STAR AIAcademic Software Developer
Grand Rapids, MI - USA
Job Summary
STATUS: Full Time Grant Funded
DEPARTMENT: Academics
LOCATION: Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus
REPORTS TO: STAR Project Director
DURATION: October 1 2026 September 30 2031
SALARY: $87000
The STAR AI/Academic Software Developer is responsible for designing developing integrating and maintaining the artificial intelligence applications system integrations and technology infrastructure that support the Student Technology Advising and Retention (STAR) project. This position serves as the technical lead for the universitys AI-powered student success ecosystem including development of custom AI applications deployment of on-premise large language model (LLM) infrastructure integration of academic and student support systems and support of faculty AI innovation initiatives. The position plays a critical role in ensuring project technologies are scalable secure sustainable and aligned with institutional and federal data privacy requirements.
- Collaborate with faculty / instructional designers to translate academic needs into responsible usable sustainable AI-supported tools.
- Document technical workflows system integrations development decisions user guidance and maintenance procedures to support sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Develop and support AI-enhanced assessments and learning activities connected to Blackboard Learn.
- Work with Information Technology Services to ensure that applications and integrations meet university standards for cybersecurity accessibility privacy identity management and system performance.
- Ensure that AI applications involving student information are developed and used in accordance with FERPA university data governance standards and responsible AI practices.
- Develop and maintain AI solutions that integrate data and systems from DUs virtual library and Blackboard.
- Configure customize and support curriculum-specific AI tools that address academic needs learning activities course materials practice exercises student engagement tools and career-readiness simulations.
- Integrate custom solutions with enterprise systems such as Blackboard Learn custom MCP and LTI systems
- Develop and deploy custom assessments utilizing LLMs within Blackboard learning management system
- Develop curriculum-embedded simulations for career-readiness
- Support the Project Director and grant personnel through effective 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 to support project evaluation and reporting; and
- Complete grant duties as needed to facilitate full implementation.
- Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA GLIAC and national affiliations associated with athletics or other role-specific regulations.
- Provides GREAT customer service anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
- Demonstrate and promote the Universitys Cultural Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelors degree Masters preferred in Computer Science Software Engineering Information Systems Artificial Intelligence or a related field required.
- 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 utilizing AI frameworks APIs Model Context Protocols (MCPs) agents or related technologies to automate workflows and solve complex business or educational 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 software development troubleshooting testing and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with higher education technologies learning management systems and FERPA regulations preferred.
Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin race color religion age sex sexual orientation disability gender identity veteran or military status marital status height weight genetic information or other protected status
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Revision Date: 9/30/2026
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Davenport University offers flexible, career-focused degree programs that prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation.