Director of Data & AI Strategy

Are you ready to lead the future of data and AI strategy, transforming insights into innovation and driving meaningful impact across our organization?

Horizon Farm Credit is recruiting for a Director of Data & AI Strategy to join our team. Qualified candidate may work in any available Horizon Farm Credit branch. To view locations, Locations | Horizon Farm Credit . The hours of operations are typically, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after 6 months of successful employment.

Travel to branch offices, AgFirst, and other facilities may be required. This is a unique opportunity to shape the enterprise-wide data and AI strategy, elevate business intelligence into a strategic partner, and empower stakeholders at all levels to make data-driven decisions.

As the Director of Data & AI Strategy, you will serve as a strategic leader responsible for defining and executing Horizon’s enterprise data and AI roadmap. You’ll lead a team of business intelligence analysts, transforming data into actionable insights that drive innovation, efficiency, and customer-focused improvements. You’ll partner closely with IT leadership, AgFirst, and business stakeholders to ensure analytics and AI capabilities align with organizational priorities and enhance both operations and customer experience.

• Define and execute the enterprise data and AI strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop a roadmap to elevate business intelligence into a strategic insights partner.
• Leverage AI and advanced analytics to drive innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Champion a culture of data literacy, empowering stakeholders to use insights for business improvements.
• Lead and develop a team of business intelligence analysts, evolving skillsets to meet strategic needs.
• Foster a culture of agile methodology, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee backlog management and ensure active business involvement in the request and approval cycle.
• Implement standard work for data governance and quality.
• Partner with IT leadership to align data and digital strategies.
• Co-chair the internal AI workgroup and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Build strong relationships with business owners to identify opportunities for impactful insights.
• Maximize the value of data as an organizational asset.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Information Technology or related field.
• Minimum of six to eight years of experience in a data or IT leadership role.

• Excellent analytical and innovation skills, with ability to transfer knowledge across the organization.
• Strong communication, human relations, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead, plan, and manage change effectively.
• Competence in analyzing and recommending solutions to technical and business system challenges.
• Ability to prioritize, take initiative, and make sound business decisions.
• Knowledge of Horizon Farm Credit and AgFirst products and services preferred.
• Willingness to travel and occasionally work evenings/weekends.
• Adaptable and flexible to a changing work environment.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance is required.
• Complies with the Association’s Standards of Conduct Policy.

Horizon Farm Credit is an expert in agriculture, with over 100 years of serving rural America. As a premier rural lender, we’re constantly growing and seeking new members for our team. Joining Horizon means making a difference in agriculture and rural communities while working in a supportive, innovative environment.

We provide competitive compensation and benefits packages for full-time employees, including:

• Medical insurance with dental and vision care options
• 401(k) with significant employer matching
• Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement and training opportunities
• Leadership and career development opportunities
• Paid maternity and bonding leave
• Paid short-term disability
• Fun and inclusive work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer including veterans and individuals with disabilities.