RISE faculty, to understand the scope, methodologies, and potential practical applications of their AI research.
  • Identify and translate relevant AI research findings into tangible applications and best practices for diverse stakeholders, including local governments (e.g., optimizing public services, data analysis), small businesses (e.g., enhanced customer service, operational efficiency), community organizations (e.g., resource allocation, citizen engagement), and youth educators (e.g., age-appropriate AI concepts, ethical considerations).
  • Develop and disseminate accessible resources (e.g., briefs, case studies, workshops) that demonstrate the practical value of AI for non-technical audiences.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Extension Liaison & Education (30%):
  
  
  • Serve as the primary liaison and subject matter expert on AI for educators and outreach specialists within the UW-Madison Division of Extension who work with youth and adults.
  • Provide ongoing training, consultation, and support to Extension educators to enhance their understanding of AI concepts, trends, and practical applications.
  • Collaborate with Extension colleagues to integrate AI literacy and application into existing Extension programs and develop new initiatives as needed.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Program Development & National Support (15%):
  
  
  • Support the development of comprehensive and practical AI training materials, curricula, and pedagogical approaches for Extension educators across the United States, in collaboration with national Extension networks and partners.
  • Contribute to the creation of innovative educational resources that address the evolving landscape of AI and its societal implications.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Funding Acquisition (10%):
  
  
  • Actively identify and pursue funding opportunities from foundations, federal agencies, and other grant-making organizations to support the position's salary, programmatic activities, and additional capacity for AI education and application within Extension and UW Madison more broadly.
  • Develop compelling grant proposals, manage grant budgets, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Professional Development & Service (5%):
  
  
  • Maintain current knowledge of advancements in AI, machine learning, and their societal impacts through continuous learning, professional development activities, and participation in relevant conferences and networks.
  • Represent UW-Madison Extension at campus, state, regional, and national meetings and events related to AI and technology.
  • Participate in departmental, collegiate, and university committees as appropriate.
  
  
  
  

Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI but the position location is flexible and will be determined based on programmatic needs, successful candidate's preferences, and availability of suitable space.

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). A RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

This position has the possibility of working up to 2 days remote per Extension's Remote Work Policy.

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization.

Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.

UW-Madison's Division of Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts.

About the Institute

The Extension Institute of Community Development provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communities to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. We educate in leadership development, organizational development, food systems, community economic development, local government education and much more. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.

Ph.D. in a relevant field.