Director of AI Transformation & Strategic Initiatives

Position Overview

Empower. Unite. Care.

MetroPlusHealth is committed to empowering New Yorkers by uniting communities through care. We believe that Health care is a right, not a privilege. If you have compassion and a collaborative spirit, work with us. You can come to work being proud of what you do every day.

MetroPlusHealth is seeking a forward-thinking Director of AI Innovation & Strategic Initiatives to lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of artificial intelligence solutions that advance the organization's mission to deliver high-quality, equitable, and accessible care to New Yorkers. This role will drive AI-related strategy, manage pilots and execution, cultivate vendor partnerships, and perform ongoing market and technology research to ensure MetroPlusHealth remains at the forefront of digital transformation.

This position plays a critical role in helping MetroPlusHealth leverage AI to:

• Improve member experience
• Streamline operations
• Enhance clinical decision support
• Drive cost savings
• Innovate on behalf of New Yorkers who depend on the health plan

This is a matrixed management position with direct oversight of project resources.

Scope of Role & Responsibilities

1. AI Strategy & Opportunity Identification
   • Identify high-impact AI use cases that align with MetroPlusHealth's clinical, operational, and member experience priorities.
   • Conduct assessments to determine feasibility, risks, and expected ROI for potential AI initiatives.
   • Collaborate with leaders across clinical, operations, population health, claims, and member engagement areas to uncover pain points and opportunities for AI-driven improvements.
2. Lead Execution of AI Pilots & Programs
   • Oversee end-to-end design, planning, and delivery of AI pilots, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, compliance, and data governance standards.
   • Manage project timelines, milestones, outcomes tracking, and post-pilot evaluation.
   • Drive cross-functional coordination with IT, data analytics, clinical operations, and compliance.
3. Vendor Engagement & Relationship Management
   • Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with AI technology vendors, startups, and strategic partners.
   • Conduct due diligence on capabilities, privacy/security standards, and integration requirements.
   • Serve as the primary liaison between MetroPlusHealth and external AI solution providers.
4. Market Research & Landscape Monitoring
   • Continuously monitor trends in AI, generative AI, machine learning, automation, and healthcare innovation.
   • Benchmark MetroPlusHealth's approach against industry best practices.
   • Prepare insights reports and recommendations for executive leadership, highlighting emerging technologies and competitive opportunities.
5. Cross-Functional Partnership & Change Management
   • Collaborate with IT, legal, compliance, data governance, and clinical leaders to ensure safe, ethical, and compliant adoption of AI.
   • Support change management and user adoption for new AI tools and workflows.
   • Communicate progress and outcomes to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Required Education, Training & Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Business, Health Administration, Data/AI, or related field preferred.
• 7-10+ years of experience in digital transformation, AI/ML initiatives, healthcare technology, or innovation roles.
• Experience leading AI product pilots, digital projects, or emerging technology programs.
• Strong understanding of healthcare operations, health plans, regulatory requirements (HIPAA, CMS, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work with vendors, evaluate AI solutions, and manage technical partnerships.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Professional Competencies

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Vendor & Partner Management
• Emerging Technology Evaluation
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Innovation Mindset
• Change Management