Job Description

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.

Experience is Everything.

At LCS, experience is everything. We provide you the opportunity to use your talents in a progressive, growing organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. If you are seeking an organization that gives back, you’ll love working here. Our principles and hospitality promises define our company culture. LCS employees can be found participating in volunteer activities, getting involved in our committees or collaborating with team members in our innovative workspace. You’ll find several opportunities to grow as a professional, serve the community, and enhance the lives of seniors.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

What We’re Looking For:

• 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

Why Join Us?

Industry Leader.

Inclusive & collaborative culture.

Top Workplace USA.

Top Workplace Iowa.

Charity and community involvement.

Outstanding advancement opportunities.

Ongoing career development.

Benefits

Competitive pay, great benefits and vacation time. We are an equal opportunity employer with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(K) with company match and paid parental leave.

Our Commitment

LCS creates living experiences that enhance the lives of seniors. You’ll see this commitment in our people. They’re talented, dedicated professionals who truly care about residents, with each conducting his or her work with integrity, honesty and transparency according to the principles of LCS. We strive to help every community succeed—strengthening available resources, establishing proven practices that lead to long-term growth and value for those living in, working for and affiliated with the community. Check us out on our website: https://www.lcsliving.com

Additional Information

Travel frequency: 10-25%

Estimated Salary: $171,000 - $214,000

The actual title & salary will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

A POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING REFERENCES IS REQUIRED.

LCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.