Job Description

Job Summary
The Application and AI Solution Development Manager leads the development, delivery, and support of custom-developed applications and AI solutions for the University. The role oversees software teams and full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes with a focus on user interface/experience and product experience (UI/UX/PX), ensuring high‑quality, scalable, and timely outcomes. Working closely with OIT analysts and stakeholders, the manager turns business needs into actionable technical plans while guiding project execution and resources. Ideal candidates have strong higher‑education SDLC experience—covering architecture, integrations, upgrades, and optimization—and expertise in generative AI practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Custom Application Development and AI Solutions
Lead the design and deployment of campus‑scaled AI models (e.g., chatbot systems, recommendation engines, data‑driven insights).
Architect, plan, and oversee custom application development in languages like Python or PHP.
Manage end‑to‑end AI workflows and oversee pipelines and model governance, particularly for accuracy, security, and compliance.
Ensure applications are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with institutional needs (e.g., analytics, prediction, automation, branding).
Project and SDLC Management
Manage application delivery projects through the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), applying development methodologies and championing continuous service improvement initiatives.
Facilitate user acceptance testing (UAT), training, and documentation to support successful implementation and end-user readiness.
Lead service improvement initiatives based on feedback, analytics, and evolving campus needs.
Team Leadership and Development
Provide leadership and mentorship to development teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and growth.
Oversee staffing, training, task assignment, and performance feedback to ensure team effectiveness.
Facilitate team meetings, prioritize work, and promote professional development.
Manage team reporting, including performance metrics, SLA analysis, and service improvement recommendations.
Coordinate consultants and other external involvement with development teams.
Technical Oversight
Deliver technical leadership across system design, development, and maintenance while implementing and managing controls to ensure system integrity.
Investigate, escalate and resolve major issues, problems and requests through risk mitigation, escalation management, and conflict resolution.
Ensure compliance with FERPA, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance (CMMC), accessibility, security, and data governance standards.
Offer strategic guidance on custom application development, AI technologies, and service enhancements.
Ensure seamless UI/UX/PX experiences for students and campus stakeholders.
Stakeholder & Vendor Relations
Serve as a strategic liaison between technical teams and business units – including the Office of Research and Innovation, Student Success and key Business Affairs units – translating requirements into effective solutions.
Align system enhancements with institutional goals and academic calendars.
Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide client support through troubleshooting, training, and process improvements.
Reporting and Budgeting
Report team and project status to senior leadership.
Assist in budget planning and monitoring for developed applications and AI-related services
Performs other duties as assigned
Disclaimer:
The job duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties/responsibilities performed and are not meant to be exclusive to the job. Management retains the right to add or modify duties at any time.
Specific job requirements or physical location of positions allocated to this classification render the position security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215 Texas Education Code.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field.
Ten (10) years of related experience in IT working with application development teams which includes five (5) years of leadership experience leading development projects, or fourteen (14) years of any equivalent education, training or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in educational technology, business administration, computer technology or related field
Understanding of core machine learning (ML) concepts, learning language model (LLM) architectures, evaluation methods, and prompt engineering and development.
Experience leading teams developing custom and AI applications, related architecture, and general resource metrics.
Strong understanding (all phases) of the application development lifecycle, software development life cycle methodologies, production support procedures, and project management disciplines.
Certifications in the areas of custom software development or Artificial Intelligence.
Practical experience working in Higher Education developing custom solutions for campuses.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of building large‑scale, maintainable, modular applications suitable for campus or enterprise use.
Familiarity with cloud performance tuning, cost optimization, and infrastructure reliability.
Experience working as part of large projects in a consultant/advisory role.
Self-starter, with high energy and outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Experience with accounting principles used in fund accounting.
Experience with statistical data analysis and visualization.
Knowledge of computing in a large enterprise environment including networking, PC support, cloud infrastructure, database systems, data warehousing systems, and software development processes.
Other Requirements
All Information Technology staff – regardless of their unique position – are expected to perform their assigned duties in a manner consistent with professional standards, with full awareness of responsibilities toward managing personal and institutional data, with priority regard to delivering customer service, with an understanding of the 24/7 nature of IT and the responsibilities that creates for them as individuals