[Hiring] Head of AI Strategy & Operations @Accela

Role Description

Accela is seeking a Head of AI Strategy & Operations to help teams across the company use AI effectively and responsibly. You will shape our enterprise AI strategy, set practical standards, and guide investments that improve how people work and deliver measurable results.

As Accela becomes an AI-first company, you will help turn that ambition into everyday practices, useful tools, and stronger employee capabilities. You will work with business and technical leaders to set priorities, support experimentation, and give executives a clear view of progress, costs, and risks. Each function will continue to own its workflows and results.

This role combines strategic thinking, practical AI experience, and the ability to bring people together around shared goals. You will work closely with Product, Engineering, IT, Security, Legal, Privacy, GRC, HR, Finance, Procurement, and functional leaders to make responsible AI adoption easier and faster.

• Shape AI strategy: Develop Accela’s enterprise AI strategy and investment priorities.
• Prioritize opportunities: Identify promising uses of AI and define success measures.
• Lead AI governance: Establish clear risk categories and approval criteria.
• Set practical requirements: Translate obligations into clear requirements for security and AI evaluation.
• Clarify ownership and decisions: Define responsibilities and resolve conflicts.
• Maintain portfolio visibility: Keep a current view of AI initiatives and risks.
• Support employee adoption: Provide training, guides, and build an AI champion network.
• Build team capabilities: Address skill gaps and set AI goals for improvement.
• Guide technology choices: Select approved tools and evaluate solutions.
• Establish technical standards: Partner on access controls and ongoing management of AI systems.
• Test ideas in practice: Use prototypes to test assumptions before larger investments.
• Measure results and costs: Build an executive scorecard covering various metrics.
• Lead through collaboration: Build trusted relationships and lead executive reviews.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in AI, AI strategy, or technology strategy.
• Experience establishing enterprise AI or technology governance.
• Practical experience with large language models and AI-assisted development.
• Ability to prioritize opportunities and deliver measurable results.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Relevant credentials, such as IAPP AIGP or equivalent practical experience.

Requirements

• Experience in enterprise SaaS, GovTech, or another regulated environment.
• Experience working with security, risk, or compliance teams.
• Experience building AI champion networks or employee learning programs.

Benefits

• Annual base salary range: $240,000-$280,000.
• Eligible for an annual bonus target based on company and individual goal achievement.
• Generous benefits package including flexible time off and comprehensive medical plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Health savings account with company contributions.
• Life, accident, and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance programs and other well-being benefits.

Company Description

For nearly 20 years, Accela has been an industry leader in designing and delivering government software to improve efficiency, increase citizen engagement, and enable the development of thriving communities.

Accela provides a robust, cloud-based platform of government software solutions that accelerate growth, efficiency, and transparency in communities of all sizes.

Accela believes in developing and nurturing a workplace community where our differences are celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of psychological safety and belonging.