Santa Clara University (SCU) welcomes applications for the inaugural Executive Director of the Cunningham Shoquist Center for Applied AI and Human Potential. Established through a generous gift from Santa Clara alumna Debora Shoquist, this interdisciplinary Center will bring together faculty, students, industry partners, and the wider community to advance the responsible design and deployment of AI. It will coalesce SCU’s unique combination of a location in the heart of Silicon Valley with the Jesuit mission committed to human flourishing.
Santa Clara University is California’s oldest institution of higher learning. Its strategic plan, Impact 2030, reflects an ambition to expand the University's reach and influence, develop solutions for the universal good and create opportunities for its diverse community. Critical to the strategic plan's success will be an advancement of AI that is grounded in humanistic values. The Center seeks to develop AI in ways which will amplify human creativity, accelerate problem-solving, and promote human welfare, connection and dignity.
The Executive Director will shape this ambitious new initiative at the intersection of academia, technology and society. Working with a broad array of stakeholders inside and outside SCU, they will develop the Center’s strategy, build its external partnerships and profile, and secure the additional resources needed to support its growth and impact. A highly external-facing role, it will require an entrepreneurial and influential leader capable of engaging senior industry and philanthropic partners, connecting academic expertise with real-world challenges, and positioning the Center as a leading voice in the application of AI for societal good. The successful candidate will bring broad familiarity with AI, exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, a track record of developing partnerships and mobilizing resources, and a genuine commitment to SCU’s mission and values.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification quoting reference 8735. The deadline for applications is 9:00am PT on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
The role will be based in Santa Clara, California.
The expected salary is $325,000-$350,000 USD. Learn more about SCU’s benefits offerings on their website.
EEO Statement
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
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Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu, or by phone at 408-554-5750.
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