The AI Project Leader is responsible for leading the planning, execution, implementation, and optimization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives across the organization. This role serves as the primary project leader for AI solutions from intake through deployment and value realization, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational strategy, governance requirements, and expected outcomes.
The AI Project Leader works closely with clinical, operational, Information Services, data, compliance, security, and executive stakeholders to evaluate opportunities, coordinate project activities, manage risks, oversee vendor engagement, and drive measurable business, clinical, and operational results. The position combines strong project management expertise with knowledge of AI technologies, governance processes, change management, and technology adoption strategies.
Key ResponsibilitiesAI Project Leadership- Lead AI initiatives from concept, intake, and evaluation through implementation and operational adoption.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource plans.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver AI solutions that align with organizational goals.
- Manage project scope, dependencies, risks, assumptions, and issues.
- Ensure adherence to organizational project management standards and governance processes.
- Facilitate stakeholder decision-making and executive escalation processes when needed.
AI Governance & Compliance- Guide projects through established AI governance and approval processes.
- Ensure required reviews are completed with clinical, legal, compliance, privacy, security, data governance, and operational stakeholders.
- Maintain project documentation supporting governance decisions and approvals.
- Verify AI solutions meet organizational safety, ethical, regulatory, and compliance expectations.
- Support ongoing monitoring and governance activities after implementation.
Stakeholder Engagement- Partner with physicians, operational leaders, executives, and Information Services teams to identify opportunities and define project objectives.
- Facilitate meetings, workshops, and governance presentations.
- Communicate project status, risks, dependencies, and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships across departments to drive adoption and organizational alignment.
Financial & ROI Management- Collaborate with project sponsors to establish business cases and benefit realization plans.
- Track project costs, resource utilization, and financial impacts.
- Monitor and report expected versus realized return on investment (ROI).
- Support post-implementation reviews and ongoing value measurement.
Change Management & Adoption- Develop implementation and communication plans supporting user adoption.
- Coordinate workflow assessment, redesign, training, and readiness activities.
- Identify barriers to adoption and implement mitigation strategies.
- Promote standardization and effective utilization of AI capabilities across the organization.
Vendor & Technology Coordination- Serve as the primary project contact for AI vendors and implementation partners.
- Coordinate solution evaluations, pilots, testing activities, and production deployments.
- Monitor vendor performance and contractual deliverables.
- Collaborate with technical teams to ensure successful integration and operational support.
Core Competencies- AI Strategy & Innovation
- Program and Project Management
- Organizational Change Management
- Executive Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Risk Management
- Vendor Management
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Governance and Compliance Oversight
- Healthcare Technology Knowledge
- Collaboration and Influence
Education & ExperienceRequired- Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Information Systems, Computer Science, Project Management, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of project management experience leading complex technology initiatives.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and enterprise-scale projects.
- Experience with project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid approaches.
Preferred- Master's degree in a related field.
- PMP, PMI-ACP, Prosci, Scrum Master, or equivalent certification.
- Experience leading AI, analytics, automation, machine learning, digital transformation, or emerging technology initiatives.
- Healthcare industry experience.
- Experience with AI governance, data governance, privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge & Skills- Understanding of AI technologies including generative AI, machine learning, automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent workflow solutions.
- Ability to translate technical concepts into business and clinical value.
- Strong facilitation and executive presentation skills.
- Advanced project planning, budgeting, and resource management capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lead change and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
