General Summary:
The Emerging Technology Strategist provides in-person technical, operational, and applied leadership for the
evaluation, piloting, implementation, and day-to-day support of emerging technologies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston. This role plays a critical function in translating innovation strategy into hands-on execution,
ensuring that new technologies-particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI), innovation platforms, and
MakerSpace (3D Printing) environments are responsibly introduced, effectively supported, and positioned for broader
institutional adoption.
Reporting to the Director for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Digital Accessibility, the Strategist serves as the
primary technical lead responsible for evaluating, piloting, implementing, and supporting emerging technologies and
innovation initiatives. The position works closely with faculty, researchers, staff, students, and IT partners to support
teaching, research, administrative workflows, and innovation programming. This position will also be responsible for
maintaining the MakerSpace Studio's 3D printers and other assistive technology.
Examples of Duties:
Emerging Technology & AI Technical Leadership
- Serve as the technical lead for evaluating, piloting, and supporting emerging technologies, including artificial
intelligence platforms, instructional tools, and innovation technologies.
- Conduct hands-on testing, configuration, documentation, and operational readiness assessments of emerging
tools.
- Support AI pilots and early-stage deployments in alignment with institutional AI governance, security, and
responsible-use frameworks.
- Provide technical consultation and subject-matter expertise to faculty, staff, researchers, and students
adopting emerging technologies.
Emerging Technology Evaluation & Roadmap
- Conduct technical evaluations of emerging technologies to determine institutional fit, operational
readiness, security considerations, accessibility impacts, and support requirements.
- Coordinate with Information Security, Enterprise Applications, Infrastructure, and Academic Technology
teams during technology evaluations.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of the university's emerging technology roadmap.
- Track pilot outcomes, adoption trends, utilization metrics, and lessons learned.
Innovation Platforms, Technovation & MakerSpace Operations
- Manage the day-to-day technical and operational activities of Technovation and MakerSpace environments.
Support innovation programming, workshops, demonstrations, and events within these spaces.
- Supervise, train, and mentor student employees supporting innovation labs and MakerSpace operations.
- Serve as the primary supervisor for student employees supporting Technovation, MakerSpace, and emerging
technology initiatives.
- Ensure innovation spaces operate in a manner that is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with institutional
expectations.
Pilot Programs, Vendor Engagement & Evaluation
- Coordinate and support pilot programs, proofs of concept, and limited-scale deployments of emerging
technologies.
- Assist with vendor demonstrations, evaluations, and trials, providing technical input and operational feedback.
- Document pilot outcomes, including benefits, risks, operational requirements, accessibility considerations,
and recommendations.
- Partner with the Director to inform decision-making regarding pilot continuation, scale-up, or discontinuation.
Training, Adoption & Collaboration
- Provide technical content and advanced support for training and adoption initiatives led by the Technology
Training & Adoption Specialist.
- Contribute hands-on demonstrations, advanced workshops, and use-case examples related to emerging
technologies.
- Collaborate with colleagues across IT, Academic Technology, Research Computing, and Client Services to
support innovation adoption.
- Act as a liaison between technology teams and users engaged in innovation projects.
Accessibility & Responsible Technology Use
- Evaluate accessibility considerations during emerging technology pilots and lab based implementations.
- Identify accessibility risks or gaps and collaborate with the Digital Experience & Accessibility Specialist on
mitigation strategies.
- Support responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of emerging technologies through operational practices and
documentation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, Educational Technology, or a
related field.
- Five (5) or more years of experience supporting, implementing, or managing emerging technologies or applied
technical environments.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience evaluating, piloting, and supporting new technologies.
- Experience working directly with end users (faculty, staff, researchers, students) in applied or instructional
technology contexts.
- Strong support, collaboration, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, pilots, and operational responsibilities concurrently in a fast paced
environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education, research, or innovation lab environments.
- Familiarity with AI tools, prototyping platforms, XR technologies, or 3D Printing ecosystems.
- Experience supervising or mentoring student employees.
- Knowledge of accessibility considerations in technology design or evaluation.
- Experience supporting technology adoption initiatives or innovation programming.
For Professional Unit Positions:
- Is this job required to be on-call? No
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:
Grade: 33
Salary Ranges
This is an exempt union position.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.