GENERAL SUMMARY:
This role supports the development and execution of the organization’s AI and innovation roadmap, with emphasis on generative AI, conversational AI, and other evolving technologies that can improve member, employee, and operational outcomes
The Director partners across business and technology teams to translate business needs, market trends, and technical possibilities into practical use cases, pilots, proofs of value, and adoption recommendations, in a regulated financial services environment.
Provides leadership for AI experimentation, vendor evaluation, proof-of-concept design, and implementation readiness in partnership Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, Decision Intelligence, and other stakeholders, while aligning work to established innovation, security, compliance, risk management, and architecture standards.
Serves as a subject matter resource to leaders by identifying where AI and emerging technology capabilities may improve productivity, strengthen decision support, and enable future-ready capabilities based on validated pilots, user feedback, and market sensing.
Guides the identification, evaluation, prioritization, and early-stage incubation of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies that support organizational strategy and improve operational effectiveness.
Leads a small team and may coordinate consultants, contractors, or cross-functional contributors supporting assigned innovation initiatives.
Salary range is $92,988.00 - $130,183.20/annually. Job Grade, EX 16. Final salary is dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications.
Remote work is not available for candidates residing in, or planning to reside in: AK, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, LA, ME, MA, MD, MN, MT, ND, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SD, VT, WA or WI.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, business, engineering, or a related field required or equivalent experience.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in technology, digital transformation, innovation, enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, business transformation, or related roles.
o To include three (3) years of experience of direct management/supervisory experience.
o To include three (3) years of experience supporting or leading evaluation, prioritization, pilot design, and adoption planning for AI capabilities such as a generative AI, conversational AI, workflow augmentation, or similar technologies, with demonstrated ability to translate emerging technologies into business-aligned use cases and measurable outcomes.
Minimum Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- Working knowledge of AI domains and enabling technologies, including generative AI, machine learning concepts, prompt design concepts, conversational AI, model lifecycle considerations, integration approaches, and cloud technologies.
- Ability to identify high-value AI use cases and evaluate and prioritize opportunities based on business value, technical feasibility, implementation complexity, risk and compliance considerations, and model traceability, when recommending new capabilities.
- Knowledge of information security, data privacy, model governance, third-party risk, and change management practices relevant to new technology adoption, with the ability to apply established enterprise standards and governance frameworks.
- Strong communication, facilitation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and translate complex concepts for non-technical audiences.
- Strong leadership, program, and project management skills, including pilot planning, coordination and measurement, prioritization, business case development, vendor coordination, and direction of small teams or external resources, with the ability to support transition of validated initiatives to enterprise architecture and delivery teams for production use.
COMPETENCIES:
- Managing & Measuring Work
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:
This position primarily operates in a professional office or remote office environment and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, work extensively on a computer, and occasionally travel to meetings, conferences, or partner locations. Infrequent lifting of up to 25 lbs. may be required
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must comply with all organizational policies, information security standards, and applicable regulatory requirements, including all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as applicable to the role.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES AND TASKS:
- Partners with business and technology leadership to support the organization’s AI and emerging technology strategy and contribute to roadmap development in partnership with Enterprise Architecture and Decision Intelligence, aligned with business priorities, member needs, operational goals, and enterprise technology direction.
- Researches trends, emerging capabilities, member and employee needs, vendor offerings, and credit union/financial services industry developments to identify practical opportunities for responsible adoption.
- Leads AI ideation, proof-of-concept, pilot, continuous improvement, and evaluation efforts to validate business value, user impact, technical feasibility, and model traceability where appropriate, while aligning with governance and scalability requirements
- Develops business cases, success metrics, and transition recommendations for emerging technology initiatives, including expected benefits, risks, resource requirements, and considerations for enterprise implementation.
- Partners with architecture, infrastructure, security, digital, operational excellence, development, risk, decision intelligence, and business leaders to help ensure emerging technology solutions align with enterprise standards and business objectives.
- Provides input to governance guardrails, decision frameworks, risk acceptance considerations and privacy requirements in collaboration with cybersecurity, risk, legal and compliance partners to support responsible use of emerging technologies.
- Evaluates external partners, vendors, and solution providers involved in innovation initiatives and supports due diligence, relationship management, and ongoing performance review activities.
- Translates capabilities, risks, and opportunities into clear recommendations, decision materials, and stakeholder updates, for senior leadership and business partners.
- Monitors performance and outcomes of pilots and early-stage implementations and provides recommendations for enhancements, expansion, handoff for scaling, or sunset decisions based on value realization and organizational fit.
- Leads and develops a small team and may coordinate consultants, contractors, and cross-functional workgroups assigned to AI and innovation initiatives.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
About Us:
At Vantage West, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant learning environment where curiosity and growth are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are not just building a successful company; we are cultivating a community where everyone can thrive.
Benefits And Perks:
- Health Coverage – We offer medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents. Other benefits include: life insurance, flexible spending accounts, pet insurance, Team Member Assistance Program (EAP), and Corporate Care Solutions (Backup Child and Adult Care Services).
- Paid Time Off and Holidays – Work-life balance is a focus with generous paid time off, with additional time given for sick days, paid holidays, and 16 hours of paid time to participate in our community volunteer program. We also offer enhanced paid military leave and paid maternity/paternity leave.
- Retirement Savings – Generous 401k Plan.
- Development Activities – We focus on continuous growth by encouraging Job Shadowing and Personal Development Plans, which leads to a 40+% annual internal promotion rate.
- Tuition Reimbursement – We have partnered with the University of Arizona Global Campus to offer eligible full-time employees 100% tuition coverage towards an online Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans Disabled
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
