Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Faculty Excellence: A Smart Framework for Soft Skills Need Assessment in Management Education Viral S. Ahire Research Scholar, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pune Abhijit Kadam Institute of Management and Social Sciences, Solapur Corresponding author: viralahire85@gmail.com Dr Ganraj S. Mane Assistant Professor & Research Guide, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pune Abhijit Kadam Institute of Management and Social Sciences, Solapur Email: ganraj.mane@bharatividyapeeth.edu Abstract: The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education offers significant potential to enhance faculty capabilities and promote institutional sustainability. However, soft skills development among management faculty often depends on traditional and subjective training need assessment methods, limiting long-term effectiveness. Drawing on Human Capital Theory, Competency-Based Management, and Sustainable HRM principles, this study proposes a conceptual framework that utilizes AI to establish a systematic and data-driven approach for assessing soft skills needs. The framework incorporates competency mapping, AI-driven analytics, and performance metrics to identify skill gaps, prioritize training interventions, and align faculty development with sustainability goals. By embedding predictive and diagnostic intelligence into faculty development systems, the model improves decision-making accuracy, minimizes bias, and supports continuous professional growth. It emphasizes sustainable faculty excellence by integrating technological innovation with responsible talent management practices, thereby strengthening institutional competitiveness and long-term academic resilience in a rapidly evolving digital education environment. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Sustainable Faculty Excellence; Soft Skills Development; Need Assessment Framework; Smart HRM; Competency Mapping; Management Education; Sustainable Human Capital Development