Head of Artificial Intelligence

Do you have experience leading institution-wide digital education technology or AI innovation, leading strategy delivery, and implementing new systems and governance?

Do you enjoy building strong relationships across diverse academic and professional communities, and thrive in roles where collaboration, influence and strategic thinking lead to real organisational impac t?

If so, we would love to receive an application from you for this new leadership role at the University of Kent.

The Head of Artificial Intelligence leads our new View email address on unitedkingdom.jobradars.com team and is responsible for shaping and implementing the University’s institution-wide approach to artificial intelligence. The role provides strategic and operational leadership on the ethical, inclusive and effective use of AI across education, research and professional services, ensuring Kent takes a proactive, values-led approach to innovation.

A professional services leader, the Head of AI acts as the University’s expert advisor on AI adoption and governance. Reporting directly to the Director of Information Technology Services, you will coordinate cross-institutional initiatives, oversee AI governance frameworks, and help Kent mitigate institutional risks associated with unmanaged AI use — including data protection concerns, academic integrity challenges, and reputational exposure. You will work in partnership with colleagues across academic Schools, central directorates and executive leadership to build long-term, responsible capability in this rapidly evolving area.

This role is full-time and for a fixed period of two and a half years.

As Head of Artificial Intelligence, you can expect to be involved in :

• Spearheading the development and delivery of Kent’s institutional AI strategy, aligning it with strategic ambitions in education, research, digital transformation, and operational effectiveness.
• Providing visible leadership and authoritative guidance on the opportunities, risks, and governance implications of emerging AI technologies across all areas of university activity.
• Overseeing the delivery of key strategic projects, such as supporting the adoption of AI platforms for staff and students, ensuring on-time delivery, effective evaluation, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Leading the development of governance frameworks, institutional policies, and legal compliance structures for the ethical use of AI, working closely with Information Governance, Legal, and sector partners.
• Developing strong and effective relationships with academic Schools to embed AI into research, teaching, assessment, and curriculum design, ensuring alignment with Kent’s values, academic standards, and student success goals.

What will you bring to the role?

• A deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges AI presents to higher education (especially generative AI)
• The ability to think and plan strategically, articulate priorities and imperatives, and contribute to the delivery of strategic objectives and in-year needs
• Substantial experience leading strategic or institutional projects in AI and/or digital education
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including line management and cross-team collaboration
• Experience engaging staff, students, or external partners in the co-design of digital services or educational innovations

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are:

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact ***email_hidden*** quoting reference number ITS-012-26.

• Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.

Section

IT Services

Location

Canterbury

Salary

£58,225 to £65,509 per annum

Grade

Grade 9

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term - Ends 11/01/2029

Release Date

Wednesday 27 May 2026

Closing Date

23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 16 June 2026 (unless otherwise stated*)

Interview Date

Thursday 25 June 2026

Reference

ITS-012-26