Director, AI Strategy & Implementation

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

In May 2025, RTI launched the Office of Data and AI Strategy (ODAS) and appointed its first Vice President of Data & AI Strategy to lead a transformative enterprise-wide effort. ODAS is currently assessing RTI's data assets, governance practices, infrastructure, and talent to identify key gaps and opportunities.

These insights will inform the development of a comprehensive, Institute-wide Data and AI Strategy that is fully aligned with RTI's scientific mission, operational priorities, and long-term vision for innovation, actionable insights, and responsible AI adoption.

ODAS is currently seeking a Director, AI Strategy & Implementation to play a critical role in advancing our transformation into an AI-enabled enterprise. This strategic role supports the execution of enterprise-wide AI initiatives that enhance research capabilities, strengthen operational efficiency, and expand our competitive advantage.

As a trusted advisor and integrator, you will help bridge the gap between technical AI expertise and organizational needs, ensuring that strategy is translated into actionable programs, solutions, and measurable impact. You will play a key role in advancing the organization's enterprise-wide AI transformation by supporting the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy aligned with both client needs and institutional priorities. Working closely with the Vice President of Data Strategy & AI, you will ensure that AI initiatives are seamlessly integrated with RTI's data architecture and governance frameworks. You will help champion cultural change and adoption across a global workforce, while contributing to phased implementation of the AI strategy at pilot, scale-up, and enterprise-wide levels. You will manage elements of the AI roadmap, including milestone planning, KPI tracking, and success measurement, and will partner with Solutions leaders and Strategy/Innovation teams to identify and prioritize high-impact use cases. By coordinating cross-functional teams, you will deliver AI solutions that strengthen proposal development, accelerate research, and drive operational excellence across RTI.

Additional Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Collaborate with contractors and SMEs to operationalize scopes of work, ensuring alignment with strategic AI objectives.
• Contribute to the development of AI governance frameworks and risk management protocols aligned with ethical standards and federal compliance requirements.
• Support deployment of bias detection, fairness testing, explainability, and responsible AI practices.
• Provide input into AI platforms, tools, and infrastructure selection, ensuring alignment with RTI's research needs.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies and assess potential research applications.
• Partner with HR to design training and upskilling programs to build AI readiness across RTI.
• Support efforts to attract, retain, and grow top AI talent.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Strong knowledge of AI/ML technologies: supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision.
• Experience with enterprise AI platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.).
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, ethical AI principles, and bias mitigation techniques.
• Understanding of data architecture, data governance, and MLOps best practices.
• Business acumen to translate technical concepts into organizational value.
• Proven success scaling AI capabilities in enterprise environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive and client audiences.
• Knowledge of federal compliance requirements (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).
• Understanding of data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA).
• Experience in AI security, adversarial attack prevention, and risk management.

**Please include a cover letter highlighting your experience and alignment with the requirements of the role**

• Master's or PhD in data science, information systems, engineering, informatics, or business/management with a strong technology focus and 10 years of professional experience, or:
• Bachelor's level degree and 12 years of professional experience
• Demonstrated expertise and progressively responsible experience in AI/ML strategy and implementation
• 5 years leading or advising on AI/ML strategy, implementation, or related technical initiatives
• Ability to bridge business needs and technical execution, working closely with data scientists, engineers, and technologists to deliver AI-enabled solutions
• Proven track record guiding organizations through digital or AI-driven transformation, with measurable impact at enterprise scale

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For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.