AI Strategy & Solutions, Director

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Lightstone, founded by David Lichtenstein, is one of the most diversified privately held real estate companies in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Lightstone is active in 27 states across the country, developing, managing and investing in all sectors of the real estate market, including residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With nearly $12 billion in assets under management, Lightstone's portfolio currently includes over 15 million square feet of industrial, logistics, life sciences, and commercial properties, over 25,000 residential units, and over 5,100 hotel keys.

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Job Title: AI Strategy & Solutions Director

We are a private real estate investment and development group with a diverse portfolio across [multifamily, life sciences, retail, hospitality, industrial]. We are committed to leveraging technology to drive smarter decision-making, operational efficiency, and value creation. We are seeking an AI Strategy & Solutions Director to lead the integration of artificial intelligence across our business functions.


Position Summary

The AI Strategist will be responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing AI-driven initiatives across investment, asset management, property operations, development, and corporate functions. This role bridges strategy, technology, and real estate expertise to create competitive advantage and position the firm as a forward-thinking industry leader. The role will focus on driving AI across all our asset classes and business lines with a focus on our Hospitality portfolio and our Life & Annuity Reinsurance business.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic AI Roadmap: Develop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with company objectives in acquisitions, development, asset management, leasing, property management, and corporate support functions.
• Data & Insights: Partner with data teams to structure and leverage internal and external data sources (market data, tenant behavior, construction costs, ESG metrics, etc.) for predictive analytics and decision support.
• Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline workflows (lease analysis, underwriting, reporting, valuations, due diligence, etc.) through AI and automation tools.
• Investment & Market Analysis: Implement AI models to improve deal sourcing, market forecasting, risk assessment, and portfolio optimization.
• Vendor & Tool Selection: Evaluate, recommend, and oversee partnerships with AI platforms, technology vendors, and consultants.
• Change Management: Educate and train cross-functional teams on AI capabilities, adoption, and ethical considerations.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure AI initiatives adhere to industry regulations, data privacy standards, and responsible AI practices.
• Development: Lead the hands-on design, development, and deployment of AI solutions, ensuring the ability to translate high-level strategy into technically sound, practical implementations.
• Relationships : Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams-including Operations, Finance, Investments, Legal, and IT-to deeply understand business needs and identify high-impact AI opportunities. Building strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment, adoption, and measurable business value from AI initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Real Estate, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10+ years of professional experience in strategy, technology, data analytics, or consulting; experience in real estate strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading AI or data-driven projects from strategy through implementation.
• Strong understanding of machine learning, natural language processing, and data visualization as applied to business strategy (not necessarily hands-on coding).
• Familiarity with real estate financial modeling, acquisitions, and asset management processes.
• Excellent communication and change management skills; ability to translate technical concepts into business value.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Lightstone offers our employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits program inclusive of:

- Paid time off for vacation and sick leave
- Health, dental, and vision insurance, and wellness programs
- 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
- Flexible spending accounts (medical & dependent care)
- Life and AD&D insurance with options for supplemental employee, spouse, and child
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Commuter spending accounts (transit and parking)
- Tuition assistance and employee assistance program
- Corporate discount programs
- On-site mother's room
- Office perks such as lunch, fruit, drinks, and snacks

Offered salary commensurate with experience, plus bonus