AI Adoption & Deployment Leader
LeapFI.ai · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead AI strategy and deployment in community banks.
- Embed with client leadership, drive AI adoption.
- Train teams on AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT.
- Manage change and institutional resistance effectively.
- Requires 5+ years banking experience and AI deployment.
About the role
AI Adoption & Deployment Leader
Company: LeapFI.AI
Employment Type: Contract / 1099, Travel-Required, Remote Base
OVERVIEW
LeapFI.AI is seeking an experienced AI Adoption & Deployment Leader to embed alongside leadership teams at community banks and credit unions. This role focuses on moving AI programs from pilot to production, encompassing strategy, change management, and hands-on deployment. The ideal candidate has direct experience within community banking, understands AI adoption challenges, and possesses the technical, organizational, and cultural knowledge to overcome them.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As the primary LeapFI presence on client engagements, you will drive AI adoption across strategy and execution.
Strategy:
- Facilitate Board-level AI readiness assessments using the LeapFI Ten Pillars framework.
- Build 12-month AI roadmaps tied to Efficiency Ratio targets.
- Advise C-Suite executives on governance, model risk, and AI investment prioritization.
Delivery:
- Design and lead hands-on AI tool training (Microsoft Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini).
- Run department-level workshops for lending, compliance, operations, and branch teams.
- Directly implement AI workflows for measurable results.
Change Management:
- Identify and activate internal AI Champions.
- Navigate institutional resistance from mid-management.
- Build organizational scaffolding to sustain AI adoption post-engagement.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
You have significant experience as an operator or advisor within community banks or credit unions, understanding their unique challenges. You are technically fluent in deploying major AI platforms (Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) and can configure tools, build prompt libraries, and run working sessions. You excel at communicating complex AI concepts to diverse audiences, from Boards of Directors to branch managers. You are a self-starter who can create structure and drive results independently.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of direct experience with community banks or credit unions.
- Demonstrated hands-on deployment with at least two major AI platforms (Microsoft Copilot/M365 AI, Claude, ChatGPT/OpenAI, Google Gemini).
- Proven change management experience at executive and frontline levels.
- Ability to translate AI concepts into financial metrics (Efficiency Ratio, revenue) and regulatory risk language.
- Comfort presenting to Boards and facilitating C-Suite sessions.
- Willingness to travel 50–70% across the U.S.
PREFERRED BACKGROUND
- Prior role as Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Digital Officer, or AI/Innovation Lead.
- Familiarity with OCC, FDIC, NCUA, and Fed supervisory frameworks for AI/model risk.
- Experience building AI training curricula or certification programs.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 tenant configuration, SharePoint, and Teams for AI deployment.
STRUCTURE & COMPENSATION
This is a 1099 contract role with potential for full-time conversion. Engagements are fixed-fee or retainer, billed through LeapFI. You will be recognized as a LeapFI senior practitioner. Travel and expenses are covered. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
WHY LEAPFI
Work on impactful engagements with decision-makers in community banking. Utilize the rigorous Ten Pillars of AI Industrialization framework. Join a lean, senior team where your expertise is valued and results are visible. This is an opportunity for seasoned professionals seeking an engagement model that aligns with their capabilities.
HOW TO APPLY
Connect with Adam Schlesinger on LinkedIn and send a direct message with the subject line: AI Deployment Leader — [Your Name]. Include a brief note on your community banking background and the AI tools you’ve deployed in production. No recruiters.
Key skills/competency
- AI Adoption & Deployment Leader
- Community Banking AI Strategy
- AI Tool Deployment
- Change Management in Financial Institutions
- Board-Level Presentations
- C-Suite Advising
- AI Governance and Risk Management
- Microsoft Copilot Implementation
- Claude (Anthropic) Deployment
- ChatGPT/OpenAI Implementation
Skills & topics
- AI Adoption
- AI Deployment
- Community Banking
- Credit Unions
- AI Strategy
- Change Management
- Microsoft Copilot
- ChatGPT
- Claude
- Gemini
- Financial Services AI
- Digital Transformation
- AI Governance
- Model Risk Management
- Leadership
- Consulting
- Remote
- Contract
- 1099
- Travel Required
How to get hired
- Connect on LinkedIn: Reach out to Adam Schlesinger directly with a personalized message.
- Craft your message: Subject line 'AI Deployment Leader - [Your Name]' is crucial for visibility.
- Highlight community banking: Briefly detail your background and AI deployment experience.
- Showcase AI tools: Mention specific AI tools you've deployed in production environments.
- Be a direct applicant: Adhere to the instructions; no recruiter submissions are accepted.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is LeapFI.AI's approach to AI deployment in community banks?
- LeapFI.AI focuses on industrializing AI by embedding alongside leadership teams to move AI programs from pilot to production. They emphasize strategy, change management, and hands-on deployment, rather than just selling software or running pilots.
- What kind of experience is LeapFI.AI looking for in an AI Adoption & Deployment Leader?
- They seek individuals with significant direct experience within community banks or credit unions as an operator or trusted advisor. Technical fluency in deploying major AI platforms and proven change management skills are essential.
- Is this role primarily strategic or hands-on?
- This is a delivery role with strategic altitude. You will be embedded with client leadership, driving both AI strategy and hands-on execution, including training and direct implementation of AI workflows.
- What are the travel requirements for the AI Adoption & Deployment Leader role?
- The role requires willingness to travel 50-70% to client sites across the U.S. This is a key component of being embedded with client leadership teams.
- How should I apply for the AI Adoption & Deployment Leader position at LeapFI.AI?
- To apply, connect with Adam Schlesinger on LinkedIn and send a direct message. Use the subject line 'AI Deployment Leader - [Your Name]' and briefly describe your community banking background and AI deployment experience.
- What AI platforms are relevant for this role at LeapFI.AI?
- The role involves hands-on deployment and training across major AI platforms such as Microsoft Copilot/M365 AI, Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT/OpenAI, and Google Gemini.
- Does LeapFI.AI offer full-time employment for this role?
- The engagement is initially structured as a 1099 contract relationship, but it has the potential to become a full-time role if desired and mutually agreed upon.
- What is the LeapFI Ten Pillars framework mentioned in the job description?
- The LeapFI Ten Pillars framework is LeapFI.AI's proprietary methodology for rigorous AI deployment, specifically built for the community banking sector. It's used for AI readiness assessments and guiding AI roadmaps.