Director, AI Strategy

Position Summary

As Director, AI Strategy for the INDIGO AI Innovation Lab, you will serve as the enterprise thought partner and catalyst for responsible, high‑value AI adoption across functional areas such as Commercial, R&D, and Operations. You will co‑create business‑led AI roadmaps, size value opportunities, establish and run enterprise AI governance processes, and lead broad enablement processes so colleagues can confidently and safely use internal and external AI tools. You will collaborate closely with functional AI topic leads and the INDIGO program manager, while building an AI strategy team as the function matures. This role operates at the Director level and requires a blend of strategic acumen, governance expertise, AI knowledge, and strong communication that translates AI potential into measurable business impact.  This role will work a weekly hybrid schedule in our Waltham office. 

Essential Areas of Responsibility

AI Business Strategy & Portfolio Prioritization

• Partner with senior leaders in Commercial, R&D, and Operations to identify strategic focus areas for AI, articulate problem statements, and shape multi‑year, outcome‑oriented AI roadmaps that are aligned with functional-area and organizational strategic priorities
• Build and maintain an enterprise AI opportunity portfolio: size value, cost, timing, and risks; define stage‑gates; recommend sequencing and investment trade‑offs
• Assess the external AI landscape (technology, vendors, regulations, talent) and translate trends into actionable, business‑relevant recommendations 
• Contribute to the definition of emerging success metrics (adoption, outcomes, ROI) and establish consistent reporting on impact for prioritized initiatives

Enterprise AI Governance

• Define, operationalize, and continuously improve enterprise processes to assess and manage AI risk across data, ethics, quality, regulatory, perceptual, and individual domains
• Evolve and Chair cross‑functional review workflows that bring the right SMEs (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Medical, QA, IT) together quickly to make accurate risk determinations and enable delivery
• Own the development, socialization, and lifecycle management of AI policies, standards, and SOPs; align with existing QMS/IT controls and enterprise governance forums
• Establish procedures for model and tool validation, change control, monitoring, and decommissioning; ensure efficient synergy with quality processes, traceability, and audit readiness as appropriate

AI Education & Evangelism

• Partner with L&D to design and deliver enterprise education that raises AI literacy and skills, including safe use of internal tools and third‑party systems
• Create role‑based enablement (e.g., field, clinical, manufacturing) and an “AI champions” network to drive adoption and feedback loops
• Publish practical guidance on prompt hygiene, data handling, intellectual property, and regulated‑use considerations; maintain an internal AI knowledge hub
• Track adoption, sentiment, and value realization; iterate programs based on measurable outcomes

Leadership

• Grow the cross-functional discipline of AI strategy and governance by working with internal and contracted teammates across AI, PMO, Legal, IT, Quality, and other key business functions
•  Cultivate a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and accountability within the INDIGO AI Innovation Lab

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• MS, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field with 10+ years in AI/ML/Data Science/Analytics or BS with 15+ years related experience
• Deep experience driving organizational strategy and associated change management such as in management consulting or an internal strategy function
• 10+ years working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar life sciences industry with experience across multiple functional areas.  

Technical Knowledge/Skills:

• Deep conceptual expertise across AI (ML, GenAI, NLP) and enterprise governance: frameworks, risk lenses, validation/monitoring, measurement of value
• Strong familiarity with the pharma/biopharma context (e.g., data privacy, GxP, medical/legal/regulatory review, patient safety) 
• Ability to assess external AI tools/platforms and vendor ecosystems; translate tech trends into pragmatic business options
• Proficiency collaborating with Data Science, Engineering, Product, Legal/Compliance, and IT to balance innovation with safety, cost, and scale

Competencies:    

• Experience in executive-stakeholder management, and ability to rapidly translate between technical requirements and domain-specific terminology, influence functional policies and approaches
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and influence outcomes
• Effective in accomplishing multi-quarter and multi-year goals by working through others
• Experience influencing and mentoring junior team members as an informal leader

Preferred Qualifications:

Personal Attributes:

• Self‑starter who thrives in ambiguity; strong ownership and follow‑through 

• Skilled at business engagement and balancing evolving priorities; proactive communicator with excellent executive‑level writing and presentation skills 

• Demonstrated ability to multitask across departments and vendor partners; willingness to learn new tools and approaches 

• Commitment to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Ability to work 2–3 days/week in our Waltham office

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $220,000 to $250,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus.  Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package.  Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here

#LI-TS1