Director of Technology, AI & Digital Transformation

River Valley Power & Sport - Marine•Red Wing, MN

4d•$100,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

River Valley Companies is seeking an innovative, forward-thinking technology leader to drive our next phase of growth through technology, AI adoption, automation, systems integration, and digital transformation. This is not a traditional IT Director position. We are searching for a unique professional who can think like a strategist, build like an engineer, and lead like an executive. The ideal candidate understands that technology is no longer just about keeping systems running—it is about creating competitive advantages, improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, leveraging artificial intelligence, and helping businesses scale. With approximately 140 employees across seven locations throughout Minnesota, River Valley Companies is actively investing in technology, AI, automation, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and business process optimization. This leader will help define how technology impacts every department across our marine, powersports, service, sales, finance, marketing, and operations teams. If you're excited about AI, automation, emerging technologies, business systems, data, cloud infrastructure, and solving complex business challenges, we want to talk to you.

Requirements

Experience leading technology initiatives, digital transformation projects, or enterprise technology environments
Strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Business Systems, Cloud Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity
Experience implementing workflow automation, business process improvements, or systems integration projects
Ability to translate business challenges into scalable technology solutions
Strong project management and change management capabilities
Exceptional communication and executive-level presentation skills
Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution

Nice To Haves

AI Integration & Adoption
Generative AI Platforms
Microsoft Copilot Skills/Certification
Directory Service Integrations
AI Governance
Prompt Engineering
Workflow Automation
Power Automate
Power BI
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft 365 Administration/Certification
Business Systems Integration
API Integrations
Data Analytics
Business Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Enterprise Architecture
Digital Transformation
Process Improvement
Change Management
Systems Engineering
IT Leadership

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company's AI roadmap and digital transformation strategy
Identify practical applications for Artificial Intelligence across sales, marketing, service, operations, HR, finance, and customer experience
Evaluate, implement, and optimize AI-powered tools, agents, copilots, and automation platforms
Lead company-wide AI adoption initiatives and employee training programs
Create governance, security, and compliance frameworks surrounding AI usage
Stay ahead of emerging technologies and identify opportunities that create measurable business value
Design and implement workflow automation solutions that eliminate manual processes
Develop scalable systems that improve efficiency, reporting accuracy, and employee productivity
Integrate software platforms to streamline operations across departments
Identify bottlenecks and engineer solutions that reduce friction and improve customer experience
Build business intelligence, reporting, and analytics capabilities that support leadership decision-making
Develop and execute the company's long-term technology roadmap
Align technology investments with strategic business objectives
Partner directly with ownership and executive leadership on growth initiatives
Evaluate emerging technologies and determine practical business applications
Lead digital transformation projects from concept through implementation
Oversee Microsoft 365, Azure, cloud infrastructure, networking, endpoints, and enterprise software systems
Ensure high availability, reliability, scalability, and security across all locations
Lead cybersecurity planning, risk mitigation, disaster recovery, and business continuity initiatives
Maintain technology standards, policies, governance, and compliance practices
Monitor evolving cybersecurity threats and implement proactive protection strategies
Improve connectivity between business systems and dealership software platforms
Design scalable technology ecosystems that support future growth
Evaluate APIs, integrations, data flows, and enterprise architecture opportunities
Create technology standards that improve efficiency and reduce redundancy
Support data management, reporting, and business intelligence initiatives
Serve as the senior technology resource for the organization
Lead technology onboarding, training, and adoption efforts
Help employees leverage technology to improve performance and efficiency
Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement
Support multiple locations while maintaining exceptional service standards

Benefits

Medical & Dental Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Traditional & Roth 401(k) with employer match
Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional voluntary insurance options
Company-provided apparel
Employee discounts on boats, powersports vehicles, parts, accessories, and apparel
Access to demo units including pontoons, fishing boats, ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and Slingshots