Associate Director, Technology and Innovation - AI

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

9h•$141,500 - $268,500

About The Position

The Associate Director, Technology and Innovation, oversees the AI and technology opportunity portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and resources. The role collaborates with BTS and business stakeholders and uses knowledge of Clinical Sciences functions to provide strategic and tactical support. It supports decision-making through clear communication and disciplined management of AI opportunity planning, resource allocation, and portfolio oversight, enabling ideation, proofs of concept, and the scaling of AI-enabled technology solutions. The position leads and advances medium- and high-impact AI and technology opportunities, evaluates proposals for funding, supports governance, and improves solution development, implementation, and adoption. It also manages portfolio reporting, risks, decisions, stakeholder communications, and cross-functional alignment across Clinical Sciences, Development, R&D AI teams, BTS, and enabling functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
10+ years of project/portfolio management or related experience, including 5 years in clinical development, technology, innovation, or business operations.
Experience managing technology portfolios and portfolio oversight.
5+ years of experience defining and delivering technology, analytics, automation, or AI-enabled solutions.
Hands-on experience applying AI tools to prototype, assess, and advance business opportunities, inform decision-making, and partner effectively with technical teams to scale successful solutions.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a complex, matrix environment; facilitate creative and critical thinking across diverse perspectives; and develop innovative solutions to complex opportunities.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to craft compelling business proposals and inspire and motivate teams to achieve common goals.
Proven track record of delivering results-driven solution development and/or continuous innovation with limited information or support.

Responsibilities

Own and manage AI and technology opportunity planning and ready-to-go project lists for innovation initiatives across Clinical Sciences and Development.
Support operational aspects of the Clinical Sciences technology and data decision-making board.
Oversee and monitor the Clinical Sciences AI and technology opportunity portfolio for alignment with business, BTS, and R&D AI strategy.
Prepare reports; track risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans; facilitate resolutions; escalate decisions as needed; and manage team meetings and stakeholder communications.
Develop project proposals, estimates, and timelines, ensuring appropriate prioritization within the Clinical Sciences project portfolio.
Lead evaluation and advancement of new funding proposals, aligning them with strategy, goals, business value, feasibility, data readiness, risk, and resource capacity in collaboration with BTS partners.
Lead medium- and high-impact AI and technology opportunities with limited oversight, simplifying complex business needs and defining actionable pathways.
Continuously improve AI and technology solution development, implementation, and adoption to foster purposeful innovation and reduce time to value.
Support and enhance a governance framework that balances agility, accountability, and responsible use of AI.
Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships across Clinical Sciences, Development, R&D AI teams, BTS, and enabling functions, aligning stakeholders on initiative goals and objectives.
Prepare and deliver high-impact communications, presentations, and portfolio reviews focused on actionable results.
Frame complex issues and tradeoffs for decision-makers and create management presentations that drive outcomes.