Fast Facts

Cengage is seeking a Director of AI Enablement to lead strategic initiatives that drive AI integration across the organization, focusing on operational execution, workforce training, and patent facilitation.

Responsibilities: Oversee AI strategy implementation, manage cross-functional training programs, facilitate patent processes, and mentor teams on AI technologies and practices.

Skills: Extensive knowledge in AI/ML, strong project management capabilities, excellent communication skills, and experience with operationalizing strategies.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field; 8+ years in technology or operations; experience in training programs and intellectual property collaboration preferred.

Location: This is a virtual position based in the U.S.

Compensation: $138200 - $200000 / Annually

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Cengage's portfolio of businesses supports student choice by providing a range of pathways that help learners achieve their goals and lead a choice-filled life.

Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/.

Director, AI Enablement

The Director of AI Enablement provides strategic and operational leadership, responsible for translating the VP's vision into workable programs. This position leads daily operations across the AI Enablement area. The role acts as the principal executor who brings broad AI strategy into measurable results by operationalizing initiatives, establishing training programs, and ensuring the organization is ready to harness AI effectively.

You will report to the VP of AI Enablement and lead workforce AI training and support efforts. Additionally, you will coordinate cross-functional projects and play a key role in intellectual property and patent matters. The ideal candidate possesses technical AI knowledge, solid operational leadership abilities, outstanding program management expertise, and a passion for enabling others to thrive with AI.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Strategy Execution

Translate the VP's AI strategy and vision into practical plans, programs, and measurable results
Supervise the routine operations of the AI Enablement function, guaranteeing they correspond with organizational priorities
Develop and maintain operational frameworks, processes, and governance structures for AI initiatives
Track progress against strategic objectives, important metrics, and turning points; report status to VP and leadership
Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks, resource constraints, and cross-functional dependencies
Promote responsibility across teams to guarantee prompt completion of AI enablement initiatives
Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and prioritization for enablement programs

AI Training & Workforce Enablement

Conceptualize, build, and lead comprehensive AI training and enablement programs for the workforce
Develop AI literacy curricula tailored to different roles, skill levels, and business functions
Build and curate training content including workshops, e-learning modules, guides, and reference materials
Partner with HR, L&D, and business units to drive AI adoption and upskilling across the organization
Establish metrics and feedback loops to measure training efficiency and learner outcomes
Identify AI champions and power users; build communities of practice to scale enablement
Stay current on AI tools, platforms, and guidelines to continuously evolve training offerings

Patent & Intellectual Property Facilitation

Facilitate the end-to-end patent process for AI innovations, from ideation through filing
Partner with legal, R&D, and product teams to identify patentable AI inventions and innovations
Manage patent documentation, prior art searches, and invention disclosures
Handle interactions with outside patent counsel and intellectual property consultants
Track patent portfolio status, deadlines, and prosecution activities
Educate teams on intellectual property guidelines and invention capture processes
Support the development of IP strategy aligned with AI product roadmap and competitive positioning

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

Leverage technical AI background to provide informed mentorship on enablement content and initiatives
Translate complex AI concepts into accessible training materials for non-technical audiences
Assess AI tools, platforms, and technologies for organizational adoption and training purposes
Collaborate with technical teams to ensure training content reflects current capabilities and established guidelines
Offer technical background and insights for patent applications and invention disclosures
Act as a reliable technical resource when interacting with engineering, product, and data science teams

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or related field; Master's or equivalent experience preferred
8+ years of progressive experience in technology, operations, or enablement leadership roles
3+ years of experience managing teams, programs, or cross-functional initiatives
Technical background with proven knowledge of AI/ML concepts, tools, and applications
Proven track record of operationalizing strategy and driving execution at scale
Experience crafting and delivering training programs, curricula, or enablement initiatives
Strong project/program management skills with ability to prioritize multiple priorities simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to executive audiences
Experience collaborating with legal teams on intellectual property, patents, or compliance issues

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with AI/ML technologies, LLMs, or data science projects
Experience with enterprise AI platforms (OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex)
Background in instructional build, adult learning principles, or L&D leadership
Experience facilitating patent processes or working with IP counsel
PMP, Six Sigma, or similar operational/project management certifications
Experience in EdTech, learning technology, or content-intensive industries
Change management experience driving technology adoption across organizations
Familiarity with AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI frameworks

Key Proficiencies

Operational Excellence – Transforms vision into action; builds systems and processes that scale
Technical Credibility – Speaks the language of AI; earns trust with technical and non-technical teams alike
Enablement approach – Passionate about helping others learn, grow, and succeed with new technologies
Execution Focus – Bias for action; delivers results and drives accountability
Communication Skills – Distills complexity into clarity; tailors messaging for diverse audiences
Cross-Functional Leadership – Navigates matrixed organizations; builds alignment across collaborators
Attention to Detail – Ensures quality and rigor in training content, documentation, and IP processes

What We Offer

Strategic leadership role with direct impact on AI adoption across a global learning company
Close partnership with VP of AI Enablement to build and complete AI strategy
Opportunity to build AI enablement programs from the ground up
Involvement in brand new AI innovation and intellectual property development
Collaborative, innovation-focused team environment
Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus, and equity participation
Comprehensive benefits and flexible work arrangements

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com.

About Cengage

Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company’s discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.

25% Annual: Individual Target$138,200.00 - $200,000.00 USD

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