About the role.We're standing up an AI Center of Excellence, and we're looking for a Director, AI Transformation to lead it. You'll own the system that makes Instructure an AI-native company: shared infrastructure, governance, a cross-functional roadmap, and a clear, honest read on impact. You'll partner with leaders in every function to turn AI from scattered pilots into a capability that gets sharper every quarter. This role reports to the SVP, Data.
Our mission for this team is simple: make Instructure the most operationally capable AI-native company in education - turning every function and team into a system that gets smarter and faster every quarter.
What you will be doing.- Build the foundation. Stand up and run the shared AI infrastructure - integrations, data boundaries, the approved-model registry, and a standard AI stack with single sign-on and data-loss prevention that every function can build on.
- Set the guardrails. Charter and run the governance council, and put in place the security, privacy, approval, and quality monitoring that let teams move fast without creating risk.
- Own the roadmap. Set AI COE priorities in collaboration with other departments
- Prove the impact. Define the standard metrics for cost, throughput, and quality, and report progress through the AI efficiency scorecard.
- Build capability. Create centralized training libraries and enablement programs along with HR team, and build the place where teams share what works so the whole company benefits.
- Lead the operating model. Run a centralized-expertise, decentralized-execution model where the Center of Excellence owns the system, functions own the outcomes
- Build and grow the team. Hire, coach, and develop the Center of Excellence team, including forward-deployed AI engineers, admins etc
What you need to know and have.- 12 or more years of experience in technology, data, or product roles, including 5 or more years leading teams, with a track record of delivering measurable operational impact at scale - not just pilots.
- 2 or more years working directly with AI or machine-learning systems, including hands-on familiarity with modern AI tooling, agentic systems, and large language models.
- Deep understanding of the infrastructure, data, and security that production AI requires, including model registries, integrations, single sign-on, and data-loss prevention.
- Strong governance instincts. You know how to set guardrails for security, privacy, and quality that speed teams up rather than slow them down.
- Proven ability to influence across an organization, from individual contributors to executives, and to build coalitions in a decentralized operating model.
- A bias for clear metrics and honest reporting. You measure what matters and you tell the truth about progress.
- Experience building enablement and training programs that change how people actually work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex technical topics clear to non-technical audiences.
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, data, business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. An advanced degree is a plus.
Get in on all the awesome at Instructure!We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here's a general idea of what you can expect:
- Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success.
- Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team and location.
- Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual "Dim the Lights" period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.
- Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support
- Learning and development resources, including professional development tools and tuition reimbursement, to support your growth
- The technology and tools you need to do your best work
- Motivosity employee recognition program
- A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection
We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.
