Director, Generative AI

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. To do this, we start with our own community by creating an open, inclusive, and diverse organization.

We believe AI has the power to transform the way we build products, serve customers, and operate our business. We’re looking for a visionary, Director, Generative AI to define and execute our AI strategy from the ground up. In this highly ambiguous and highly-impactful role, you’ll be responsible for identifying opportunities where AI can create value, setting the technical direction, and ultimately building a world-class AI team.

This is a unique and compelling opportunity to shape the AI strategy at an innovative tech company from day one. This role may sit in Lyft's San Francisco or New York City office.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with Lyft’s long-term vision and business goals, starting in the Marketplace organization.
• Identify the highest-impact AI applications across our products, operations, and customer experiences.
• Build initial AI prototypes and proof-of-concept models to demonstrate value and feasibility.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business leaders to drive AI adoption and integration.
• Define hiring needs and recruit top AI talent to grow the team over time.
• Stay ahead of emerging AI trends, ensuring Lyft remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Advocate for ethical AI practices, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in all AI-driven initiatives.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML research, applied AI, or a related field, with a proven track record of delivering impactful AI-driven solutions; 10+ years of experience overall
• Deep expertise in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, or related AI domains.
• Experience building and deploying AI systems at scale, from ideation to production.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, set clear priorities, and drive execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across teams and at the executive level.
• Previous experience hiring, managing, or mentoring AI talent is a plus.
• Nice to have: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical engineering, or a related field.

Benefits:

• Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
• Mental health benefits
• Family building benefits
• Child care and pet benefits
• 401(k) plan to help save for your future
• In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
• Subsidized commuter benefits
• Lyft Pink - Lyft team members get an exclusive opportunity to test new benefits of our Ridership Program

Lyft is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

This role will be in-office on a hybrid schedule — Team Members will be expected to work in the San Francisco or New York office 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Additionally, hybrid roles have the flexibility to work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year. #Hybrid

The expected base pay range for this position in the San Francisco and New York Metro area is $217,120 - $271,400. In addition to the base pay, this role is eligible for competitive equity awards, bonuses, and benefits. You can read more about Lyft’s employee benefits here.

Total compensation is dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.