What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Technology & Innovation position at Dowling Corporation?
Description:Dowling Hales is more than just advisors; we are the architects of change in the insurance industry. For over a decade, we have been the trusted “advisor of choice” dedicated exclusively to this dynamic sector. Our teams’ values serve as the foundation upon which we build every client relationship, tackle every challenge, and make every decision. They are our guiding principles that define who we are and how we work. Why should you join our Dowling team? Because this is where talent meets opportunity!The RoleWe're looking for a Director of Technology & Innovation who can own the end-to-end transformation of our research and data systems. This isn't a role where you'll be handed specifications – you'll be the architect of change, working directly with senior leadership to identify opportunities, design solutions, and execute implementation. This is a unique opportunity to bring cutting-edge AI and modern data management practices to a well-established firm with valuable intellectual property spanning three decades. Key ResponsibilitiesLead the migration from traditional file servers to modern cloud-based infrastructure (SharePoint/cloud storage)Design and implement AI-powered solutions to make 30 years of research data searchable, interactive, and actionableBuild internal tools that automate repetitive research tasks (data extraction, report generation, comparative analysis)Partner with business stakeholders to identify high-impact automation opportunitiesDevelop a client-facing AI chat interface for research data access (Phase 2)Establish data governance and quality standards for AI readinessIntegrate with existing systems (Blue Matrix portal, research platforms)Manage relationships with offshore development resources as neededDrive the adoption of new technologies across the organization through change managementWhat Success Looks LikeYear 1: Complete data migration, implement internal AI search/chat capabilities, automate 3-5 key research workflowsEliminate manual processes like Excel-based article taggingEnable analysts to focus on high-value work instead of data entryCreate measurable efficiency gains across research and investment banking teamsWhat We Offer, Company Benefits & PerksOpportunity to be the founding technical leader in a profitable, established firmDirect partnership with C-suite executivesSignificant autonomy to shape technical strategyMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Premium cost sharing between the company and employee)Health Savings Contribution by the Company to your accountCompany Paid Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long Term Disability InsuranceEnrolled in our 401 (k) plan immediately upon hireEligibility to participate in the company's ESOP plan after 1 year of employmentBonus ProgramReimbursement for select gym and fitness membershipsUnlimited PTOOn-site Coffee/Snacks/BeveragesLunch is provided dailyLocation: NYC office with remote work flexibility and occasional travel to our Connecticut officeRequirements: 5 years of experience in technical product management or engineering leadership rolesHands-on experience with AI/ML implementation, particularly LLMs and RAG systemsStrong background in data migration and infrastructure modernizationExperience with both buying and building technical solutionsProven ability to work independently and drive projects without detailed specificationsExcellent communication skills to work with non-technical stakeholdersExperience managing change in traditional organizations. You’ll have the mandate and support from senior partners to modernize legacy systems.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)Preferred QualificationsExperience in financial services, investment banking, or insurance sectorsFamiliarity with research publishing and content management systemsBackground in management consulting or similar client-facing rolesExperience with SharePoint migrations and Microsoft ecosystemTrack record of building client-facing data productsMaster's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or MBA with technical focusTechnical SkillsProficiency in Python, JavaScript, and modern web frameworksExperience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred given SharePoint integration)Knowledge of vector databases and semantic searchFamiliarity with tools like LangChain, OpenAI APIs, and document processingUnderstanding of data security and compliance requirements