STAR AI/Academic Software Developer

Davenport University is seeking a STAR AI/Academic Software Developer to support the Student Technology, Advising, and Retention (STAR) project, building an AI-powered student success ecosystem for faculty and students. The role will focus on designing, developing, integrating, and maintaining AI applications and the underlying technology infrastructure, including on-premise LLM capabilities and connections to key academic systems.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position based onsite at the Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus. The STAR Project Director will oversee the role, with work spanning October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.

Role overview

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain AI applications, system integrations, and technology infrastructure for the STAR project.
• Serve as a technical lead for an AI-supported student success ecosystem, including on-premise LLM infrastructure.
• Provide technical support for faculty AI initiatives and curriculum-specific AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and instructional designers to translate academic needs into AI-supported tools that are responsible, usable, and sustainable.
• Document technical workflows, system integrations, development decisions, user guidance, and maintenance procedures to support continuity beyond the grant period.
• Develop and support AI-enhanced assessments and learning activities connected to Blackboard Learn.
• Partner with Information Technology Services to ensure solutions meet university standards for cybersecurity, accessibility, privacy, identity management, and system performance.
• Ensure student-information-related AI solutions are developed and used in accordance with FERPA, university data governance standards, and responsible AI practices.
• Develop and maintain AI solutions integrating data and systems from DU’s virtual library, Tutor.com, and Blackboard.
• Configure, customize, and support curriculum-specific AI tools for learning activities, course materials, practice exercises, student engagement tools, and career-readiness simulations.
• Integrate custom solutions with enterprise systems including Blackboard Learn, Monday.com, custom MCP, and LTI systems.
• Develop and deploy custom assessments using LLMs within the Blackboard learning management system.
• Develop curriculum-embedded career-readiness simulations.
• Support the Project Director and grant personnel through communication, coordination, and technical expertise.
• Facilitate communication between project staff, partners, consultants, evaluators, DU teams, and district leaders.
• Provide technical documentation, usage data, and system information needed for evaluation and reporting.
• Complete grant duties as needed to facilitate full implementation.
• Understand and abide by external and internal regulations and policies, including NCAA and GLIAC requirements associated with athletics or role-specific regulations.
• Provide GREAT customer service by anticipating and exceeding customer needs.
• Demonstrate and promote the University’s Cultural Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and deploying AI-enabled software applications.
• Experience working with Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI platforms, prompt engineering, and AI application development.
• Experience using AI frameworks, APIs, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), agents, or related technologies to automate workflows and solve complex educational or business challenges.
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs, system integrations, authentication protocols, and cloud-based application architecture.
• Experience with SQL, relational databases, and data integration processes.
• Strong skills in software development, troubleshooting, testing, and documentation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with higher education technologies, learning management systems, and FERPA regulations preferred.

Technologies

• Blackboard Learn
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Generative AI platforms
• Prompt engineering
• Model Context Protocols (MCPs)
• RESTful APIs
• SQL and relational databases
• Tutor.com
• Monday.com
• MCP
• LTI systems
• Virtual library

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (onsite), Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus
Department: Academics
Reports to: STAR Project Director
Duration: October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2031
Employment status: Full Time Grant Funded
Salary: USD 87,000 per year
Revision date: 9/30/2026