Director Information Systems - AI & Data

ROLE PURPOSE Lead Ligand's information systems, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy and execution reporting to the CFO. This role converts business needs into secure, scalable technology and data solutions that improve productivity, decision-making, risk management, and long-term value creation. The position partners with senior leaders and functional teams to prioritize investments, strengthen governance, drive adoption, and measure business impact. Work Location: This position may be based in either San Diego, CA, or Boston, MA. Key Responsibilities Technology, AI & Data Strategy • Develop and execute an integrated information systems, data, analytics, and AI strategy aligned with Ligand's business priorities and growth objectives. • Advise senior leadership on technology investments, enterprise platforms, automation, analytics, emerging technologies, and related risks. • Partner with business leaders to identify, prioritize, and deliver practical solutions with measurable operational and financial impact. AI, Automation & Analytics • Lead the full lifecycle of AI, automation, and analytics initiatives, from business case and pilot through implementation, adoption, monitoring, and scale. • Establish responsible AI practices covering model development, security, privacy, legal review, governance, and appropriate use. • Build organizational capability and adoption through clear change management, training, and user-centered implementation. • Define and report metrics for adoption, performance, return on investment, and business outcomes. Data Strategy, Governance & Architecture • Establish fit-for-purpose data governance standards for data quality, classification, ownership, access, lineage, metadata, retention, security, and compliance. • Assess the current data and analytics environment and define a scalable target architecture that supports reporting, advanced analytics, and AI. • Oversee data models, integration patterns, data pipelines, storage solutions, and data products to ensure reliable and efficient access to information. • Advance self-service reporting and analytics while maintaining appropriate controls and data integrity. Enterprise Systems & Infrastructure Partnership • Lead or support the selection, implementation, integration, optimization, and adoption of enterprise platforms across finance, investments, customer relationship management, human resources, legal, reporting, collaboration, and analytics. • Partner with infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture resources to ensure solutions are secure, resilient, interoperable, and aligned with technology standards. • Oversee monitoring, availability, performance, and continuous improvement for data and AI platforms. Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance • Oversee or coordinate technology risk, cybersecurity, data protection, business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response activities. • Ensure technology, data, and AI practices support applicable privacy, regulatory, quality, and compliance requirements, including the needs of a life sciences organization. • Support technology and cybersecurity due diligence for investments, acquisitions, portfolio companies, and new business initiatives. Leadership, Budget & Vendor Management • Build and lead internal and external capabilities across AI, data governance, architecture, engineering, business intelligence, enterprise systems, and support. • Develop and manage budgets, roadmaps, resource plans, and delivery priorities for technology, data, and AI initiatives. • Manage vendor strategy, due diligence, contracting, performance, service levels, and cost effectiveness. • Communicate strategy, progress, risks, recommendations, and results clearly to senior leadership and business stakeholders. Qualifications • 12+ years of progressive experience in information systems, data, analytics, AI, or related technology roles, including at least 7 years in leadership positions. • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred. • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data solutions, AI applications, automation, and modern cloud-based platforms such as Azure or AWS. • Deep working knowledge of data strategy, architecture, engineering, governance, advanced analytics, data modeling, integration, database management, and data security. • Recent hands-on leadership of AI implementation, including generative AI, machine learning, large language models, or intelligent automation. Experience building an internal AI assistant or similar enterprise tool is preferred. • Experience introducing new technology capabilities through structured change management, adoption planning, training, and measurement. • Experience in life sciences and familiarity with regulated functions such as quality, regulatory, compliance, and FDA-related requirements preferred. • Proven ability to influence across functions, simplify complex issues, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively with senior leaders and technical teams. • Strong vendor, budget, program, and team leadership capabilities. Success in the Role • A clear, prioritized technology, data, and AI roadmap tied to business needs. • Secure, reliable, and scalable systems and data platforms. • Practical AI and automation solutions that are adopted and produce measurable value. • Stronger data quality, governance, reporting, and decision support. • Disciplined investment, vendor performance, risk management, and transparent communication. Benefits and Compensation • Compensation • The expected salary range for this position is $220,000 - $265,000 Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors. • Annual incentive bonus • Generous equity package • Benefits The company offers competitive benefits including flexible work schedule, medical, dental, vision, Short/Long term disability and life insurance, as well as 401(k) match, Stock Options, Bonus, and paid time leave. Additional Information • All new hires are required to go through a background and reference check • Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship