AI Strategist

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

Our Perks:

• Flexible PTO (designed to offer flexible time away for you!)
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Mental health coverage
• Quarterly Wellness stipend
• Fertility benefits
• Complete list of benefits here

About the Role

CLA is seeking an AI Strategy Consultant to help organizations translate emerging AI capabilities into practical, scalable business outcomes. Thie ideal candidate will be a highly independent professional who can originate, lead, and deliver AI strategy engagements with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong strategic judgment, technical fluency in AI, and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders. You will lead client-facing projects end-to-end-shaping strategy, guiding execution, and serving as a trusted advisor on how AI should be deployed responsibly, effectively, and at scale This is a high-autonomy role for someone who wants to shape AI strategy for mid-market clients, influence senior leaders, and help define how organizations responsibly adopt AI.

How you'll create opportunities as an AI Strategist and Advisor AI Strategy & Advisory -

Lead the design and delivery of AI strategy engagements, including AI opportunity identification and prioritization Operating model and capability design AI governance, risk, and responsible AI frameworks Roadmaps for AI adoption, scaling, and value realization Translate complex AI concepts (e.g., generative AI, agentic systems, automation) into clear executive-level insights and decisions. Advise clients on aligning AI initiatives with business strategy, risk tolerance, regulatory considerations, and organizational readiness.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Own projects end-to-end, from scoping and planning through delivery and executive readout.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day client lead, managing scope, timelines, quality, and outcomes with minimal oversight.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (data science, engineering, risk, legal, cyber, operations) as needed to deliver integrated solutions.
• Proactively identify risks, dependencies, and decision points; escalate thoughtfully and early when required.

Thought Leadership & Practice Development

• Contribute to the development of AI frameworks, methodologies, accelerators, and points of view.
• Stay current on AI trends, regulations, and industry use cases; synthesize insights into practical guidance for clients and internal teams.
• Support business development through proposal contributions, client conversations, and thought leadership materials

Client Relationship & Growth

• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders (Director, VP, C-suite). I
• Identify follow-on opportunities and help shape future engagements based on client needs.
• Act as a visible representative of the firm's AI capabilities and perspective.

What you will need:

• 10+ years of experience
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, ambiguous projects with limited supervision.
• Strong working knowledge of AI concepts, including:
  • Generative AI, large language models, and traditional AI methodologies
  • AI/ML lifecycle and deployment considerations
  • AI governance, ethics, risk, and controls (preferred but not mandatory)
  • Hands-on experience as an individual contributor (e.g., Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Applied Scientist, or similar technical role) is a strong plus, particularly experience building, deploying, or operationalizing AI solutions in real-world environments
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive audiences.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, judgment, and intellectual curiosity.
• Comfortable operating in environments with high ambiguity and rapid change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising clients on enterprise AI transformation, digital strategy, or advanced analytics.
• Familiarity with regulated industries (e.g., financial services, healthcare) is a plus.
• Experience shaping operating models, governance structures, or transformation roadmaps.
• Prior exposure to selling or expanding consulting engagements.

What Success Looks Like

• Independently leading AI strategy engagements that clients view as high-impact and trusted.
• Being sought out internally as a go-to expert for AI strategy, governance, or complex client challenges.
• Consistently delivering clear, actionable recommendations that balance value, risk, and change.
• Operating as a de facto engagement leader, even without formal direct reports.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.

To view a complete list of benefits click here.