Director, Artificial Intelligence Strategy (AI Strategist)

Sun, Inc.•Southfield, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Artificial Intelligence Strategy is responsible for developing and executing Sun's enterprise-wide AI strategy, governance, and cross-functional alignment to drive operational excellence and create competitive advantages across our portfolio of manufactured housing and RV resort communities. This role bridges business strategy and artificial intelligence implementation, serving as the strategic leader for identifying, evaluating, and implementing AI and machine learning solutions that align with business objectives. The Director, AI Strategy works collaboratively across teams to identify high-value AI use cases, build internal capabilities, establish governance frameworks, and ensure responsible AI deployment. This role drives adoption efforts, promoting understanding and enablement across the organization so team members recognize how AI enhances their work and the organization maximizes the sustained value of its AI investments. This role will also help cultivate relationships with external AI vendors, technology partners, and industry thought leaders to keep Sun at the forefront of innovation in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or Business Administration (Required)
8 years in progressive experience in AI/ML strategy (Required)
5 years in experience in leadership or management positions (Required)
Demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and related technologies
Proven track record of successfully developing and executing enterprise AI strategies that delivered measurable business outcomes
Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive accountability for enterprise-wide initiatives
Strong understanding of AI governance, responsible AI practices, and regulatory considerations including data privacy and algorithmic fairness
Excellent business acumen with ability to translate technical concepts into business value and communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders
Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing complex technology implementations
Knowledge of data architecture, cloud platforms, MLOps, and AI development lifecycle
Strategic thinking capabilities with ability to balance long-term vision with short-term execution
Experience managing vendor relationships and evaluating enterprise technology solutions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making approach
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior leadership team
Ability to drive successful organizational adoption of new technologies
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree (Preferred)
Professional certification(s) in AI, machine learning, or data science (e.g., AWS ML Specialty, Google Cloud ML Engineer, Microsoft Azure AI Engineer) (Strongly Preferred)
Experience in real estate, property management, hospitality, or related industries preferred
Proficiency with AI/ML tools, platforms, and programming languages such as Python, R, TensorFlow, or similar technologies preferred

Responsibilities

Drive and maintain a comprehensive AI strategy and roadmap aligned with Sun’s business objectives, identifying opportunities across key business functions.
Lead the evaluation and recommend prioritization of AI opportunities and partner with key business functions to develop and validate business case justifications for AI initiatives.
Drive cross-functional team engagement to optimize operational efficiency through intelligent automation, enhance team member satisfaction, and promote informed decision-making.
Establish and oversee AI governance frameworks and responsible AI practices ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations, fair housing laws, and industry standards.
Partner with technology team leaders to build and maintain the infrastructure, data architecture, platform capabilities, and guardrails required to support AI/ML model development, deployment, and monitoring at scale.
Collaborate with business leaders to identify pain points, inefficiencies, and opportunities where AI can deliver measurable value, conducting feasibility assessments and ROI analyses.
Promote a culture of innovation and partner with business leaders to drive consistent AI adoption practices and promote the advancement of enterprise-wide AI programs.
Coordinates team member selection and development and ensures team members comply with appropriate policies and procedures.
Foster effective leadership and communication at all organization levels.
Manage relationships with AI technology vendors, consultants, and strategic partners, evaluating solutions and supporting negotiation of contracts that deliver optimal value.
In partnership with the learning & development team, build internal AI literacy and capabilities through training programs, workshops, and change management initiatives that foster an innovation-oriented culture.
Oversee proof-of-concept projects and pilot programs, establishing success metrics, monitoring performance, and scaling successful initiatives across the organization.
Stay current with emerging AI technologies, industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive landscape, providing thought leadership and recommendations to executive leadership.
Support development and management of an AI strategy budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and demonstrable return on investment.
Establish performance metrics and reporting frameworks to track AI initiative outcomes, business impact, and value realization.
Lead cross-functional teams in the design and implementation of AI solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
Lead, coach, and mentor high-performing leaders and teams within the AI and Innovation function.
Ensure AI solutions enhance rather than diminish the human touch that defines Sun’s resident experience objectives.
Collaborate with others to address AI-related risks including bias, transparency, security, and regulatory compliance.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical and Prescription coverage with 4 plan options
Comprehensive Dental and Vision Plans
On-Site Fitness Center
Voluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance and Dependent Life
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
401(k) Plan with Sun matching contribution
Employee Assistance Program
Identity Theft Insurance
Legal Assistance Plan
Pet Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement program
Vacation RV Site Discounts
Team Member Perks & Discounts program
Up to six weeks of paid parental leave
Paid Time Off including ten holidays, vacation, personal, sick time, bereavement and pay for jury duty