Senior Azure AI Solutions Specialist

Our client, a leading electric utility agency, is hiring for a contract Senior AI Solutions Specialist. This is a hybrid position with weekly onsite in Taylor, Texas. The ideal candidate will be responsible for evaluating and implementing AI tools available both within Microsoft Azure and from external vendors. They will build, manage, and deploy AI solutions leveraging Azure AI technologies. Additionally, they will oversee the management and optimization of our productivity suite of AI products, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, and Copilot Studio. The Senior AI Solutions Specialist will work closely with various business units to drive the adoption and effective use of these tools, provide expert guidance, and establish an AI and Copilot Center of Excellence to foster innovation and best practices. Contract Duration: 24 Months Key Responsibilities: • Evaluate and compare AI tools and technologies available within Microsoft Azure and from third-party vendors to identify the best solutions for our organization. • Build, manage, and deploy AI solutions leveraging Azure AI, ensuring seamless integration and optimization across the business. • Manage and optimize the use of AI productivity tools such as Copilot for Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, and Copilot Studio. • Collaborate with business units to drive the usage of AI tools, providing training, guidance, and support. • Establish an AI and Copilot Center of Excellence to promote best practices, innovation, and continuous improvement. • Monitor and assess the performance of deployed AI solutions, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal functionality and alignment with business objectives. • Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI technologies and trends to continually enhance our AI capabilities. • Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the security, compliance, and ethical use of AI technologies within the organization. • Understand the components that make up the Azure AI portfolio and available data storage options. • Be able to apply responsible AI principles. • Provide training and support to end-users and administrators, ensuring they are proficient in using the software. • Lead the evaluation and assessment of Azure AI Foundry, ensuring its integration with existing AI solutions and fostering innovation in AI-driven projects. Additional Responsibilities • Integrate AI products such as Copilot with Microsoft Exchange Online and SharePoint Online to enhance user productivity and operational efficiency. • Develop and enforce policies for data retention, archiving, and eDiscovery within Exchange Online and SharePoint Online. • Provide support and training to end-users on the effective use of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Purview, in conjunction with AI tools like Copilot. • Collaborate with IT and business units to align AI integrations with organizational goals and workflows. • Manage user identities and access, enforce security policies, and oversee identity governance. • Administer and optimize Exchange Online, ensuring efficient email management, security, and compliance. • Oversee the implementation and management of SharePoint Online, facilitating collaboration and document management across the organization. • Continuously monitor and report on the performance and usage of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Purview, making necessary adjustments to optimize their functionality. • Utilize Microsoft Purview for data governance, ensuring data security, privacy, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Qualifications: • 5-7 years of experience in Microsoft 365, AI tools evaluation, deployment, and management, with a deep understanding of Microsoft Azure AI technologies. • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, or Management Information Systems or an equivalent field. • Strong knowledge of AI productivity tools, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, and Copilot Studio. • Experience developing solutions that use languages such as Python and C#. • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to design and implement innovative AI solutions that meet business needs. • Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with diverse teams and drive the adoption of AI technologies. • Experience establishing and leading a Center of Excellence or similar initiative is highly desirable. Looking for: • Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals • Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate