Director of Artificial Intelligence

Job Description Summary

Responsible for leading the design, implementation and governance of artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives throughout the organization, focusing on aligning product outcomes with business objectives and ensuring they meet Agua Caliente’s user demands. This role builds and manages a team of AI professionals, establishes the AI roadmap in partnership with the CIO, and ensures all AI systems align with tribal gaming regulatory requirements and responsible gaming standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

• Lead the design, implementation and governance of artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives throughout the organization.
• Develop and execute a multi-year AI strategy and roadmap which aligns with enterprise and gaming operational department goals.
• Partner with the CIO and IT department directors (Applications, Infrastructure, Security) to prioritize AI initiatives.
• Build, mentor, and manage a team of AI/ML engineers and analysts.
• Own the AI budget, including vendor contracts, cloud compute, and licensing.
• Establish and maintain AI governance policies: model validation, bias testing, data privacy, and audit trails.
• Evaluate build vs. buy decisions for AI vendors, with attention to data sovereignty and on-property vs. cloud hosting requirements.
• Manage relationships with third-party AI/analytics vendors serving the gaming industry.
• Manage the entire AI product lifecycle, from planning and development to deployment and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain user training and testing programs for AI related products. 
• Work with IT leadership on evaluating AI business user risk assessments, prepares summaries for review and approval by the CIO.  
• Assist the CIO with defining AI success metrics associated with revenue generation and or automation efforts. 
• Keep abreast of advancements in the artificial intelligence field, as well as competitors, make applicable improvement recommendations to the CIO ensuring best in breed offerings.
• Provide recommendations to streamline AI ethics and governance.
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of proper product documentation.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders and external partners to support product identification and implementation.
• Work closely with business data owners and custodians on defining and managing data ownership, human-in-the-loop testing and related responsibilities.
• Provide outstanding customer service in a timely manner to both guests and fellow team members.
• Coordinate the development of project business cases, obtaining funding approvals and buy-in from key stakeholders.
• Must comply with all applicable Agua Caliente Casinos System of Internal Controls, Standard Operating Procedures and all Tribal Regulations.
   

Supervisory Responsibilities

To be determined

Access to Sensitive Areas and Information

As per the ACGC Access Matrix

Signatory Ability

Education and/or Experience

• 8 years of experience in AI/ML, data science, or advanced analytics, including 3 years in a leadership role.
• Casino or hospitality services industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models in a production environment at enterprise scale required.
• Strong understanding of data governance, model risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical mindset and a robust understanding of AI technologies, coupled with the ability to work effectively across teams to launch products that are innovative, user-centric, and beneficial to Agua Caliente.
• Familiarity with tribal gaming regulatory frameworks.
• Experience navigating data sovereignty or on-property infrastructure requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop product strategies and effectively communicate recommendations to senior leadership.
• Experience managing cross-functional, sourced, or matrixed projects over large scale initiatives which includes managing and interfacing with vendors.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work after normal business hours and on weekends as required.
• Experience in working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to think outside the box.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems or related field from a four-year college or university, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to stand, move and work throughout the office area and properties, including walking up to 1 ½ mile, climbing stairs and sitting at a desk/workstation for the duration of the shift.  Must be able to work in a smoke-filled environment.

Typically, the individual will be housed in an office environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but will escalate when located in the casino environment.  Must be able to grasp, bend, lift and/or carry or otherwise move goods weighing a minimum of 25 lbs. on an intermittent basis, and sufficient dexterity of hand in order to use office equipment including, but not limited to:  a computer keyboard, calculator, general office equipment and multi-line telephone.