Executive Director of Technology

Louisiana Economic Development; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A state economic agency seeks a strategic Executive Director of Technology to lead the agency's technology strategy, focusing on AI modernization. The ideal candidate will develop an enterprise technology roadmap, establish governance frameworks, and advise on cybersecurity. Experience in technology leadership and strong AI knowledge is essential. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the agency's technology meets modern economic demands. The position is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technology leadership experience with a track record of digital transformations.
• Strong understanding of current AI landscape including LLMs and automation platforms.
• Proven success in managing complex digital platforms.
• Proven success in cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity management.
• Excellent collaboration and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute LED’s enterprise technology strategy with an AI-first approach.
• Establish frameworks for technology governance and AI ethics.
• Advise LED leadership on technology risks and cybersecurity.
• Create a multi-year technology roadmap with measurable AI outcomes.
• Oversee governance, security, and responsible AI deployment.
• Align technology with program needs and cross-agency collaboration.
• Advance data-driven decision-making and workforce upskilling in AI literacy.

Skills

Technology leadership

AI knowledge

Collaboration skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business, or a related field

Advanced degree or specialization in AI/Data Science preferred

Tools

Cloud infrastructure

Cybersecurity

Data platforms

Job description

Louisiana Economic Development (LED) seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director of Technology (EDT) to lead the agency’s technology strategy, architecture, and digital infrastructure with a focus on AI-first modernization. Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer within LED, the EDT will ensure LED’s technology ecosystem effectively supports the agency’s mission to drive economic growth, business investment, and job creation across the state.

This position is strategic and forward‑looking, focused on technology vision, governance, and modernization rather than day‑to‑day IT operations. The EDT will define and implement a unified, AI‑integrated technology roadmap, ensuring LED’s internal systems, data platforms, and external digital tools are secure, modern, and leveraged to provide a competitive advantage in the global economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & AI-First Technology Leadership

• Develop and execute LED’s enterprise technology strategy, prioritizing an AI‑first approach to business processes and data utilization.
• Serve as the lead architect for LED’s technology modernization, shifting infrastructure toward AI‑native and cloud‑scalable systems.
• Provide executive‑level guidance on emerging technologies, including Generative AI, predictive analytics, and automated workflows that strengthen LED’s operational performance.
• Create and maintain a multi‑year technology roadmap that identifies high‑impact opportunities for AI implementation tied to measurable business outcomes.

Governance, Security, and AI Ethics

• Establish frameworks for technology governance, architecture, and investment decisions, including AI usage policies and ethical data standards.
• Collaborate with the Chief Innovation Officer to ensure technology strategy supports digital transformation and organizational innovation priorities.
• Collaborate with the state Office of Technology Services when necessary to align LED’s AI and cloud initiatives with broader state infrastructure.
• Advise LED leadership on technology risks, cybersecurity, and the responsible deployment of AI models.
• Oversee the strategy for LED’s digital ecosystem, including CRM, analytics, and data platforms, ensuring they are optimized for AI inference and data‑driven insights.
• Identify and implement technology solutions that leverage automation and machine learning to enhance efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
• Guide modernization of legacy systems toward cloud‑based, secure, and scalable solutions that support a future‑ready data architecture.
• Partner with LED’s program leaders to align technology solutions with business needs and operational objectives, acting as an AI evangelist for the agency.
• Work closely with teams to ensure technology investments support cross‑agency collaboration and the upskilling of the workforce in digital and AI literacy.
• Foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making, providing tools that allow staff to leverage AI for complex economic analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business, or a related field (advanced degree or specialization in AI/Data Science preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years of technology leadership experience, with a proven track record of executing enterprise‑scale digital transformations.
• AI Knowledge: Strong understanding of the current AI landscape, including LLMs, automation platforms, and the infrastructure required to support high‑performance data environments.
• Technical Depth: Proven success in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managing complex digital platforms.
• Communication: Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex AI and technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders and executive leadership.

The ideal EDT is a strategic technology leader who brings enterprise‑scale vision and AI‑forward thinking to Louisiana Economic Development. This individual is a systems thinker—focused on building a cohesive, intelligent technology foundation that empowers LED’s mission and ensures Louisiana remains a leader in the modern digital economy.