Fractional Head of AI

Heads up: this posting is for future opportunities rather than one specific open role. If you apply, we'll add you to our candidate network and may reach out when relevant roles come up.

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What the market looks like

We've tracked 1,000+ senior-level postings in AI strategy across the US in the last six months, with strongest hiring concentration in California, New York, and Texas. Fractional Head of AI roles tend to span technology, professional services, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. Compensation for advisory-level AI strategy leaders typically runs $250–$350 per hour, scaled by scope and depth of prior transformation work. The strongest candidates in this cohort bring 10+ years of technology or business leadership, hands-on experience scoping and executing AI adoption initiatives, and the ability to translate between technical teams and the C-suite without needing day-to-day operational overhead.

Job responsibilities

• Define and articulate the organization's AI strategy, roadmap, and business case—working with the executive team to align AI initiatives to core business objectives

• Assess current technology, talent, and process maturity; identify quick wins and longer-term transformation opportunities

• Partner with department heads (product, engineering, operations, finance) to design and prioritize AI pilots and full-scale deployments

• Build or advise on hiring and upskilling plans for AI and machine learning talent; establish centers of excellence or embedded AI teams as appropriate

• Serve as trusted advisor to the CEO and board on AI risk, opportunity, and competitive positioning

• Track adoption metrics, ROI, and organizational readiness; course-correct strategy and execution pace based on results and market shifts

• Stay current on emerging AI capabilities and industry benchmarks; help leadership make informed decisions on build vs. buy vs. partner approaches

Candidate requirements

• 10+ years in technology, product, or business leadership roles; at least 5 years directly involved in AI, machine learning, or large-scale digital transformation initiatives

• Demonstrated ability to define and execute multi-year technology strategies and secure buy-in from C-suite and board stakeholders

• Hands-on experience scoping AI use cases, managing vendor or internal build decisions, and measuring business impact of AI pilots and deployments

• Strong command of AI/ML fundamentals and current landscape (LLMs, generative AI, responsible AI frameworks); able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences

• Track record of building or scaling high-performing teams in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

• Comfort with fractional/advisory engagement models and ability to operate effectively with limited day-to-day headcount or organizational leverage