Director, AI Transformation

New York, New York

Job Description

The Director, AI Transformation will lead the firm’s AI engagement, communication, and transformation initiatives within the Knowledge Management & Innovation function.  This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic internal and external communication efforts related to AI, innovation, and legal technology transformation, while driving the change management strategies necessary to support successful adoption of new tools, processes, and ways of working across the firm.

The Director will oversee key operational and strategic initiatives for the department, including digital workplace and intranet modernization efforts, AI-related client and RFP responses, stakeholder engagement, and firmwide transformation communications.  Working closely with leadership across Knowledge Management & Innovation, Data Science & AI Engineering, and Practice Solutions, this role will help ensure that AI and innovation initiatives are effectively communicated, operationalized, and aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives and market positioning.

This position requires a strategic, collaborative, and highly organized leader with strong communication, operational, and change management experience within a sophisticated professional services environment. The ideal candidate will bring the ability to build scalable engagement strategies, influence organizational adoption, and support the firm’s continued evolution as a modern, technology-enabled legal services organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal & External Communication

• Lead internal communications related to knowledge management, innovation, and AI initiatives, including leadership messaging, product launches, firmwide updates, and employee engagement efforts.
• Partner with Marketing & Business Development to support the firm’s external AI and innovation strategy through thought leadership, client communications, industry events, media engagement, and business development materials.
• Ensure consistent messaging and editorial alignment across AI, innovation, and technology initiatives in collaboration with firm leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Represent the firm within legal innovation and technology communities through industry organizations, conferences, peer networks, and strategic external partnerships.

Change Management

• Lead enterprise change management strategies for AI, knowledge management, and innovation initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training coordination, adoption measurement, and organizational readiness efforts.
• Develop and support a scalable change management function focused on helping practice groups and business teams successfully adopt new technologies, workflows, and operational processes.
• Partner with Professional Development, Human Resources, IT training teams, and Practice Solutions leadership to align change management, training, and adoption initiatives across the firm

Department Operations

• Serve as a strategic operations lead for the Knowledge Management & Innovation department by coordinating leadership meetings, operational planning, reporting, performance tracking, and cross-functional team alignment.
• Manage departmental planning, intake processes, project portfolio coordination, and operational governance in partnership with Finance and department leadership to ensure alignment across teams and initiatives.
• Support the development and communication of the department’s internal brand, service model, engagement approach, and reporting standards to promote consistency, transparency, and business impact across the firm.

Digital Workplace

• Lead the strategy, development, governance, and ongoing management of the firm’s intranet and digital workplace platforms in partnership with Practice Solutions and IT leadership.
• Oversee the delivery and organization of AI, knowledge management, training, and innovation-related content across the firm’s digital workplace environment.
• Establish and maintain content governance standards to ensure information across practice groups, business services, and firm functions remains accurate, consistent, and current.
• Support the expansion of digital workplace capabilities, including collaboration platforms, multimedia communications, AI-enabled search functionality, and integrated productivity tools that enhance the employee experience and operational efficiency.

AI Related RFP Responses & Client-facing Communications

• Lead the firm’s response strategy for AI-related client inquiries, RFPs, security questionnaires, and outside counsel guidelines in partnership with Marketing & Business Development, Information Security, Risk, and Legal leadership.
• Develop and maintain client-facing materials that highlight the firm’s AI, innovation, and technology capabilities, including case studies, presentations, briefings, and strategic business development content.
• Establish processes to gather and analyze client feedback, market trends, and client expectations related to AI and legal innovation, and communicate insights to firm leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Support attorneys and relationship partners by providing consistent, strategic, and business-focused materials and messaging related to the firm’s AI and innovation initiatives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Law, Organizational Leadership, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, change management, organizational transformation, or a related discipline, including senior leadership experience managing enterprise-wide, multi-channel initiatives.
• Significant experience within a law firm, professional services organization, financial services environment, or other partnership-driven organization, with a strong understanding of stakeholder engagement and organizational change management.
• Demonstrated success leading transformation and communication initiatives related to technology, AI, digital transformation, or operational change, with measurable business outcomes and adoption results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong editorial judgment and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to executive leadership, attorneys, and business professionals.
• Experience leading or managing intranet, digital workplace, or enterprise communication platforms, including strategy development, governance, vendor coordination, content management, and performance measurement.
• Familiarity with AI-related client requirements, procurement processes, outside counsel guidelines, and RFP responses within a professional services or legal environment.
• Strong stakeholder management, organizational leadership, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, operational leadership, and change management capabilities, with a focus on driving innovation, adoption, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

The expected salary range for this position is $245,000 - $360,000.  Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skill set, and geographic location.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected].