Associate Director, AI & Data (State and Local Government)

Company: Guidehouse
Location: Arlington
Posted on: January 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Family: Data Science Consulting Travel Required: Up to 10% Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do: We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to join our growing AI and Data practice, with a dedicated focus on the Federal Civilian Agencies (FCA) market within the Communities, Energy & Infrastructure (CEI) segment. This individual will be a hands-on leader, responsible for both business development and delivery of AI- and data-driven solutions that enable federal clients to achieve mission outcomes, operational efficiency, and digital transformation. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, data, and public sector strategy. The Associate Director will oversee cross-functional teams and collaborate directly with client executives and business leaders to drive value through advanced analytics, data strategy, and AI-based solutions. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, data, and industry strategy. Key Responsibilities Include Client Leadership & Delivery - Serve as a trusted advisor to state and local government clients on establishing an AI strategy that encompass both building core AI capabilities, as well as addressing key use cases around organizational priorities (e.g., constituent facing AI-enabled services, mission operations optimiztions, enhanced predictive planning). - Lead engagements from strategy through implementation, ensuring delivery excellence and measurable outcomes. - Translate complex business challenges into actionable AI/ML and data solutions using platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, and Azure/AWS/GCP. Solution Development & Innovation - Design and lead AI/ML and analytics solutions using best-in-class tools and platforms. - Translate business challenges into actionable use cases and scalable data and AI products and services. - Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform solution development. - Advise and lead the technical design and development of AI/ML and data solutions. Business Development - Drive growth through capture support, proposal development, and strategic pursuits. - Collaborate with partners and directors to expand Guidehouse’s footprint in the state and local government market. - Contribute to thought leadership and represent the firm in industry forums and client discussions. Practice & Team Leadership - Mentor and lead multidisciplinary teams including scientists, engineers, and consultants. - Support recruiting, onboarding, and talent development within the AI & Data practice. - Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. What You Will Need: - Bachelor's degree is required - Minimum SEVEN (7) years of experience of hands-on AI development, engineering, and analytics expertise - Minimum FIVE (5) years of experience delivering technical solutions and programs to public sector organizations. - Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/GCP/Azure), and analytics methodologies. - Demonstrated experience supporting the business development lifecycle, such as capture and proposal writing related activities. - Proven track record of leading large-scale AI/ML and data engagements from concept to execution. - Experience with GenAI technologies and trends, with an understanding of how to incorporate into impactful solutions and services. - Demonstrated ability to source and lead the formation and execution of successful partnerships between and across major stakeholders including technology partners and business end-users. - Proven ability to collaborate with audiences with a wide range of technical knowledge and at different levels of an organization, from the C-Suite (CIO, CISO, CDO) to an engineering and or architecture team. - Ability to influence and motivate a team of data and AI specialists across a variety of functions to establish and deliver capabilities at scale. - Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills. What Would Be Nice To Have: - Master’s Degree - AI/LLM Certifications - Project Management Professional (PMP) - Hands on experience bringing GenAI solutions to production. - Experience working with state and local clients. - Familiarity with federal contracting and procurement processes. The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer: Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits include: - Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance - Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays - Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus - Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Basic Life & Supplemental Life - Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Short-Term & Long-Term Disability - Student Loan PayDown - Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities - Skills Development & Certifications - Employee Referral Program - Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach - Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program - Mobility Stipend About Guidehouse Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation. All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process. If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties. Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Keywords: Guidehouse, Lancaster , Associate Director, AI & Data (State and Local Government), IT / Software / Systems , Arlington, Pennsylvania