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 Lead The Role We 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 Do

AI Strategy in Action

• Identify high-impact AI use cases across client delivery, internal operations, and go-to-market
• Rapidly prototype AI-powered solutions using available tools and custom approaches
• Direct and refine AI tools (prompt engineering, automation workflows, lightweight scripting)
• Maintain a prioritized AI roadmap balancing speed-to-impact against long-term strategic value

Build vs. Buy Analysis

• Evaluate AI tools in the market and assess when to leverage existing platforms vs. build internally
• Create clear recommendations for leadership with cost implications
• Track and report on AI platform costs, API usage, and total cost of ownership

Data & Systems Collaboration

• Work with internal stakeholders to identify data sources and opportunities for AI leverage
• Help organize and prepare data for AI-driven use cases
• Partner with consultants and functional leaders to translate real-world business needs into AI-enabled solutions
• Establish and enforce data governance guardrails: what data can and cannot be used in AI tools, PII handling, and confidentiality protocols

Adoption & Change Management

• Drive user adoption through hands-on training, documentation, and workflow embedding
• Identify and cultivate AI champions within each functional area
• Run regular demos and share progress with senior leadership
• Track adoption metrics and iterate on tools based on user feedback

Vendor & Budget Management

• Evaluate, trial, and manage relationships with AI tool vendors
• Own the AI tools budget: track spend, forecast costs, and ensure ROI justifies investment
• Negotiate licenses and manage renewals for AI platforms

Execution & Experimentation

• Move quickly from concept to test
• Embrace context switching as priorities evolve
• Iterate rapidly when ideas don't land as expected

How Success is Measured

• Number of AI tools/workflows delivered and actively used by end users
• User adoption rates: % of target users actively using delivered tools within 30 days
• Time and cost savings documented from AI-enabled workflows
• Quality of build-vs-buy recommendations (measured by leadership confidence and decision speed)
• Stakeholder satisfaction: regular feedback from functional leads on responsiveness and impact

What We're Looking For

Experience

• 3–7 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.

Mindset

• Intellectually curious and obsessed with learning
• Energized by ambiguity and rapid change
• Comfortable failing publicly in pursuit of better outcomes
• Open to direct feedback and shifting direction quickly
• Highly accountable and execution-oriented

Skills

• Some programming experience (Python, JavaScript, APIs, automation tools, etc.)
• Strong interest in AI tools, LLMs, data workflows, and automation
• Ability to prototype and experiment independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Fast worker with strong follow-through and the ability to collaborate across teams

You'll Thrive Here If You…

• Prefer building over debating
• Get excited about new AI tools and test them before most people finish reading the article
• Can explain technical ideas clearly to non-technical leaders
• Don't get discouraged when a promising idea doesn't pan out
• Want exposure to senior leadership and meaningful impact early
• Are energized by seeing your work directly adopted and valued by end users

Pay and Benefits

• The salary range is $100,000 - $120,000 + bonus
• Health, Vision, Dental & Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• 3 Weeks Vacation, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays
• 401(K) with a 5% Employer Contribution
• Pet Insurance

The 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 employer California Consumer Privacy Act Notice Apply tot his job Apply To this Job