Posting Date

This position will be accountable for developing, leading, and executing DaVita’s most critical and complex special projects within the IT Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI) lane. The Special Projects Director is responsible for driving all strategic and operational initiatives within the group. As the enterprise rapidly expands its capabilities in advanced analytics, machine learning, and generative AI, this role will act as the strategic bridge between technical delivery teams and key business/clinical stakeholders. 

This role requires strategic thought partnership, the ability to lead through influence, and cross-functional collaboration to advance key departmental and Village-wide efforts. The Special Project Director will manage special projects, develop and operationalize team strategy, and ensure the efficient use of resources to achieve strategic goals across the department. Additionally, the Sr. Director will lead cross-functional teams to incubate new AI use cases, oversee end-to-end delivery of high-profile data initiatives, establish AI governance and ethics protocols, and drive change management to ensure adoption of new data-driven tools across the Village. 

Special Projects and Growth Initiatives 

• Takes the lead on all Data & AI growth-related initiatives, bridging innovative ideas and fostering cross-team collaboration across DaVita. 

• Directs enterprise-level special projects from hypothesis and framework development through to execution, ensuring successful deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions. 

Strategy Development and Execution

• Drives the development of the Data & AI team’s overarching strategy. 

• Establishes core KPIs/metrics, tracks progress against strategic goals and enforces accountability and follow-through on complex action items among cross-functional team members.

Portfolio Management

• Oversees the comprehensive Data & AI project portfolio, ensuring optimal resource allocation, prioritization, and alignment with overarching enterprise goals. 

• Monitors project health, mitigates risks across the portfolio, and evaluates the strategic ROI of ongoing and proposed AI initiatives. 

Strategic Leadership and Support

• Provides direct leadership and strategic direction for the Data & AI leadership team. 

• Proactively plans strategic agendas, develops high-impact content for presentations, and facilitates critical engagement with senior enterprise leaders to align AI priorities. 

Analysis and Reporting

• Drives the strategic process and oversees execution on critical internal team projects. 

• Synthesizes complex data from numerous sources, leads advanced analysis, and translates findings into specific, actionable business and clinical recommendations for the Village. 

Executive-Level Communications

• Prepares and delivers compelling executive-level presentations. 

• Briefs senior leadership and key stakeholders on the progress, ROI, and strategic impact of AI and data initiatives. 

Other duties as assigned

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or similar level of experience required 
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in IT, Data Strategy, Analytics, or AI/ML program management 
• Experience in strategic planning, project management, and leadership is preferred. 
• Experience managing complex tech initiatives in a multi-site healthcare organization 
• Familiarity with Data/AI tech stacks (e.g., Cloud data platforms, GenAI frameworks, ML operations) 
• Proven track record in change management, executive communication and demonstrated ability to partner with and influence senior leadership. 

What We’ll Provide:

More than just pay, our DaVita Rewards package connects teammates to what matters most. Teammates are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the first day of the month following or coinciding with one month of continuous employment. Below are some of our benefit offerings.  

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out  
• Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more 
• Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.

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This position will be open for a minimum of three days.

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. DaVita offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://careers.davita.com/benefits