Director of Blaizing Academy (Texas)

Job Summary
The Director of Blaizing Academy (Texas) will serve as both the overall content and program leader for IWU's AI-focused training enterprise and the key program delivery leader in the Texas market. This role combines deep understanding of large language models and their practical applications with exceptional training delivery skills to provide strategic leadership for Blaizing Academy while establishing and growing market presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and throughout Texas.

The Director will partner with the Executive Director of Enterprises to develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies across Texas and IWU's broader service areas, while collaborating with the Director of Resource Development to design and deploy relevant, impactful online training programs. Focused on serving practitioners in business, education, and other sectors, this position will help professionals apply AI to their daily work and achieve immediate, valuable impact through our core AI Specialist Certificate and contextualized, domain-specific training programs.

The role requires an expert in large language models and AI applications who excels at hands-on, engaging training for groups ranging from 16 to 60 participants while providing strategic direction to help people understand, use, and see the benefits of AI where they are.

Duties

• % of time Duties / Responsibilities Essential / Marginal25 AI Training Delivery and Practitioner Impact
• Deliver high-quality, hands-on AI training programs for practitioners in business, education, and other sectors
• Facilitate in-person boot amps, workshops, and intensive training sessions focused on immediate, practical application
• Lead online live cohorts and hybrid learning experiences that help participants apply AI to their daily work
• Deliver core AI Specialist Certificate training and contextualized, domain-specific programs
• Provide expert-level instruction on AI tools and implementation strategies that create immediate, valuable impact
• Help participants understand, use, and see the benefits of AI in their specific work contexts Essential25 Strategic Sales and Market Development
• Partner with Executive Director of Enterprises to develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies for Texas and IWU's broader service areas
• Lead establishment and expansion of Blaizing Academy presence in DFW metroplex and throughout Texas
• Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities with businesses, educational institutions, and organizations
• Grow existing partner relationships and expand program offerings within current client base
• Conduct market research to identify AI training needs and emerging opportunities across target markets
• Represent Blaizing Academy at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities Essential20 Partnership Development and Strategic Relationships
• Explore and establish K-12 partnerships to deliver AI curriculum and teacher training programs
• Build relationships with educational institutions seeking AI acceleration and professional development
• Develop corporate partnerships with businesses wanting to enhance their teams' AI capabilities
• Create strategic alliances with technology companies, workforce development agencies, and industry associations
• Collaborate with economic development organizations and business chambers in target markets
• Establish referral networks and strategic partner channels for sustainable lead generation Essential20 Content Leadership and Program Development
• Provide overall content and program leadership for Blaizing Academy across all markets
• Collaborate with Director of Resource Development to design and deploy relevant, impactful online training programs
• Design and develop new AI training programs based on practitioner needs and emerging technologies
• Create domain-specific AI applications and training modules for various industries and sectors
• Continuously research and integrate latest AI tools, platforms, and methodologies into curriculum
• Develop blended learning approaches that optimize practical application and immediate impact
• Create assessment tools and certification pathways that validate real-world AI competency

Education:*Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or related technical field or demonstrated experience applying and using LLMs for business outcomes required. Master's degree in AI, machine learning, or related field or experience leading AI-focused training preferred.Experience:*A minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of experience in related technical fields, with at least three (3) years of training delivery, adult education, or professional development experience preferred.Required Skills:*These are preferred skills. We understand that because of the rapidly changing nature of LLMs and generative AI, it is rare for one individual to have all of the skills listed below. We are looking for someone with a compelling mix of the outlined experiences. If you are interested in the role and believe you have what it takes, please consider applying.

Large Language Models and AI Application Expertise

Deep understanding of large language models, their capabilities, limitations, and the surrounding ecosystem of AI tools and platforms
Hands-on experience connecting professionals and organizations to useful, practical AI applications that enhance daily work
Expertise in teaching effective prompt engineering, AI tool selection, and workflow integration strategies
Understanding of how to help practitioners identify high-value AI use cases within their specific roles and industries
Proficiency with leading AI platforms and tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Bard, etc.) and their business applications
Ability to translate complex LLM concepts into practical, actionable training that creates immediate workplace value
Staying current with rapidly evolving LLM landscape and emerging tools relevant to practitioner productivity and effectiveness

Training and Facilitation Excellence

Proven track record delivering engaging, hands-on training to groups of 15-60+ participants
Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills with ability to engage diverse audiences
Experience designing and facilitating both in-person and virtual learning experiences
Adult learning principles and instructional design knowledge
Ability to adapt training delivery style to different learning preferences and skill levels
Strong workshop facilitation and group management skills

Business Development and Market Expansion

Experience establishing and growing programs in new geographic markets
Business development and partnership building capabilities
Understanding of Texas business landscape and educational ecosystem
Proven ability to identify opportunities and convert prospects into long-term partnerships
Track record of achieving growth targets and expanding market presence

Leadership and Communication

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences
Strong relationship-building abilities across diverse stakeholder groups
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to work independently and drive results
Strategic thinking combined with tactical execution capabilities
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse Texas communities

Market and Industry Knowledge

Understanding of corporate training and professional development markets
Knowledge of educational technology and learning management systems
Familiarity with workforce development initiatives and continuing education landscape
Experience working with business leaders and educational administrators
Understanding of certification and credentialing processes

Mission Alignment

Strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Indiana Wesleyan University
Passion for democratizing AI education and helping individuals and organizations succeed
Values-driven approach to building partnerships and serving diverse learner populations
Commitment to ethical AI practices and responsible technology adoption

Other Requirements

Willingness to travel throughout Texas for training delivery and business development (up to 50%)
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends for training delivery
Comfortable with startup-like environment and building programs from the ground up, working independently alongside a distributed team
Physical ability to facilitate full-day training sessions and manage training logistics

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $97,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote