Director

Director, AI Strategy And Performance

This is an onsite position. The preferred work location is New Orleans, LA though The Woodlands, TX will also be considered.

Job Summary / Purpose :

The AI Director of Strategy and Performance is responsible for driving enterprise alignment, operational discipline, and strategic execution across the organization. This leader oversees the development of long-term strategy, ensures robust governance of key initiatives, and establishes performance frameworks that measure and accelerate progress toward Path to Premier goals. The individual leads the development and refinement of the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with its mission, vision, and long-term objectives. Partnering with executive leadership, they translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, investment roadmaps, and measurable performance targets. They facilitate strategic reviews, portfolio prioritization, and scenario planning to support informed executive decision-making. The position supports the development and execution of a business engagement framework, including materials, processes, measurement and reporting. In the area of governance and organizational alignment, this role is responsible for designing and leading the enterprise governance framework to promote transparency, accountability, and consistent execution of strategic programs. The Director will oversee an AI Governance Committee with a focus on overseeing the ethical deployment of AI solutions across the company. With a diverse set of members from the AI team, Internal Audit, Legal, Security, Ethics & Compliance, Human Resources and IT organizations, the Director will facilitate regular committee meetings to establish AI policies, create AI-specific risk management frameworks, and collaborate with AI project teams to ensure AI solutions are developed and maintained following establish policies and risk management frameworks. For performance management and measurement, the individual establishes and maintains an enterprise performance management framework that links strategy to measurable KPIs and OKRs. They develop performance dashboards and reporting mechanisms to provide executive and board-level visibility, while partnering with Finance and Operations to integrate performance tracking into business planning and budgeting cycles. By identifying performance gaps, they drive corrective actions to optimize execution and maximize value realization. A key focus is also placed on continuous improvement and strategic enablement. The role promotes a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across the organization, providing strategic insights, analytics, and benchmarking to guide decision-making. They champion cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure alignment and consistency in execution. Change management and communication strategies will be built to enable success of AI efforts. This leader will serve as the AI workstream lead for Path to Premier and be responsible for partnering with AI leadership to drive progress and achievement of aspirations. Finally, strong leadership and communication are essential. The individual leads and develops a high-performing team responsible for strategic analysis, governance operations, and performance reporting. They communicate strategic priorities and progress effectively to senior leadership, the board, and external stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor to executives on strategic planning, governance best practices, and enterprise performance management.

Job Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Organizational Leadership : Provide inspirational leadership to the Strategy and Performance team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, promoting professional growth and collaboration. Establish a positive and inclusive work environment that values and encourages open communication.

2. Governance. Develop and implement governance standards, policies, and processes that will ensure that AI solutions are identified, developed, and deployed in order to generate strategic business value while managing risks and complying with legal, ethical, and responsible AI regulations. Collaborate with business leaders, IT, and AI teams in the design and implementation of governance policies and procedures. Supervise and set direction for the AI Strategy and Performance team that will facilitate and support activities of the AI Governance Committee in establishing responsible AI policies and procedures.

3. Strategy and Direction. Lead and provide strategic direction to the AI department's Governance, PMO, Education and Enablement, Communication, and Change Management teams. Recruit, train, and retain top talent to generate consistent high performance for these teams. Oversee their activities, as described in more detail below, to ensure active collaboration, knowledge sharing, and accountability for results.

4. Change within the Organization : In conjunction with other change management leaders and functions, identifying organizational changes resulting from digital transformation. Develop comprehensive change plans in collaboration with leaders, ensuring smooth transitions. This involves developing comprehensive change plans, facilitating the integration of new tools into existing business processes, reimagining roles and responsibilities, and providing unwavering support through communications, training, and coaching. Provide communications to senior management on the status of AI adoption throughout the enterprise.

5. Organizational management. Oversee the monitoring and reporting of metrics and compliance with established AI and data governance standards and policies. Change management and communication strategies will be built to enable success of AI efforts. Financial management for the AI organization will be driven through this organization.

6 Continuous Improvement / Innovation : Responsible for partnering with AI leadership to drive Path to Premier progress and achievement of aspirations.

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, STEM, IT, Economics, Analytics, or related field Preferred Advance Degree in above fields or related field (Master's or Doctorate)

Minimum experience required of the position : 10 + years of professional experience Proven experience developing and executing strategic plans, managing organization financials and proving change management expertise. Strong understanding of enterprise performance management (EPM), KPI frameworks, and strategy execution tools. Experience in developing and implementing strategy KPIs, governance or risk management, controls, and procedures.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position : The ideal candidate will bring a track record of hands-on experience with governance, reflecting both technical proficiency and strategic leadership capabilities. Experience in leading strategic or digital transformation initiatives. Strong consulting skills with ability to influence leaders and stakeholders at all levels. Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Strong understanding of AI, data analytics, machine learning, and process automation principles, tools, and techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with tools and technologies related to governance, project management, agile development, process and product design, automation, business intelligence, and budgeting. Adaptability and positive attitude towards change. Experience in the energy and utility industry preferred.