Director AI and Innovation

Job Summary:

The Director, AI & Innovation leads OrthoVirginia’s enterprise approach to artificial intelligence and emerging technology, defining the roadmap, governance, and business case for AI adoption across clinical, revenue cycle, HR, and administrative functions. This role partners closely with IT application teams, clinical leadership, compliance, and vendors (including Epic, Workday, and Microsoft) to identify high-value AI and innovation opportunities, evaluate and pilot solutions, and scale successful initiatives responsibly and securely. The Director sets standards for responsible AI use in a healthcare setting and serves as the primary point of accountability for AI strategy, innovation pipeline, risk management, and measurable business impact, may build and lead a small team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead enterprise-wide data and AI governance strategy, roadmap, and accountability structures to align initiatives with clinical, financial, and operational priorities while ensuring compliant, ethical, and high-quality use of data and artificial intelligence.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across the Epic (clinical and revenue cycle), Workday (HR and finance), Microsoft 365/Azure (productivity and data) ecosystems, and other AI solutions.
• Lead evaluation and deployment of native AI capabilities within core platforms, including Epic’s AI/ambient documentation tools, Workday AI-driven HR/talent features, and Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI services.
• Guides enterprise change management and data literacy initiatives to drive adoption of governance practices and responsible AI usage across the organization.
• Establish AI governance, including a responsible-AI framework, model risk review, data privacy and HIPAA compliance safeguards, and vendor due diligence processes.
• Partner with leadership team on key initiates to drive the business strategies across all functional areas of the organization identifying AI-enabled solutions with clear ROI.
• Form relationships with Epic, Workday, Microsoft, and third-party AI vendors, including participation in user groups, roadmap reviews, and contract/licensing decisions.
• Oversee pilot programs and change management for AI tools, ensuring clinician and staff adoption, training, and measurable outcomes.
• Build, mentor, and lead a team of AI/analytics professionals; coordinate matrixed work with application analysts, data/BI, security, and compliance teams.
• Monitor the regulatory and competitive landscape for healthcare AI, ensuring OrthoVirginia’s approach remains compliant and current.
• Maintain a broader innovation pipeline — scouting emerging technologies and process innovations beyond AI that improve clinical or operational performance — and recommend which to pursue, pilot, or shelve.
• Report AI and innovation program progress, risks, and outcomes to executive leadership as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Healthcare Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7 years of progressive experience in healthcare IT, digital strategy, or data/analytics, including at least 3 years leading AI, automation, or advanced analytics initiatives.
• Direct experience working within or alongside Epic, Workday, or Microsoft 365/Azure environments.
• Experience with Epic modules such as Cognitive Computing Platform, Abridge ambient documentation, or Epic AI tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives and managing vendor relationships in a healthcare setting.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA, data privacy, and AI governance/risk considerations in healthcare.
• Prior people-management experience, with the ability to build and develop a team.
• Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to translate technical AI concepts for clinical and business leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Workday AI/ML features (skills-based talent, Workday Assistant) or Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365/Azure AI Foundry.
• Certification or formal training in AI/ML, healthcare informatics (e.g., CPHIMS), or project/program management (PMP).
• Experience in a multi-site ambulatory or specialty physician practice environment.

Technical Environment:

This role works across OrthoVirginia’s core enterprise platforms: Epic (EHR, practice management, and revenue cycle), Workday (HCM and Financials), and the Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365, Teams, Azure, Copilot). Familiarity with data platforms and reporting tools used alongside these systems (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Power BI, or Epic Clarity/Caboodle) is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into an executable roadmap
• Strong grasp of AI/ML fundamentals, responsible AI, and data governance
• Collaborative leadership across clinical, operational, and technical stakeholders
• Vendor and program management in a regulated, enterprise healthcare setting
• Clear, confident communication with executives, clinicians, and staff

Compensation Range for this position:

$163,070.00 - $244,605.00

Compensation for this role will be based on several factors, including the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, geography/market, and internal equity considerations.

About OrthoVirginia:

At OrthoVirginia, you’re part of a team dedicated to delivering expert orthopedic and therapy care across the state. As Virginia’s largest provider of musculoskeletal care, we offer full-time and part-time opportunities in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

With more than 159 physicians in over 35 locations—including Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Southwest Virginia, and Hampton Roads—OrthoVirginia is a leader in orthopedic surgery, non-surgical care, and physical, hand, and occupational therapy. Our nationally recognized specialists treat a full range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping patients of all ages move, heal, and thrive.

Join us and become part of a trusted network committed to excellence in orthopedic care.

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