Director/Managing Director (Data & AI)

Director/Managing Director (Data & AI)Location: Chicago, IL (REMOTE)Team: Data & AI AdvisoryAbout Paradigm – Intelligence AmplifiedParadigm is a strategic consulting firm that turns vision into tangible results. For over 30 years, we’ve helped Fortune 500 and high-growth organizations accelerate business outcomes across data, cloud, and AI. From strategy through execution, we empower clients to make smarter decisions, move faster, and maximize return on their technology investments. What sets us apart isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it.Driven by a clear mission and values rooted in integrity, excellence, and collaboration, we deliver work that creates lasting impact. At Paradigm, your ideas are heard, your growth is prioritized, and your contributions make a difference. About the RoleAt Paradigm, success is defined by more than what we deliver; it’s how we think, act, and collaborate. As a Director/Managing Director on our Data & AI Advisory team, you’ll help clients navigate transformation through data, cloud, and AI. Guided by our ethics-first values and outcome-driven approach, this role is ideal for professionals who want to make a measurable impact for clients, colleagues, and themselves.In this role, you will be a visionary leader driving the growth and innovation of our award-winning Data & AI practice. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership, business development, and deep technical expertise to shape the future of data and AI advisory services in financial services, consumer products, and retail sectors. What You’ll DoGuided by Paradigm’s mission to turn vision into results, you will:Strategic Leadership & Business Growth• Spearhead the development and execution of Paradigm's Data & AI Advisory service offerings, ensuring they reflect client needs and drive measurable impact• Drive business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, leading proposal development, and closing high-value deals with integrity and client-alignment• Build and maintain C-level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor on data and AI strategies focused on long-term value and strategic partnership• Develop and execute structured account and domain planning to responsibly expand Paradigm's market presence• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, representing Paradigm at industry events and in publications with insight and credibilityClient Engagement• Lead large-scale, complex client engagements with accountability, overseeing multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams• Design and oversee enterprise-wide data and AI transformation programs aligned to business goals and built for sustainable value• Direct the development of comprehensive data and AI strategies grounded in client objectives and ethical execution• Guide the creation and operationalization of data strategies, management frameworks, and governance models that promote responsible data use• Oversee the implementation of data literacy and culture programs that empower clients to lead with confidence and clarity• Steer the deployment and rollout of new data management tooling to enhance capability maturity and enable scalable innovationAI Governance & Regulatory Compliance• Develop cutting-edge AI governance frameworks tailored to client industries, balancing innovation with accountability• Advise boards and executive teams on responsible AI adoption and risk mitigation strategies• Lead the implementation of data and AI compliance programs aligned with financial and global regulations (e.g., BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, EU AI Act)Practice Development & Team Leadership• Play a key role in shaping Paradigm's market positioning in Data & AI, reflecting our commitment to business outcomes and client trust• Foster a collaborative culture rooted in shared excellence by mentoring team members and driving continuous talent development• Collaborate with other practice leaders to create integrated service offerings that deliver holistic client value• Lead recruitment efforts to grow and strengthen the Data & AI Advisory team with purpose-driven, high-impact talent• NOTE:This position is Remote, with occasional travelWho You Are & What You BringYou thrive where integrity, impact, and collaboration intersect.You believe data and AI should serve real people, and that value is essential. You bring business acumen and industry insight to link strategy with execution; emotional intelligence and communication skills to influence change; and a growth mindset and a drive to contribute beyond the deliverable. Minimum Requirements• 12+ years of data consulting experience, with 8+ years in a senior management or director position• Proven track record of leading large-scale data and AI transformation initiatives, balancing multiple projects while driving growth• Deep expertise in data management frameworks (e.g., DAMA DMBOK, DCAM, CDMC) and AI governance best practices• Extensive experience in business development, including structured account planning and pipeline management• Extensive experience in process documentation, target-state design, target operating model design, policy formulation, and roadmap development for both data management and AI governance• Proven track record in conducting maturity and risk assessments for both data capabilities and AI readiness• Visionary leadership with the ability to develop and inspire high-performing cross-functional teams• Deep understanding of the end-to-end data ecosystem and its application in financial services• Exceptional communication skills, including clear articulation, tailored messaging, insightful questioning, and persuasive presentation; adept at engaging with C-suite executives• High emotional intelligence; self-aware, empathic, strong social skills, and adaptable• Deep business acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunity, industry trend awareness, organizational structures, financial principles, and strategic planning• Strong understanding of financial services and global regulations affecting data and AI (e.g., BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, EU AI Act)• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration)Preferred Qualifications• Experience with building and running a data advisory consulting business• Strong track record of thought leadership in data and AI• Advanced certifications in data management or AI ethics• Hands-on experience with data management tools (e.g., Informatica, Collibra), AI/ML/analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Snowflake, Databricks), and hyperscalers (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)• Familiarity with AI governance tools/platforms (e.g., Holistic AI)Why Join ParadigmWe’re a consultancy where integrity drives innovation and people are empowered to create meaningful, measurable change.Here, you’ll work with curious, collaborative teammates who are committed to doing what’s right for our clients and each other. Your work will be more than just strategic; it will help leading organizations solve complex problems, unlock value from their data, and embrace transformation responsibly and confidently. If you’re looking for a place where your voice is heard, your growth is supported, and your work creates lasting business value, you belong at Paradigm. Policy Disclosure:Paradigm maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy.All offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a standard 5-panel drug screen. Please note that a positive test result for any prohibited substance, including marijuana, will result in disqualification from employment, regardless of state laws permitting its use. This policy applies consistently across all positions and locations. Apply tot his job