AI and Digital Service Strategy Leader

The AI and Digital Service Strategy Leader will spearhead the firm’s transformation and potential service offerings through artificial intelligence, data-driven design, and digital innovation. This role blends strategic foresight with hands-on leadership to integrate emerging technologies into our design process, operations, and client services. You will define and execute a roadmap that enhances creativity, efficiency, and value across the firm that includes a clear change management process the results in cultural adoption.

Attributes to support the NELSON Culture: Go All-In, Keep It Real, Embrace Growth, Think Boldly and Be You:

• Go All-In – Take responsibility for your actions, do what you say and always lead by example
• Keep It Real - Communicate with empathy, transparency and respect to support each other in the pursuit of great work
• Embrace Growth - Seek to learn, grow and experiment to fuel our future
• Think Boldly - Exude a passion for problem solving, creativity and curiosity in everything you do
• Be You – Express your unique self and actively engage in our fun, diverse community of real people
  
  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:



Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Develop and lead the firm’s AI and digital strategy aligned with business goals and design excellence.
• Identify opportunities to embed AI into design workflows, project delivery, and client engagement.
• Identify related client goals/needs and strategic opportunities
• Establish clear success measures to track business, creative, and client impact.
  
  

Innovation & Implementation

• Pilot and scale AI-powered tools for design, documentation, visualization, simulation, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Practice Leaders to integrate digital tools into project phases from concept through construction administration.
• Explore new revenue opportunities through digital advisory services, data-driven insights, or stand-alone digital offerings.
  
  

Change Management & Enablement

• Drive cultural adoption of digital practices through training, storytelling, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with COO, IT, and Practice Leaders on phased rollouts of new tools and methods.
• Champion a culture of digital fluency and experimentation across the firm.
• Develop training, storytelling, and internal programs to support adoption.
• Monitor usage, adoption, and ROI to ensure sustainable impact.
  
  

Data, Analytics & Governance

• Oversee the Data & Analytics team to support both internal initiatives and client-facing insights.
• Establish frameworks for data governance, collection, and visualization that support design decision-making.
• Leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to improve project performance, sustainability, and client outcomes.
• Ensure ethical and responsible AI use aligned with industry standards and client expectations.
  
  

External Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Represent NELSON in industry forums, client discussions, and strategic partnerships focused on AI and digital innovation.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop thought leadership content and client-facing narratives on our digital capabilities.
• Position NELSON as a leader in applying AI to architecture, interiors, workplace, and brand experience design.
• Stay ahead of trends in AI, smart buildings, digital twins, and immersive technologies.
• Develop or collaborate on messaging to our clients related to offerings and improvements
  
  

Education / Experience

• 10 years in digital transformation, AI strategy, or innovation leadership, preferably within architecture, design, construction, or related industries.
• Proven track record building and scaling AI or digital programs in a professional services environment.
• Deep understanding of emerging technologies including generative design, digital twins, visualization tools, predictive analytics, and immersive environments.
• Experience with change management, training programs, and cultural adoption of new tools.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills; ability to inspire both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Master’s degree in architecture, computer science, design technology, or a related field preferred.
  
  

Benefits of NELSON: (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization
  
  

NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.