Head - Data & AI

Head of Data and AI

The Head of Data and AI plays a critical leadership role in driving the organization’s AI strategy, data strategy, governance, and analytics initiatives. Responsible for overseeing the entire AI and data lifecycle to ensure effective management, utilization, and protection of data assets to support business objectives. This individual spearheads the organization’s AI and data strategy, governance, and utilization efforts. The role aims to harness the power of data to inform decision‑making, enhance operational efficiency, and fuel business growth, unlocking actionable insights, driving innovation, and creating tangible value for the organization and its stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: collaborate with executive leadership, department heads, and other stakeholders to understand data needs and priorities; communicate the value of data‑driven insights and initiatives to stakeholders at all levels of the organization through presentations, reports, and dashboards; serve as a subject‑matter expert on data‑related matters and contribute to strategic discussions and decision‑making processes.
• Data Analytics and Insights: lead data analytics initiatives to derive actionable insights and drive data‑informed decision‑making across the organization; collaborate with business units to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and liaise with the Group Technology Data Team to develop data‑driven solutions to address business challenges and opportunities.
• AI Strategy and Implementation: lead AI solutions in the organization and ensure Aldar is the pioneer in this space delivering outcomes and transforming classes for students.
• Data Management and Operations: ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) related to data management and privacy; should have experience working with and understanding of school information systems in particular iSams and Power School.
• Data Culture and Adoption: promote a data‑driven culture and mindset across the organization, advocating for the use of data to inform decision‑making and drive business outcomes; provide training and education on data management, analytics, and best practices to empower employees to use data in their roles effectively; encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among departments to leverage data as a strategic asset and drive innovation.
• Specific Duties:
  • Technology Evaluation and Integration: stay updated on emerging trends and innovations in data management and analytics to drive continuous improvement and innovation related to the field of education.
  • Risk Management and Compliance: assess data‑related risks and vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate those risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices related to data privacy, security, and ethical use of data; implement data security measures and protocols to protect sensitive data assets from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats by coordinating with Infra & Data Teams.
  • Performance Monitoring and Reporting: establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track the effectiveness of data initiatives and investments; monitor and analyze data performance metrics, identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement; prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership and stakeholders on the impact of data initiatives on business outcomes and strategic goals.
  • Information Security responsibilities: comply with Aldar Information Security Policies; be aware of and fulfil information security responsibilities; ensure whoever handles sensitive company information has taken Security Awareness Training; know how to report a security incident to IT Service Desk or Info Sec; not disable OS firewall and/or antivirus; restrict use to authorized purposes; protect access accounts, privileges, and associated passwords; accept accountability of user accounts and maintain confidentiality.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, MBA) preferred.

• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  10 to 15 years.
• Position/Functional
  
  Experience:
  
  8 years in Data and AI.