Data, AI & Emerging Technologies Head Full Time NEW

Job Purpose:

The Senior Director of Data, AI & Emerging Technologies will lead World Vision International’s strategic initiatives in data governance, analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. This role is critical in driving World Vision’s transformation into a data-driven organization while ensuring responsible innovation. The position leads a diverse team responsible for data architecture, data governance, analytics infrastructure, AI implementation, and organizational training. Working collaboratively across World Vision’s decentralized structure, this leader will guide and execute the organization’s data and AI strategy to enhance operational effectiveness and demonstrate humanitarian impact.

Organizational Structure:

Reporting directly to the CIO, the Senior Director will oversee the strategic use of data, AI, enterprise architecture, and emerging technologies, and build capacity across the organization to enhance decision-making, program delivery, and mission outcomes. This position leads a department with 5-10 direct and indirect reports.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Innovation (25%)

• Partner with key stakeholders to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for Data & AI, aligned with the organization’s mission and goals
• Ensure full implementation of the organization’s data-driven transformation initiatives
• Act as a thought leader, staying ahead of trends and guiding the organization in exploring and adopting emerging technologies and innovative solutions
• Guide the establishment of the organization’s data governance framework and policies
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of enterprise analytics & AI solutions, enterprise architecture frameworks, and emerging technologies
• Build and lead cross-functional teams to implement scalable, sustainable technology solutions

Data Governance & Architecture (25%)

• Partner with Data Governance function on the development and implementation of World Vision’s data governance program
• Define and implement Enterprise Architecture standards to ensure technology investments are aligned, scalable, and interoperable
• Oversee the design and evolution of Enterprise Data Architecture
• Ensure data quality, compliance, and protection across the organization
• Establish and enforce governance frameworks to ensure data security, privacy, and ethical use of AI
• Direct the standardization of data management practices
• Guide the implementation of data sharing and integration practices

Analytics Leadership & Implementation (20%)

• Oversee the development of analytics platform/technology strategy and implementation
• Guide the establishment of semantic modeling and analytics best practices
• Ensure standardization of analytics approaches across the organization
• Drive adoption of self-service analytics capabilities
• Manage partnerships with external technology providers, ensuring value alignment and effective deli

Stakeholder Management & Change (15%)

• Build collaborative relationships across World Vision’s decentralized structure
• Influence and align stakeholders around data and technology initiatives
• Lead change management for data and technology transformations
• Partner with business units to identify and implement use cases
• Engage with external partners and technology providers

Team Leadership & Development (15%)

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of data and technology professionals
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning
• Ensure effective resource allocation and team structure
• Guide professional development and succession planning
• Manage departmental budget and resources

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred)
• At least 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in data, AI, enterprise architecture, or technology roles, with a track record of driving organizational transformation
• Min 5-8+ years of experience leading data, analytics, or AI initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in data governance and analytics platform implementation
• Strong track record of stakeholder management in complex organizations
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives
• Excellent communication and influence skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Data & AI/ML technologies
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead large-scale technology initiatives from concept to implementation
• Background and practical experience in implementing AI/ML solutions
• Experience with Microsoft technology stack, particularly Microsoft Fabric
• Track record of successful generative AI implementations
• Experience with semantic modeling and analytics best practices
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and inspire diverse teams
• Experience in humanitarian or nonprofit sector is a plus

Travel requirements:

• Willingness to travel internationally up to 25% of time