Manager of AI and Innovation

Overview

 

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and four all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world. Our mission is to imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary. We enrich people’s perspective through inspired travel.

 

Our Mission: Enriching Lives Through Travel

Our Values: Guest Obsessed, Open and Inviting, Fun-Loving and Focused, Light-Hearted and Genuine, Casual Yet Polished, Safe and Responsible.

 

 

Job Summary:

A Miami-based travel company is seeking a forward-thinking Manager of AI and Innovation. The Manager of AI and Innovation is responsible for leading the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across all departments at Windstar Cruises, partnering with business units to identify high-value use cases, and establishing the governance, standards, and enablement programs that ensure AI is deployed safely, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves driving AI literacy, evaluating and onboarding AI tools and vendors, and developing strategies that turn emerging technology into measurable business value.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead the company-wide rollout of AI tools and capabilities across all departments, partnering with business stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-value use cases.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce Windstar’s AI governance framework, aligned to recognized standards such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
• Together with Xanterra, establish AI risk classification, intake, and review processes so new use cases are assessed for security, privacy, ethics, and compliance before deployment.
• Partner with departmental leaders to understand their workflows and translate business needs into practical, responsible AI solutions.
• Evaluate, pilot, and onboard AI platforms, vendors, and tools, including total cost of ownership and risk assessments to support purchasing decisions.
• Build and deliver AI enablement and training programs that raise AI literacy and drive adoption among non-technical business users.
• Develop in partnership with Xanterra policies, standards, and guidelines for the acceptable and secure use of AI across the organization.
• Ensure AI initiatives comply with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements, including PCI and GDPR obligations.
• Establish metrics and reporting to measure AI adoption, value realization, and return on investment.
• Maintain an inventory of approved AI tools, use cases, and associated risk classifications.
• Generate regular reports for senior management on AI program progress, opportunities, risks, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with IT, security, legal, and data teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems and data infrastructure.
• Monitor the evolving AI landscape, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies to keep Windstar competitive and compliant.
• Champion a culture of responsible innovation, balancing experimentation with appropriate guardrails.
• Manage relationships with AI vendors and partners, ensuring solutions align with business objectives and contractual terms.
• Support change management and communication efforts associated with AI adoption across the company.
• Partner with our parent company, Xanterra, and their AI governance committee.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts, generative AI tools, and their practical business applications.
• Demonstrated experience leading technology adoption, change management, or innovation initiatives across an organization.
• Familiarity with AI governance and risk frameworks, such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
• Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations, including GDPR and PCI requirements.
• Proven problem-solving skills and excellent communication abilities.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for a non-technical audience.
• Experience evaluating software vendors and building business cases, including cost and risk analysis.
• Demonstrated stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This role is in-office with standard work hours. Availability outside these hours may be required for project completion.
• Must have at least 5 years of experience in technology, data, or innovation roles, with exposure to AI or emerging technology programs.
• Must be a team player.

 

Benefits:

For full-time employees, Windstar offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Vacation, Sick Time and paid Holidays; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals.

 

EEO: 

Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.