GenAI/AI Incubation Lab, Lead

Deckers Brands; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading footwear company is seeking a GenAI/AI Incubation Lab Lead to drive innovative machine learning initiatives. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring ethical AI practices. Candidates should have 7+ years of experience in AI/ML and possess a strong ability to translate business needs into data-driven solutions. A competitive salary range of $140,000 - 150,000 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits and a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive Pay and Bonuses

Financial Planning and Wellbeing

Time away from work

Growth and Development

Health and Wellness

Extras, discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data, AI/ML, analytics, or digital innovation programs.
• Experience managing stakeholder engagement across multiple business domains.
• Experience supporting GenAI/AI product development in a corporate setting.

Responsibilities

• Drive collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify high-impact opportunities.
• Act as primary liaison between business units and the Incubation Lab.
• Ensure all engagements adhere to internal governance standards.

Skills

Strong understanding of GenAI/AI/ML and LLM concepts

Ability to translate business challenges into data science opportunities

Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills

Agile mindset with strong problem-solving abilities

Passion for innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Data Science, Analytics or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Certifications in AI/ML, program management, or product ownership

Tools

Familiarity with cloud-based data and ML ecosystems (AWS preferred)

Job description

Overview

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.

Job Title: GenAI/AI Incubation Lab, Lead

Location: United States (Remote)

Interested applicants must reside in one of the following approved states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington.

The Role

Are you passionate about the intersection of innovation and impact? As the GenAI/AI Incubation Lab, Lead, you will be the driving force behind our GenAI/AI and machine learning initiatives, connecting cutting-edge technology with real business value. You will work closely with internal partners to identify, shape, and deliver GenAI/AI solutions that align with our strategic priorities. Your role will be pivotal in supporting ideation, solution framing, experimentation, and transitioning GenAI use cases into scalable products. Join us in leading the charge towards a future where GenAI and AI transform our business and creates meaningful impact.

We celebrate diversity—of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Strategic Engagement and Use Case Development:
  • Drive collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify high-impact opportunities for GenAI/AI, advanced analytics and LLMs.
  • Translate business needs into well-defined AI use cases in alignment with enterprise strategy and data capabilities.
  • Lead intake, framing, and prioritization processes for Incubation Lab initiatives in partnership with product and delivery leaders.
  • Ensure that GenAI/AI engagements are grounded in real business value, feasibility, and ethical principles.
• Communication and Stakeholder Alignment:
  • Act as the primary liaison between business units and the Incubation Lab, ensuring consistent communication and shared expectations.
  • Create clear and compelling narratives, presentations, and summaries to communicate GenAI/AI opportunities and outcomes to a range of stakeholders.
  • Evangelize GenAI/AI across the organization by promoting education, storytelling, and transparency in partnership with data literacy programs.
• Governance and Enablement:
  • Ensure all Incubation Lab engagements adhere to internal governance standards, including data privacy, fairness, transparency, and compliance.
  • Promote ethical GenAI/AI practices and responsible innovation by incorporating enterprise guidelines into the engagement lifecycle.
  • Support the transition of successful GenAI/AI pilots into long-term products through structured handoffs to product, delivery, and platform teams.

Who You Are

• Education/Certifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required (Business, Data Science, Analytics, or related field)
  • Master’s degree preferred
  • Certifications in AI/ML, program management, or product ownership are a plus
• Work Experience:
  • 7+ years of experience in data, AI/ML, analytics, or digital innovation programs
  • Experience managing stakeholder engagement and delivery across multiple business domains
  • Experience supporting GenAI/AI product development or leading GenAI/AI innovation initiatives in a corporate setting
  • Exposure to cloud-based data and ML ecosystems (AWS preferred)
• Skills/Competencies:
  • Strong understanding of GenAI/AI/ML and LLM concepts, capabilities, and real-world applications
  • Ability to translate business challenges into data science opportunities and vice versa
  • Skilled in cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and influence without authority
  • Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Agile mindset with strong problem-solving and program coordination abilities
  • Passion for innovation, learning, and bridging the gap between experimentation and execution

What We'll Give You

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses — We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing — No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work — Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks — Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development — Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness — There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

Compensation team adds the salary range for roles based in Goleta, CA, US Remote, or any other state that requires pay posting. The salary range shown below applies to those locations and is not posted for states that do not require pay posting.

$140,000 - 150,000

The salary range posted reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in our Goleta, CA location. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other parts of your identity.