Lead Technology & Data Strategist

The Lead Data & Technology Strategist researches, designs, and deploys innovative GenAI solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Collaborating with clients and internal teams, they support user-centered design, contribute to business development, and lead project workstreams. This role involves balancing user needs with technical implementation, working across diverse teams, and translating clear and ambiguous inputs into creative outcomes. The strategist sets project strategy, drives execution, and communicates about GenAI technology effectively.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and develop tailored GenAI solutions, building strong relationships through clear communication and high-quality work delivery. Manage project budgets, scope, and timelines to ensure successful outcomes. Create workshops and prototypes to identify and refine solutions and deliver professional presentations to communicate findings effectively.

• Develop generative AI tools and experiments to address client needs and business opportunities. Create Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and strategic roadmaps for AI implementation, presenting and communicating solutions effectively to clients and teams. Translate and leverage user-generated insights to design innovative, viable solutions that push technical boundaries.

• Assist in the strategic deployment of our Gen AI solutions on-prem, cloud, and edge environments with high levels of governance and security.

• Identify AI integration opportunities to support business development and drive innovation. Collaborate with and support team members, offering mentorship on AI concepts. Lead initiatives to enhance work quality and efficiency, and explore new capabilities for the organization’s growth.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Science (MS), Master’s in Design Engineering (MDE), or a related field technical/design degree.

• 3-7 years of relevant work experience, preferably within a design consultancy, start-up, innovation team, or product team. 

• Experience leading client projects from start to finish, collaborating with internal teams to align on tasks and activities.

• Deep knowledge of generative AI technologies and their business applications (e.g., RAG methods, API usage, Fine-Tuning, agentic systems), with proficiency in Python, JavaScript, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib). Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hands-on experience experimenting with GenAI technologies.

• Strong visual communication skills and understanding of human-centered design, with the ability to turn user insights into strategic solutions while considering UX principles and accessibility.

• Proven client-facing experience delivering tailored solutions, confidently presenting designs and recommendations, and aligning AI solutions with business goals.

• Strong organizational skills in managing multiple projects, budgets, scope, and timelines independently.

• Strong communication skills with experience mentoring teams and leading design discussions with clients.

• Mastery of design, prototyping, storytelling, and collaboration tools such as Figma, Keynote, Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.

Bonus Qualifications

• Knowledge of business development processes and working towards project workstream continuations with clients.

• Experience in creating PoCs and strategic roadmaps for AI implementation.

• Familiarity with leveraging AI within processes and designing interactions and UI for AI experiences.

• A strong perspective on AI Implementation and design

• Knowledge of front-end development (JavaScript, HTML, CSS).

• Knowledge of backend-end development methods (Javascript, database integration, Docker, API development, etc)

• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and MLOps practices.

IA Collaborative Work Model:

IA Collaborative leverages a hybrid work model with Chicagoland-area team members working from our downtown headquarters three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) with additional, occasional required on-site days as needed.

Why IA Collaborative:

At IA, you’ll practice your craft in a whole new context. You’ll be a part of designing the future of human experience as you transform your client’s business, empower communities and create a positive and lasting impact on the world.

Our internationally recognized workspace provides the inspiration and flexibility to collaborate with teams or to focus as an individual.

IA’s comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision; Retirement Savings Benefits; scholarship funds to promote individual learning, growth and inspiration; discretionary bonus and profit-sharing programs; a suite of family benefits including paid time off for the birth of a child, caregiver leave, wellness check-in days, flexible spending accounts for dependent care, health expenses and childcare, and 529 college savings planning and contributions; and employer-paid life insurance and disability.

About IA Collaborative:

IA Collaborative is a global design and innovation consultancy. We help leading organizations and category disruptors find new growth, create new offerings, and empower a culture of innovation. We fully integrate human-centered design and business strategy into the ongoing operations of our clients, to launch new corporate ventures and drive continuous innovation. From Insight to Action, we define new business models and create new products, technology platforms, experiences, brands, services and environments.

IA is on the national and global stage speaking about the business value of design. Featured by Fast Company as one of the country’s preeminent design thinkers and nominated by the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum as a “Design Visionary,” IA’s leadership and work have been profiled by prominent business publications and has received multiple design accolades, including Best Design North America and Best UX Design in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards; the SXSW Business Design Award; and multiple honors in the Red Dot International, International Design Excellence Awards (IDSA), the GOOD DESIGN Awards, and the iF World Design Awards. IA Collaborative works with the world’s most successful brands, including FedEx, Allstate, Airbnb, Fidelity, Apple, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, Lilly, and Audi.

At IA Collaborative, we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We believe that welcoming a diverse variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to our organization contributes to a thriving culture, a vibrant community, and breakthrough work. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.

For more information about IA Collaborative visit iacollaborative.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Glassdoor.

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