Director, Data & Artificial Intelligence

Position: Director, Data & Artificial Intelligence

Department: Information Technology

Location: Wichita, Kansas (On-Site)

Job Type: Full-Time/Salary

Jump start your career at Equity Bank! We are currently hiring energetic, team oriented, and community focused individuals to join our team! With a team of best-in-class customer service experts, you'll help to build and expand on client relationships, deliver the banking products and services that meet the unique and individual needs of clients, and create and uphold an atmosphere of superior experience and service. At Equity Bank we'll help you invest in your community through volunteer opportunities which align with our company initiatives and core values.

Summary:

The Director of Data & AI will lead Equity Bank's enterprise data strategy and artificial intelligence initiatives. This role is responsible for building a trusted data foundation, enabling advanced analytics, and driving AI adoption across the organization. The Director will oversee data governance, architecture, and AI-driven innovation to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and business growth.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy & Governance

• Define and execute enterprise-wide data strategy aligned with business objectives
• Establish and enforce data governance policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (GLBA, GDPR)
• Drive data quality initiatives and maintain integrity across all platforms

AI Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and implement the organization's AI roadmap, focusing on high-ROI use cases
• Architect and oversee machine learning platforms and MLOps frameworks
• Stay ahead of emerging AI trends (generative AI, NLP, computer vision) and integrate innovative technologies

Infrastructure & Architecture

• Oversee design and maintenance of data platforms (warehouses, lakes, pipelines)
• Implement scalable AI solutions by leveraging cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and modern tools (Snowflake, Copilot Studio)

Analytics & Insights

• Deliver advanced analytics, dashboards, and predictive models to support decision-making
• Collaborate with business units to identify opportunities for AI-driven automation and personalization

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of data engineers, analysts, and AI specialists
• Partner with technology and business leaders to align data and AI initiatives with strategic goals
• Communicate complex AI and data concepts to executives and stakeholders

Governance & Ethics

• Ensure ethical AI development and deployment
• Monitor compliance with data privacy regulations and mitigate risks associated with AI technologies

Required Skills & Education

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, or related field; Ph.D.
• 7+ years in data management or analytics roles; 3+ years in AI leadership
• Proven track record of implementing enterprise data and AI strategies
• Proficiency in SQL, Python/R, and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and AI frameworks
• Experience with cloud platforms and big data technologies
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to influence at all levels
• Excellent communication skills for translating technical insights into business value

Preferred

• Certifications: AWS Certified Data Analytics, PMP, or equivalent
• AI leadership

Who We Are

Equity Bank, a full-service, $8 billion community bank, is based in Wichita, Kansas, with over 70 bank offices throughout Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

At Equity Bank, you can find exciting opportunities to challenge you, expand your skills, and reward your contributions. Our employees receive competitive compensation and benefits, while working in an atmosphere that encourages personal and professional growth. We're searching for motivated individuals who are passionate about serving others, learning new technologies, and working as part of a team.

Equity Bank offers a full range of financial solutions, including online and mobile banking, commercial loans, consumer banking, and mortgage loans, treasury management service, the best solutions for your business, and absolutely zero ATM fees, anywhere.

What's in it for you?

We believe your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation package. We work year-round to ensure that we provide our employees with the most up-to-date, competitive program. We thoroughly evaluate our benefit plans and strive to provide quality benefits that support the physical and financial well-being of our employees and their families.

Benefits Available:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Group Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Group Cancer Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Plan w/Company Match
• Generous Vacation & Sick Time
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pet Insurance
• Retail Banking Benefits

Find your future at Equity Bank!

The above statements are intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by most people assigned to this job. It is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing, walking, bending, and squatting on a regular basis. May require the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to carry, lift, move or push up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Must be able to talk and listen to others.

Work Environment

This position regularly works in an office setting. Most of the job duties require the employee to be working with computers and electronic media on a regular basis.

Equity Bank is an equal opportunity employer and will not make employment decisions based on an applicant's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.