AI & Data Innovation Lead

Strata Information Group (SIG) is a trusted leader in higher‑education technology consulting, supporting colleges and universities with ERP/SIS modernization, digital transformation, CRM, cybersecurity, and strategic advisory services. As a long‑standing and deeply embedded partner within the higher‑education sector, SIG brings together technical depth, operational insight, and a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and exceptional client service. Our heritage is built on hands‑on expertise, genuine relationships, and a commitment to delivering value with humility and excellence—values that continue to define us as we scale.AI & Data Innovation LeadThe RoleWe are looking for a smart, hungry, highly motivated AI & Data professional who is eager to contribute to the transformation of a modern consulting firm through AI innovations. Please note that this is not a maintenance role.This is a build-it, test-it, break-it, improve-it role.You will work directly with senior management to identify, prototype, and implement AI-driven capabilities across internal operations and delivery execution.The goal: fail fast, learn fast, and succeed fast.In this role, you will report to the CEO with a dotted line to other executive leaders. You will participate in a regular steering committee with senior leadership to align priorities and review progress. Additionally, you will work cross-functionally with stakeholders from Sales, Delivery, Contracts, HR, Finance, and IT.What You'll DoAI Strategy in ActionIdentify high-impact AI use cases across client delivery, internal operations, and go-to-marketRapidly prototype AI-powered solutions using available tools and custom approachesDirect and refine AI tools (prompt engineering, automation workflows, lightweight scripting)Maintain a prioritized AI roadmap balancing speed-to-impact against long-term strategic valueBuild vs. Buy AnalysisEvaluate AI tools in the market and assess when to leverage existing platforms vs. build internallyCreate clear recommendations for leadership with cost implicationsTrack and report on AI platform costs, API usage, and total cost of ownershipData & Systems CollaborationWork with internal stakeholders to identify data sources and opportunities for AI leverageHelp organize and prepare data for AI-driven use casesPartner with consultants and functional leaders to translate real-world business needs into AI-enabled solutionsEstablish and enforce data governance guardrails: what data can and cannot be used in AI tools, PII handling, and confidentiality protocolsAdoption & Change ManagementDrive user adoption through hands-on training, documentation, and workflow embeddingIdentify and cultivate AI champions within each functional areaRun regular demos and share progress with senior leadershipTrack adoption metrics and iterate on tools based on user feedbackVendor & Budget ManagementEvaluate, trial, and manage relationships with AI tool vendorsOwn the AI tools budget: track spend, forecast costs, and ensure ROI justifies investmentNegotiate licenses and manage renewals for AI platformsExecution & ExperimentationMove quickly from concept to testEmbrace context switching as priorities evolveIterate rapidly when ideas don't land as expectedHow Success is MeasuredNumber of AI tools/workflows delivered and actively used by end usersUser adoption rates: % of target users actively using delivered tools within 30 daysTime and cost savings documented from AI-enabled workflowsQuality of build-vs-buy recommendations (measured by leadership confidence and decision speed)Stakeholder satisfaction: regular feedback from functional leads on responsiveness and impactWhat We're Looking ForExperience3–7 years in a business, technical, analytics, or technology-adjacent role (consulting, product, data, or engineering) with exposure to real business processes (e.g., RFPs, workflow bottlenecks). Experience working cross-functionally with non-technical stakeholders, gathering requirements, and translating needs. Proven experience experimenting with AI tools, automation workflows, or light scripting (not necessarily production grade), such as Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity AI, Zapier AI, or GitHub Copilot. MindsetIntellectually curious and obsessed with learningEnergized by ambiguity and rapid changeComfortable failing publicly in pursuit of better outcomesOpen to direct feedback and shifting direction quicklyHighly accountable and execution-orientedSkillsSome programming experience (Python, JavaScript, APIs, automation tools, etc.)Strong interest in AI tools, LLMs, data workflows, and automationAbility to prototype and experiment independentlyStrong written and verbal communication skillsFast worker with strong follow-through and the ability to collaborate across teamsYou'll Thrive Here If You…Prefer building over debatingGet excited about new AI tools and test them before most people finish reading the articleCan explain technical ideas clearly to non-technical leadersDon't get discouraged when a promising idea doesn't pan outWant exposure to senior leadership and meaningful impact earlyAre energized by seeing your work directly adopted and valued by end usersPay and BenefitsThe salary range is $100,000 - $120,000 + bonusHealth, Vision, Dental & Life InsuranceShort & Long Term DisabilityPaid Parental Leave3 Weeks Vacation, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays401(K) with a 5% Employer ContributionPet InsuranceThe listed salary range for this position is indicative and subject to adjustment based on the candidate's unique skills and location. Final compensation will be determined through mutual agreement between the successful candidate and SIG.SIG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employerCalifornia Consumer Privacy Act Notice