Director of Artificial Intelligence - MNIT Division Manager 2

at  State of Minnesota

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Artificial Intelligence is a strategic leadership role that will collaborate with State of MN leadership to realize the potential of AI and automation for MNIT and state agencies across the executive branch. The incumbent will lead efforts to responsibly incorporate and leverage governance to bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives with MNIT Services agency partners. The Director of Artificial Intelligence will champion the integration of AI technologies to augment operational efficiency, elevate public service quality, and introduce innovative solutions catering to a broad user base. This role emphasizes the ethical application of AI, requiring the Director of Artificial Intelligence to collaborate with state agencies, establish and evolve governance frameworks, and ensure AI services are implemented responsibly in a manner that benefits every Minnesotan.
This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; it is anticipated to last up to three (3) years.
This position requires an employee to be onsite with the option to telework occasionally.

CANDIDATES MUST CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS IN THEIR RESUME:

Position requires a minimum of eight (8) years of professional IT experience.

Experience must include:

• Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for the organization’s use of artificial Intelligence, aligning with business goals and objectives.
• Experience in product management, translating business strategy and analysis into business-centric digital solutions.
• Strong ability to foster collaboration, build cross-functional teams, and create a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Expertise in data governance, including the ability to establish and enforce ethical AI practices, address biases, and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Strong technical background in the implementation and management of SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS solutions common to current cloud-first IT operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable knowledge of MNIT business goals, including programs, processes, tools, systems, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and to collaborate with teams across different departments.
• Ability to handle confrontation with appropriate grace, professionalism, cordiality, and firmness, and manage/resolve disputes appropriately.
• Capability to represent the organization at conferences, industry events, and in the media, contributing to thought leadership in the AI space.
• Analytical skills and an understanding of contemporary requirements elicitation, analysis, specification.
• A mindset for innovation and an ability to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or business management desired, master’s degree in information technology or business management is preferred.
• Four (4) years of supervisory or managerial experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
Criminal History Check
Reference Check
Social Security and Address Verification
Other legally required checks
Minnesota IT Services will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Join the 2,600+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position will be part of the Enterprise Services team, which delivers a full suite of services to state agencies, boards, councils, and commissions, and many central services to local government partners.