Executive Director, Artificial Intelligence, Security & Technical Architecture

Executive Director, Artificial Intelligence, Security & Technical Architecture

Digital Innovation Leadership

Burnaby, BC

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence.

The Executive Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security & Technical Architecture is responsible for providing strategic direction, planning and overall execution of AI platforms, Security Architecture and Technical Infrastructure for Provincial Digital Health & Information Services (PDHIS) and BC’s health sector. The role reports to the Senior Executive Director, Enterprise Architecture, Strategic Platforms & Solutions, with a dyad matrix reporting relationship to the Chief, Cloud, Technology, Infrastructure and Security Services.

The Executive Director leads a highly specialized technical team that is responsible for developing the AI infrastructure, metrics, KPIs, strategic partnerships, vested party relations, project management, and communications for architecture and strategic platforms & solutions. The role partners with Security leaders to design and lead work and negotiates, resolves, and aligns action plans with conflicting requirements to ensure that the portfolio's strategic goals, objectives and operational plans are implemented in a successful and timely way that protects provincial assets and aligns technical architecture with provincial digital direction.

The role provides leadership, guidance, consultation and serves as a provincial advisor for AI and security architecture to the Ministry of Health (MoH), Health Authorities (HAs), establishing collaborative partnerships with members of the Senior Executive teams across HAs, senior officials, private sector partners, government agencies and other vested parties.

The Executive Director is responsible for managing the human, financial and material resources of the portfolio, in alignment with PHSA's mandate, mission, vision and values, and oversees AI, security & technical architecture, strategic and operational partnerships and ensures that the portfolio's strategic goals and operational plans are implemented to provide consistent and integrated service delivery and meet performance targets.

What you’ll do

• Serves as a member of the Digital Health Innovation (DHI) Senior Leadership Team, and as a provincial advisor for AI and security architecture, aligning AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture initiatives with PHSA's mission, vision, and values.
• Translates the organization's mandate and service plan into strategic actions for AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture; and collaborates with senior leadership to integrate AI and security solutions system-wide.
• Sets senior strategic direction for AI, Technical and Security Architecture within the organization, driving transformation and innovation; develops, maintains, and enforces strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines related to AI and information security.
• Makes strategic decisions that impact the organization and health authorities regarding AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture practices; harmonizes activities across operational areas and health authorities, managing conflicting requirements and expectations.
• Oversees human resource management for the AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture team, leading by example to stimulate an environment conducive to achieving maximum potential; manages financial aspects, including budget development and expenditure monitoring, to support operational and strategic plans.
• Leads a team responsible for setting standards for AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture managing the lifecycle of strategic solutions.
• Develops and monitors performance metrics for AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture teams, ensuring service delivery meets product performance expectations and customer satisfaction.
• Engages with provincial and regional partners to align AI and security architecture practices with enterprise standards; proactively manages performance gaps and advocates for progressive improvements in AI and security architecture practices.
• Implements best-in-class change management practices for AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture; builds partner and customer buy-in, securing active support from Health Authorities.
• Manages the AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture team members, including specialized engineers and technology experts; fosters engagement, communication, and professional relationship development.
• Initiates and steers a comprehensive change program to enhance the value proposition and operational effectiveness of AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture technologies within the market.
• Collaborates with senior executives across health authorities to align AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture goals, fostering innovation and operational efficiency.
• Guides and mentors Executive Directors, Directors, and their teams in AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture domains, ensuring skill development and succession planning.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline supplemented by a minimum of ten (10) years of expertise in AI technologies, cybersecurity trends, risk management practices and in progressively senior leadership experience in a large multi-site unionized organization with responsibilities for the planning and development of strategic plans and complex service delivery systems, with a minimum of three (3) years leadership experience managing multiple large, cross-functional teams and/or projects.
• Proven track record of effective leadership in a large, complex, multi-site organization.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory policies, legislation, and processes relevant to AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture, in addition to enterprise architecture and strategic platforms & solutions practice.
• Awareness of workplace health and safety regulations in BC is essential.
• Experience in fostering strong working relationships within a unionized environment.
• Superior interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and leadership skills, including the ability to negotiate with and influence others at various levels within and external to the organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude for progressive, innovative thinking, particularly in the context of AI and cybersecurity.
• Strong ability to set and maintain competing priorities through effective management and delegation skills.
• Should inspire a shared vision and align performance goals and objectives for teams and individuals.
• Collaborative leadership skills in working with others to identify issues, design creative solutions, implement action, and evaluate results.
• Sound business acumen, political awareness, and proven financial planning skills, including allocating scarce resources and approving budget recommendations.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities are essential, especially in the context of leading change in AI, Strategic Technical and Security Architecture within a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead self, engage others, achieve results, develop coalitions, and transform systems, with a particular focus on integrating cutting-edge AI and security solutions to enhance healthcare outcomes.
• Expertise in current AI technologies, cybersecurity trends, risk management practices, and the ability to translate technical language into business impacts for partners.
• Should be knowledgeable about the latest developments in AI ethics, data privacy laws, and the implications of AI and security in healthcare.

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents - including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Models and supports full team commitment to Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Continually demonstrates humility in relational and collaborative approaches to leading.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Salary Range: $155,327 - $232,992 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1795 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C 6E3
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 8:30-16:30 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 177714E

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca  

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of January 21, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.