Associate Director, AI & Data, Energy Providers

Company: Guidehouse
Location: Arlington
Posted on: January 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Family : Data Science Consulting Travel Required : Up to 10% Clearance Required : None What You Will Do : We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to join our growing AI and Data practice, with a dedicated focus on commercial energy providers. This individual will be a hands-on leader, responsible driving business growth through proactive sales efforts as well as for shaping and delivering AI- and data-driven transformations. The Associate Director will oversee cross-functional teams and collaborate directly with client executives and business leaders to drive value through AI & data strategy through implementation of AI-based solutions. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of industry strategy, market growth, and technology. Client Leadership & Engagement Drive new business opportunities by identifying client needs, shaping proposals, and expanding relationships into strategic partnerships. Lead client engagements end-to-end from strategy through implementation, ensuring delivery excellence and measurable business outcomes. Develop and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders to grow accounts and influence buying decisions. Solution Development & Innovation Drive end-to-end solution development leveraging AI and advanced analytics, with a strong emphasis on AI and data strategy, governance, and innovation to deliver scalable, client-centric outcomes. Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform solution development and position offerings competitively in the market. Team & Practice Leadership Own business development activities including pipeline generation, proposal development, and strategic pursuits to meet growth targets. Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary consulting teams including data scientists, engineers, and business consultants. Contribute to recruiting, talent development, and thought leadership within the practice. Industry & Domain Expertise Apply deep knowledge of the energy and utilities industry to shape strategies around DER integration, energy transition, grid modernization, regulatory compliance, and customer experience. Interpret regulatory and policy changes to identify opportunities for AI and data enablement and create new revenue streams. What You Will Need : Minimum SEVEN (7) years of experience in AI, data strategy, and analytics consulting, with a proven track record in business development—including client relationship management, opportunity identification, and contribution to revenue growth. Minimum FIVE (5) years of experience leading data-driven transformation initiatives within the utilities or broader energy sector, with a focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management. Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, modern data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/GCP/Azure), and advanced analytics methodologies, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into strategic value propositions during client engagements Proven experience across the business development lifecycle—including opportunity identification, capture strategy, and proposal development—while ensuring alignment with technical delivery. Track record of leading large-scale AI and analytics engagements from concept through execution, while simultaneously expanding client relationships and uncovering new revenue opportunities. Demonstrated ability to source, structure, and execute strategic partnerships between technology providers and business stakeholders to accelerate both delivery and market expansion. Ability to engage and influence diverse audiences—from C-suite executives (CIO, CISO, CDO) to technical teams—bridging business objectives with technical solutions. Skilled at motivating and guiding multi-disciplinary teams of AI and data specialists to deliver at scale while fostering a growth-oriented culture. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills that drive trust, collaboration, and commercial success. What Would Be Nice To Have : Bachelor's degree Master’s Degree in Data Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or related technical field AI/LLM Certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) 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, Leesburg , Associate Director, AI & Data, Energy Providers, IT / Software / Systems , Arlington, Virginia