The opportunity The Head of AI is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the enterprise AI strategy in alignment with the Teachers’ Forward initiative. This position offers the opportunity to drive transformative change across the organization by leading the AI program, establishing best-in-class governance, and embedding artificial intelligence into every facet of the business. The successful candidate will have a direct impact on accelerating insights, streamlining critical workflows, and unlocking new opportunities through AI innovation.

Who You'll Work With Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Head of AI will work closely with the AI Executive Champions, AI Divisional Champions, and the broader Technology division. The role requires frequent collaboration with business leads, department heads, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful AI adoption and implementation. Regular engagement with internal stakeholders—including the Executive Team, Board, and operational teams—as well as external partners and technology vendors, is essential to advance the organization’s AI ambitions. In addition, the role will support the Portfolio Solutions Group helping PortCo’s with their AI Journeys.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and execution of a five-year AI charter articulating the strategic vision, objectives, and success metrics for AI across the organization.
• Oversee the enterprise AI program, ensuring structured implementation, clear accountabilities, and measurable impact on productivity and decision-making.
• Establish and maintain centralized AI governance, including the development and enforcement of technical standards, protocols, and responsible AI policies. Evaluate and guide the adoption of AI platforms, tools, and infrastructure.
• Ensure ethical, secure, and scalable deployment of AI systems.
• Define KPIs and success metrics for AI-enabled products.
• Drive the adoption and operationalization of AI tools and platforms, partnering with business units to address critical needs and reduce bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with AI Executive Champions and Divisional Champions to shape progress, build community, and ensure organization-wide engagement and capability building.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies, to inform strategic decisions, support experimentation, and lead initiatives to accelerate responsible AI adoption and innovation.
• Oversee employee training and education programs related to AI, including Responsible AI practices and new tool onboarding.
• Represent the AI function in executive forums and external engagements, sharing progress, insights, and best practices. Defining and leading the company's AI strategy, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives.
• Develop strategic partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders.
• Evaluate and guide the adoption of AI platforms, tools, and infrastructure.
• Manage AI-related risk and reporting, including identification, assessment, escalation, and transparent communication to senior leadership.
• With the Technology Planning and Performance team, forecast and track AI program costs, including tool rollout, usage patterns, and consumption-based spend, to provide clear financial visibility and inform investment decisions.

What You'll Need

• Strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership and boards.
• Demonstrated success in partnering with business leaders to deliver impactful AI solutions that advance organizational objectives.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and drive organizational change.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic initiatives in tech-driven environments.
• In-depth knowledge of AI governance frameworks, responsible AI practices, and regulatory considerations.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, NLP, computer vision) and their business applications.
• Experience working with data science, engineering, and product teams.
• Experience with AI tool selection, deployment, and lifecycle management in large, matrixed environments.
• Continuous learner, curious and proactive about emerging technologies and best practices.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or specific relative experience; postgraduate or professional AI/ML certifications are an asset.
• 8+ years experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced analytics, with a track record of leading enterprise-scale AI programs.

, , What We’re Offering

• Numerous opportunities for professional growth and development
• Comprehensive employer paid benefits coverage
• Retirement income through a defined benefit pension plan
• The opportunity to invest back into the fund through our Deferred Incentive Program
• A flexible work environment combining in office collaboration and remote working
• Competitive time off
• Our Flexible Travel Program gives you the option to work abroad in another region/country for up to a month each year
• Employee discount programs including Edvantage and Perkopolis

At Ontario Teachers', diversity is one of our core strengths. We take pride in ensuring that the people we hire and the culture we create, reflect and embrace diversity of thought, background and experience. Through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion through events for colleagues to connect for professional development, networking & mentoring. We are building an inclusive and equitable workplace where our talent is respected, accepted and empowered to be themselves. To learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, check out Life at Teachers'.

How To Apply Are you ready to pursue new challenges and take your career to the next level? Apply today! You may be invited to complete a pre-recorded digital interview as part of your application.

Accommodations are available upon request (peopleandculture@otpp.com) for candidates with a disability taking part in the recruitment process and once hired.

Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the country where this role is located.

Ontario Teachers’ may use AI-based tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants for this position. These tools may help us identify candidates whose skills and experience align with Ontario Teachers’ objectives by analyzing information provided in resumes and applications. Our use of AI does not replace human decision-making.

To learn more about how Teachers’ uses AI with your personal information, please visit our Privacy Centre.

Functional Areas Information Technology

Vacancy Current

Requisition ID 6814