VP, Data & AI

LCS is looking for a visionary VP of Data & AI to lead the organization's transformation to becoming AI-native, spanning data analytics, data science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct service of measurable business outcomes. This role operates at the intersection of business and technology, influencing organizational strategy and elevating a culture where AI becomes core to how the company operates.

• Define and own the enterprise data & AI strategy roadmap, unifying analytics, data science, data governance and AI under one coherent vision tied to business outcomes.
• Lead the identification, prioritization, and scoping of high-impact AI and analytics opportunities through strong partnerships across the organization.
• Work closely with the team to advance LCS’s AI maturity by developing scalable approaches to agentic AI, and developing the next iteration of insight delivery at LCS.
• Develop and expand key external strategic partnerships, which may include relationships with universities, research institutions, data vendors, etc.
• Develop and evolve team capabilities, enabling analysts to grow into agentic AI development and insight‑driven roles.
• Lead and develop a department of high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary data and AI team.
• In conjunction with director of data governance, elevate the AI governance program to ensure department and community readiness, secure & ethical practices, etc.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration and position the function to be intentionally integrated within the various business areas to ensure capture of highest impact opportunities and knowledge.
• Partner with IT to shape and implement the next generation AI architecture and stack.
• Establish repeatable processes for intake, prioritization, solution delivery, and value measurement.
• Own the department budget and ensure responsible resource allocation and demonstrable return on data/AI investments.
• Responsible for the effective management and leadership of a team. This includes, but is not limited to: hiring, training, coaching, evaluating and managing performance, allocating compensation, effectively handling employee relations issues, and managing terminations.

• Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.
• 10 or more years of progressive experience in data science, AI, analytics or related disciplines with at least 3-4 years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of generative AI, agentic AI, data science and emerging trends.
• Exceptional communication abilities with a proven record of presenting complex topics to executive and board-level audiences.
• Clear executive presence and ability to influence and align cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Excellent business acumen and fluent in linking data initiatives to organizational strategy/value.
• Experience building, developing and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep experience implementing advanced workloads in cloud, data, and AI platforms (Azure, GCP, Databricks, Snowflake, etc.).
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, objective judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to balance innovation, risk, governance, security, ethics, and business impact.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change management, adoption, training across business and technical audiences.
• Experience managing technology budgets and vendor relationships.

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. Medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(k) with company match and paid parental leave.

Travel frequency: 10-25 %.

A post‑offer background check, including references, is required.

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.