Senior Director, AI Adoption & Integration

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

We are seeking a senior leader to serve as the business unit artificial intelligence lead for RTI Main, a business unit empowered with clear ownership and accountability for developing and executing business strategy, defining market positioning, shaping and evolving the portfolio, making informed investment and operational decisions, and delivering sustainable business performance while proactively managing enterprise and operational risk. The Senior Director, AI Adoption & Integration will be responsible for driving AI adoption and integration across the business unit, translating enterprise AI governance and infrastructure into measurable business outcomes.

This role operates within a matrixed leadership structure that balances business ownership with enterprise AI governance. Reporting directly to the RTI Main Business Unit leadership team, you will be accountable for developing and executing the AI adoption roadmap, driving measurable business and client value, and improving operational outcomes across the business unit. In parallel, you will maintain a matrix reporting relationship to the Office of Data and AI Strategy (ODAS) AI Leader to ensure alignment with enterprise governance, standards, and best practices.

Sitting at the intersection of strategy and execution, this role is responsible for ensuring AI adoption is prioritized, appropriately resourced, and delivering meaningful impact across RTI Main. You will lead and coordinate a network of AI Leads embedded within business functions, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and aligning AI initiatives with client needs, scientific priorities, and enterprise strategy while operating within the governance framework established by ODAS.

The ideal candidate is an operating leader who thinks in business outcomes first and AI capabilities second, someone who prioritizes high-value opportunities, mobilizes cross-functional teams, and delivers measurable impact at speed. They understand that their authority comes from the business, their standards come from ODAS, and their credibility comes from results.

As part of your application, please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the role, how your experience and expertise align with the position's responsibilities, and how your background and career aspirations connect with RTI's mission to improve the human condition through research, innovation, and scientific excellence.

AI Adoption Strategy & Execution

• Develop and own the AI adoption roadmap across RTI Main, translating strategy into prioritized initiatives and measurable outcomes
• Identify and prioritize high-value AI use cases that drive revenue, efficiency, or client impact
• Lead a portfolio of signature AI initiatives, executed as structured sprints with clear baselines, targets, and accountable owners
• Ensure all initiatives align with ODAS governance, responsible AI guardrails, and Client Technology capabilities

Operating Within ODAS Governance

• Operate within ODAS enterprise standards, the approved tool catalog, and responsible AI guidelines-these are the rules of the road, not suggestions
• Populate and maintain Client AI Compliance Registry entries for RTI Main's portfolio-surfacing contract-specific AI restrictions, disclosure requirements, and data classification constraints upward to ODAS
• Represent RTI Main on the AI Council, bringing field intelligence that ODAS alone cannot generate

AI Lead Network & Federated Execution

• Establish and lead a network of AI Leads embedded within RTI Main functions, each reporting to their functional leader with a matrix line to this role
• Define decision rights, operating cadence, and accountability mechanisms across the network
• Develop practical playbooks, templates, and reusable patterns that enable scaling AI across repeatable workflows and specialized use cases

Defining AI-First vs. Human-Critical Work

• Own the application of ODAS's classification standard within RTI Main-determining which workflows go AI-first (speed and cost advantage) and which remain human-critical (trust, scientific rigor, client relationship value)
• Ensure functions are not pressured to automate what clients and the scientific mission value as human effort and judgment

Operational Value Creation

• Translate AI capabilities into tangible business outcomes: revenue growth, cost reduction, cycle time improvements, and enhanced client experience
• Partner with Growth and Marketing to embed AI into pipeline development, proposal processes, and competitive positioning
• Partner with Solutions to integrate AI into research and delivery workflows while maintaining scientific rigor
• Package and communicate results as replicable proof points, including playbooks, case studies, and board-ready materials

Program Leadership, Adoption & Change

• Drive adoption through structured change management, communication, training, and stakeholder engagement
• Build and lead the AI Lead network, including recruitment, development, and performance management of matrixed contributors
• Foster a culture of experimentation, accountability, and responsible AI use across RTI Main
• Ensure teams have the time, funding, and support required to execute AI adoption priorities

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Define and manage an AI adoption performance framework with KPIs tied to business outcomes (revenue impact, cost savings, cycle time improvements, decision redistribution)
• Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track adoption progress and inform prioritization
• Coordinate with ODAS on measurement alignment so governance and adoption narratives are consistent for Executive Committee and Board audiences
• Continuously refine adoption strategy based on performance data, emerging AI capabilities, and evolving business priorities

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in strategy, operations, technology adoption, or related leadership roles
• Demonstrated ability to translate AI and data capabilities into measurable business outcomes, including workflow redesign, cost reduction, or revenue impact
• Experience operating in matrixed, federated organizations and leading cross-functional initiatives
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive change across organizational boundaries
• Strong understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and responsible AI considerations
• Excellent executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership skills
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with near-term execution and delivery

Preferred

• Experience in research, consulting, or professional services environments
• Familiarity with regulated industries, including federal government or scientific research contexts
• Experience scaling AI adoption beyond pilots into enterprise-wide operational integration
• Knowledge of federal procurement processes or client-funded project environments
• Demonstrated experience building and leading distributed or matrixed teams

#LI-BM1

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.