Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America's Best Small Employers. 

Summit is a growing natural gas utility providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do. 

We have an exciting hybrid opportunity for a Senior Director of Digital Assets and AI based in Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, Arkansas.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Digital Assets & AI is responsible for leading the strategic integration of Summit's data, geographic information systems (GIS), and asset information platforms. This role ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and operational reliability of data systems while advancing the organization's capabilities in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Overseeing GIS operations, asset data and drafting, data engineering, and AI strategy, the Senior Director of Digital Assets and AI align these functions with a focus on delivering high-quality, trusted data and intelligent systems that improve safety, reliability, and affordability. The leader will be responsible for developing a comprehensive enterprise data and artificial intelligence strategy, implementing a company-wide data catalog and governance framework, and leading a portfolio of AI projects that deliver measurable business value by modernizing and innovating how Summit team members complete work and capture, manage, and leverage data to make smarter, faster, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous decisions.

Drawing from a deep experience in operational data management, GIS modernization, and practical AI adoption, this leader will serve as a change agent combining a builder's mindset with strategic vision and people-centered leadership grounded in Summit's PEAKS values: Pioneering, Excellence, Agility, Kindness, and Safety. The Senior Director, Digital Assets & AI brings a strong balance of execution, innovation, and curiosity to create optimal solutions for our team members and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

 PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the enterprise vision for Digital Assets & AI, integrating GIS, asset data, and data engineering to improve reliability, affordability, and decision-making.
• Develop and execute an enterprise data and AI strategy that defines how data and intelligence capabilities will support business outcomes, operational excellence, and innovation.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive enterprise data catalog and governance framework to improve data quality, accessibility, and alignment across business functions.
• Direct asset data integration across ERP (SAP S/4HANA), GIS, and field systems to maintain a reliable source of truth.
• Lead the architecture, performance, and governance of Summit's data platforms and pipelines.
• Provide data platform and governance leadership to support enterprise analytics delivered by business partners across the company.
• Oversee the development of practical, business-aligned AI capabilities that drive efficiency, improve asset intelligence, and enable smarter, faster decision-making.
• Drive modernization, automation, and artificial intelligence that enable digital field execution and infrastructure insights.
• Recruit, develop, and lead teams across GIS, Asset Data, Data Engineering, and AI; cultivate a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and business leaders to align priorities, outcomes, and funding roadmaps.
• Communicate progress, risks, and value realization to executive stakeholders; manage budgets and vendor relationships effectively.

 EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, GIS, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in data, GIS, or digital transformation leadership roles; utility, energy, or infrastructure industry experience preferred.
• Proven experience deploying AI, automation, and data modernization initiatives with measurable operational or financial outcomes.
• Experience designing and implementing comprehensive data strategy and catalog, including governance and stewardship best practices.
• Strong understanding of AI program management, including project lifecycle definition, value measurement, and change adoption.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical and operational teams in complex environments.
• Demonstrated success in process redesign, efficiency delivery, and change management.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES  

• Operational knowledge of GIS platforms (Esri) and asset data management workflows.
• Expertise with data architecture, governance, integration, and data quality standards.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Oracle), data pipelines, and security by design.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML lifecycle, MLOps, responsible AI principles, and practical business applications.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and influence skills across technical and executive audiences.
• Financial and ROI-based decision-making capability; disciplined program and vendor management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.