Director of Artificial Intelligence

Reports to: SVP of Digital Strategy

Purpose:

The Director of Artificial Intelligence is responsible for the vision, strategy, and execution of AI-powered solutions across GBFB's operations, programs, and stakeholder ecosystem. This role translates the organization's mission — ending hunger in Eastern Massachusetts — into intelligent, scalable systems that amplify human impact. The Director leads GBFB's AI Innovation Lab and serves as the internal authority on responsible AI adoption, ensuring every deployment is ethical, explainable, and aligned with organizational values.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Vision

• Define and own GBFB's multi-year AI strategy, roadmap, and governance framework, aligned with the organization's operational and mission priorities
• Identify and evaluate emerging AI technologies — including generative AI, predictive analytics, computer vision, and NLP — for practical application across supply chain, donor engagement, programs, and finance
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the VP of Digital Strategy, executive team, and board on AI investment, risk, and opportunity
• Maintain a long-term AI investment plan integrated with GBFB's broader digital and enterprise architecture roadmaps

Delivery & Operations

• Lead the AI Innovation Lab: own its agenda, prioritize use cases, and drive pilots from ideation through production deployment
• Oversee the design, development, and governance of AI and machine learning models, ensuring performance, fairness, and compliance
• Partner with Enterprise Architecture, PMO, analytics and business stakeholders to embed AI into mission-critical workflows.
• Manage vendor and third-party AI partnerships, including model selection, contract oversight, and performance accountability
• Define and implement AI data standards, model documentation practices, and audit-ready governance controls

People & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing AI team
• Foster a culture of responsible experimentation by enabling staff to explore AI tools while maintaining appropriate guardrails
• Translate complex AI concepts for non-technical audiences including program staff, donors, and board members
• Mentor Train and develop team members through coaching, skills investment, and stretch assignments

Governance & Responsible AI

• Develop and maintain GBFB's AI ethics and responsible use policy, including guidelines for generative AI, bias mitigation, and data privacy
• Establish model risk management practices consistent with nonprofit and regulatory expectations
• Ensure AI systems comply with data governance policies and protect the privacy of community members served

Skills:

• Deep expertise in applied AI/ML — from model development through production deployment in real-world environments
• Proficiency in modern AI platforms, cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP), and LLM integration (e.g., Anthropic, OpenAI)
• Strong understanding of data architecture, ETL pipelines, and the data foundations that enable reliable AI
• Exceptional ability to bridge technical rigor and business impact — speaking fluently to engineers and executives alike
• Proven experience with responsible AI frameworks: explainability, fairness, auditability, and privacy
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation communication skills
• Salesforce, NetSuite, or nonprofit CRM/ERP knowledge a plus

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in technology leadership, with at least 2 years focused on AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics
• Demonstrated track record of taking AI initiatives from concept to measurable operational impact and not proof of concept
• Experience managing and developing data science or AI teams in complex, cross-functional environments
• Strong commercial and stakeholder awareness a proven track record of keeping business and mission outcomes at the center of technology decisions
• Experience defining AI governance frameworks and navigating the ethical dimensions of algorithmic decision-making
• Background in or genuine commitment to mission-driven organizations; familiarity with food banking, supply chain, or human services a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred