Director, AI Strategy
Alkermes, Boston, MA, United States
Job Description
As Director, AI Strategy for the INDIGO AI Innovation Lab, you will serve as the enterprise thought partner and catalyst for responsible, high‑value AI adoption across functional areas such as Commercial, R&D, and Operations. You will co‑create business‑led AI roadmaps, size value opportunities, establish and run enterprise AI governance processes, and lead broad enablement processes so colleagues can confidently and safely use internal and external AI tools. You will collaborate closely with functional AI topic leads and the INDIGO program manager, while building an AI strategy team as the function matures. This role operates at the Director level and requires a blend of strategic acumen, governance expertise, AI knowledge, and strong communication that translates AI potential into measurable business impact. This role will work a weekly hybrid schedule in our Waltham office.
Responsibilities Essential Areas of Responsibility AI Business Strategy & Portfolio Prioritization
Partner with senior leaders in Commercial, R&D, and Operations to identify strategic focus areas for AI, articulate problem statements, and shape multi‑year, outcome‑oriented AI roadmaps that are aligned with functional‑area and organizational strategic priorities
Build and maintain an enterprise AI opportunity portfolio: size value, cost, timing, and risks; define stage‑gates; recommend sequencing and investment trade‑offs
Assess the external AI landscape (technology, vendors, regulations, talent) and translate trends into actionable, business‑relevant recommendations
Contribute to the definition of emerging success metrics (adoption, outcomes, ROI) and establish consistent reporting on impact for prioritized initiatives
Enterprise AI Governance
Define, operationalize, and continuously improve enterprise processes to assess and manage AI risk across data, ethics, quality, regulatory, perceptual, and individual domains
Evolve and Chair cross‑functional review workflows that bring the right SMEs (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Medical, QA, IT) together quickly to make accurate risk determinations and enable delivery
Own the development, socialization, and lifecycle management of AI policies, standards, and SOPs; align with existing QMS/IT controls and enterprise governance forums
Establish procedures for model and tool validation, change control, monitoring, and decommissioning; ensure efficient synergy with quality processes, traceability, and audit readiness as appropriate
AI Education & Evangelism
Partner with L&D to design and deliver enterprise education that raises AI literacy and skills, including safe use of internal tools and third‑party systems
Create role‑based enablement (e.g., field, clinical, manufacturing) and an “AI champions” network to drive adoption and feedback loops
Publish practical guidance on prompt hygiene, data handling, intellectual property, and regulated‑use considerations; maintain an internal AI knowledge hub
Track adoption, sentiment, and value realization; iterate programs based on measurable outcomes
Leadership
Grow the cross‑functional discipline of AI strategy and governance by working with internal and contracted teammates across AI, PMO, Legal, IT, Quality, and other key business functions
Cultivate a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and accountability within the INDIGO AI Innovation Lab
Qualifications Basic Qualifications:
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
MS, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field with 10+ years in AI/ML/Data Science/Analytics or BS with 15+ years related experience
Deep experience driving organizational strategy and associated change management such as in management consulting or an internal strategy function
10+ years working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar life sciences industry with experience across multiple functional areas.
Technical Knowledge/Skills
Deep conceptual expertise across AI (ML, GenAI, NLP) and enterprise governance: frameworks, risk lenses, validation/monitoring, measurement of value
Strong familiarity with the pharma/biopharma context (e.g., data privacy, GxP, medical/legal/regulatory review, patient safety)
Ability to assess external AI tools/platforms and vendor ecosystems; translate tech trends into pragmatic business options
Proficiency collaborating with Data Science, Engineering, Product, Legal/Compliance, and IT to balance innovation with safety, cost, and scale
Competencies
Experience in executive‑stakeholder management, and ability to rapidly translate between technical requirements and domain‑specific terminology, influence functional policies and approaches
Ability to work in cross‑functional teams and influence outcomes
Effective in accomplishing multi‑quarter and multi‑year goals by working through others
Experience influencing and mentoring junior team members as an informal leader
Preferred Qualifications Personal Attributes:
Self‑starter who thrives in ambiguity; strong ownership and follow‑through
Skilled at business engagement and balancing evolving priorities; proactive communicator with excellent executive‑level writing and presentation skills
Demonstrated ability to multitask across departments and vendor partners; willingness to learn new tools and approaches
Commitment to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Ability to work 2–3 days/week in our Waltham office
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $220,000 to $250,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working‑here
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Responsibilities Essential Areas of Responsibility AI Business Strategy & Portfolio Prioritization
Partner with senior leaders in Commercial, R&D, and Operations to identify strategic focus areas for AI, articulate problem statements, and shape multi‑year, outcome‑oriented AI roadmaps that are aligned with functional‑area and organizational strategic priorities
Build and maintain an enterprise AI opportunity portfolio: size value, cost, timing, and risks; define stage‑gates; recommend sequencing and investment trade‑offs
Assess the external AI landscape (technology, vendors, regulations, talent) and translate trends into actionable, business‑relevant recommendations
Contribute to the definition of emerging success metrics (adoption, outcomes, ROI) and establish consistent reporting on impact for prioritized initiatives
Enterprise AI Governance
Define, operationalize, and continuously improve enterprise processes to assess and manage AI risk across data, ethics, quality, regulatory, perceptual, and individual domains
Evolve and Chair cross‑functional review workflows that bring the right SMEs (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Medical, QA, IT) together quickly to make accurate risk determinations and enable delivery
Own the development, socialization, and lifecycle management of AI policies, standards, and SOPs; align with existing QMS/IT controls and enterprise governance forums
Establish procedures for model and tool validation, change control, monitoring, and decommissioning; ensure efficient synergy with quality processes, traceability, and audit readiness as appropriate
AI Education & Evangelism
Partner with L&D to design and deliver enterprise education that raises AI literacy and skills, including safe use of internal tools and third‑party systems
Create role‑based enablement (e.g., field, clinical, manufacturing) and an “AI champions” network to drive adoption and feedback loops
Publish practical guidance on prompt hygiene, data handling, intellectual property, and regulated‑use considerations; maintain an internal AI knowledge hub
Track adoption, sentiment, and value realization; iterate programs based on measurable outcomes
Leadership
Grow the cross‑functional discipline of AI strategy and governance by working with internal and contracted teammates across AI, PMO, Legal, IT, Quality, and other key business functions
Cultivate a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and accountability within the INDIGO AI Innovation Lab
Qualifications Basic Qualifications:
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
MS, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field with 10+ years in AI/ML/Data Science/Analytics or BS with 15+ years related experience
Deep experience driving organizational strategy and associated change management such as in management consulting or an internal strategy function
10+ years working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar life sciences industry with experience across multiple functional areas.
Technical Knowledge/Skills
Deep conceptual expertise across AI (ML, GenAI, NLP) and enterprise governance: frameworks, risk lenses, validation/monitoring, measurement of value
Strong familiarity with the pharma/biopharma context (e.g., data privacy, GxP, medical/legal/regulatory review, patient safety)
Ability to assess external AI tools/platforms and vendor ecosystems; translate tech trends into pragmatic business options
Proficiency collaborating with Data Science, Engineering, Product, Legal/Compliance, and IT to balance innovation with safety, cost, and scale
Competencies
Experience in executive‑stakeholder management, and ability to rapidly translate between technical requirements and domain‑specific terminology, influence functional policies and approaches
Ability to work in cross‑functional teams and influence outcomes
Effective in accomplishing multi‑quarter and multi‑year goals by working through others
Experience influencing and mentoring junior team members as an informal leader
Preferred Qualifications Personal Attributes:
Self‑starter who thrives in ambiguity; strong ownership and follow‑through
Skilled at business engagement and balancing evolving priorities; proactive communicator with excellent executive‑level writing and presentation skills
Demonstrated ability to multitask across departments and vendor partners; willingness to learn new tools and approaches
Commitment to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Ability to work 2–3 days/week in our Waltham office
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $220,000 to $250,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working‑here
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