Job Specifications
Job Description
The AI Innovation and Project Manager is responsible for establishing and guiding Shaner Hotels’ artificial intelligence initiatives. This role represents a strategic investment in our mission to enhance operational efficiency, improve guest and employee experiences, and create new opportunities for workforce development.
The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on—able to translate complex AI concepts into actionable business strategies, manage the full lifecycle of AI projects, and foster a culture of data-driven innovation across the organization.
Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and champion a long-term AI roadmap aligned with Shaner’s mission and business goals.
Identify high-impact AI use cases across guest experience, information technology, finance and accounting, workforce development / HR, sales and marketing, revenue management, e-commerce, and operations.
Operational Implementation
Serve as the primary technical resource within the IT department for AI initiatives.
Lead the identification, prototyping, and implementation of AI-powered solutions that improve efficiency and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Collaborate with internal and external technical resources to deploy and maintain AI systems.
Data and Analytics
Collect, clean, and analyze organizational data to generate actionable insights that support decision-making.
Build and apply statistical and machine learning models for purposes such as guest segmentation, demand forecasting, pricing optimization, and service personalization.
Support integration of AI outputs into dashboards and reports for executive and operational use.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Act as a liaison between the AI function and all internal departments.
Communicate complex data findings and AI capabilities in clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences.
Build trust and buy-in for AI initiatives through transparent communication and measurable results.
Governance and Ethics
Maintain and enforce the company’s AI Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to ensure responsible, ethical, and compliant AI practices.
Establish data protection and bias monitoring standards, ensuring appropriate human oversight for all AI-generated outputs.
Training and Literacy
Promote organization-wide understanding of AI capabilities and limitations.
Design and deliver hands-on training for employees to use AI tools effectively in daily tasks and decision-making.
Safety and Compliance
Promote an environment of workplace safety, ensuring duties are performed in compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, or a related technical field.
Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
Combination of related experience—including internships, co-ops, or relevant professional work—required.
Proven experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, and hands-on work with AI or large language model (LLM) tools.
Demonstrated success leading AI projects and collaborating with cross-functional departments.
Strong knowledge of Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), LLMs, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
Familiarity with leading AI platforms such as OpenAI, Azure ML, Google Vertex AI, UiPath, and Power Automate.
Experience developing or managing the deployment of AI models in real-world business environments (MLOps experience a plus).
Skills, Abilities, And Qualifications
Strong proficiency in Python; familiarity with AI and machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch preferred.
Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), statistical analysis, and database management.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts in plain language.
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Confident public speaker with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Fast learner, adaptable to new systems and technologies.
Able to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Occasional travel required; must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
About Us
Shaner Hotel Group
Shaner Hotels is one of the foremost award-winning hospitality owner-operators and management companies in the hospitality industry. Our current portfolio consists of over 65 full-service, select-service, extended-stay and resort properties with more than 7,500 rooms in 14 states and four countries.We partner with the top Hospitality Brands including independent locations as well. We provide a variety of services for investors, hotel owners and brands—including hotel development, design and construction, e-commerce, and revenue management. You can find out more by visiting our website, www.shanercorp.com !
About The Team
At our Shaner Corporate Office Building, lo
About the Company
Headquartered in State College, Pa., Shaner Hotels is part of the Shaner Companies, a diversified, privately held company that owns and operates investments in the lodging, investment, energy and professional service sectors. Shaner Hotels is a developer/owner/operator that currently owns and manages 60+ hotels in the United States, Italy, Greece and the Bahamas under the Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Choice brands as well as some independent properties.
Know more