Director, AI Innovation

Role overview

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a Director of AI Innovation in the United States. The position focuses on steering enterprise-wide AI transformation by identifying, testing, and scaling emerging technologies that create measurable business value.

You will own the organization’s AI innovation direction, making sure new capabilities support long-term growth, operational improvement, and better customer experiences. The role brings together business strategy, technology, and outside innovation networks such as startups, venture capital groups, and research organizations.

A major part of the job is leading experimentation through an AI Innovation Lab and turning promising concepts into production-ready solutions. You will also track developments in areas such as generative AI, foundation models, and automation, then convert those insights into actionable recommendations.

This is a highly visible position with significant influence over leadership decisions and enterprise adoption. It is suited to someone who enjoys shaping strategy, building external partnerships, and driving practical innovation in a mission-oriented environment.

Key accountabilities

• Create and steer the enterprise AI innovation strategy so it supports business goals, customer outcomes, and long-range transformation plans.
• Spot and rank AI opportunities that can improve growth, efficiency, risk reduction, and competitive advantage.
• Manage a multi-stage AI roadmap covering experimentation, pilots, and scalable deployment opportunities.
• Direct experimentation and prototyping within an Innovation Lab, with clear execution and measurable results.
• Set up methods for rapid prototyping, solution testing, and assessment of vendors or technologies.
• Develop and maintain external AI relationships across startups, venture networks, research bodies, and technology partners.
• Observe new AI developments and turn them into recommendations for investment and capability-building.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required; an MBA or a technical advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in innovation, digital transformation, or emerging technology roles with strong exposure to AI/ML.
• Solid understanding of generative AI, machine learning fundamentals, data-led product development, and current AI technologies.
• Proven background leading large-scale innovation efforts and turning ideas into scalable business outcomes.
• Experience creating and managing partnerships with startups, venture ecosystems, or research organizations.
• Ability to influence senior executives and explain complex AI topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical thinking, strategy development, problem-solving, and change leadership in uncertain environments.
• Experience in regulated or complex sectors, including financial services, is considered an advantage.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, along with a collaborative leadership style.
• Willingness to travel up to about 20% as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay plus eligibility for performance-linked bonus programs.
• Approximate annual salary range of $160,000 to $210,000, based on experience and location.
• Flexible Time Off that allows paid time away without fixed accrual limits.
• Work arrangements may be hybrid, in-office, or remote depending on location and role fit.
• Medical, dental, vision, and wellness coverage are included.
• Retirement savings support with pension eligibility and additional financial benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and innovation-focused learning.
• A collaborative, purpose-driven culture centered on meaningful impact.
• Exposure to advanced AI tools and external innovation ecosystems.
• An inclusive workplace that supports both professional and personal well-being.

Additional information

This role is posted on behalf of a partner organization that handles applications and the next stage of the hiring process. The partner company will review submissions, and its internal team will manage interviews, assessments, and final decisions.

Data privacy and hiring process notice

By submitting an application, candidates agree that personal data may be processed to assess suitability and share relevant details with the hiring employer in line with applicable data protection requirements, including GDPR where relevant. Applicants may request access, correction, deletion, or objection regarding their data at any time.

Automated tools may be used to support parts of recruitment, such as application review, resume analysis, response assessment, and checks for inconsistencies or verification signals. These tools assist the recruitment team but do not replace human judgment, and final decisions are made by people.