AI Strategy Director

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k plan

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

CLA is seeking an AI Strategy Director to lead end-to-end AI strategy engagements, guiding clients from opportunity identification through deployment and optimization. The role translates complex AI concepts into executive decisions and builds trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.

This position requires experience leading cross-functional teams and advancing AI capabilities through thought leadership and business development.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant AI/strategy experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; combination of experience and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of end-to-end AI strategy engagements.
• Translate AI concepts into executive-level decisions.
• Guide clients to align AI initiatives with business strategy and risk considerations.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.
• Oversee multiple AI engagements ensuring quality and outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Data Science, Engineering, Risk, Legal, Cyber) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Develop AI frameworks, methodologies, and thought leadership.
• Support growth through business development and identifying follow-on opportunities.

Skills

AI strategy

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

We are seeking a AI Strategy Director. This role leads the design and delivery of end to end AI strategy engagements, guiding clients from opportunity identification and solution architecture through deployment and optimization while translating complex AI concepts into executive level decisions. They build trusted client relationships, directs cross functional teams, manages engagement risks and outcomes, and advances the firm’s AI capabilities through thought leadership and business development.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the design and delivery of end-to-end AI strategy engagements, from opportunity identification and solution architecture through deployment and ongoing optimization
• Develop and set director for AI strategy approaches that translate complex AI concepts into clear, executive level insights and decisions.
• Advise and guide clients to align AI initiatives with business strategy, risk tolerance, regulatory requirements, and organizational readiness.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders (Director, VP, C-suite).
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple AI engagements, ensuring quality outcomes and client expectations are met.
• Direct and coordinate cross-functional teams (Data Science, Engineering, Risk, Legal, Cyber, Digital Operations) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Monitor engagement risks, dependencies, and decision points, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Develop and advance AI frameworks, methodologies, and thought leadership, informed by evolving AI trends and regulations.
• Support firm growth and market presence through business development, identification of follow on opportunities, and representing the firm’s AI capabilities.

Requirements

Experience

6 Years Of Relevant Experience Required.

Education

Bachelor's degree is required. Combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.

Certifications / Licenses

None required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.