About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, powers iconic brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, Clarion, Sleep Inn, and more. With over 7,000 hotels worldwide, we deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting franchisees and associates through innovative technology. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Choice Hotels is at the forefront of hospitality transformation, leveraging AI and cloud technologies to modernize operations and drive growth in the competitive hotel industry.

Role Overview

The Director, Enterprise Architecture – AI Innovation role in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a pivotal leadership position within Choice Hotels' IT Strategy organization. This hands-on builder-leader will spearhead 'Architecture 2.0,' integrating AI-assisted standard work, cloud fluency, and strategic simplification to enhance guest, franchisee, and associate experiences at scale. Reporting to enterprise architecture leadership, you'll guide smart investments in applications, data, and platforms, fostering an innovation culture with tools like agent-based IDEs (VS Code, Cursor, Claude Code) and AI-driven lifecycle practices.

Why This Role Matters

In the age of AI, this director will redefine enterprise architecture (EA) by making knowledge agent-ready, automating repetitive tasks, and accelerating decisions through proofs of concept (POCs) using vibe/spec coding. It's an opportunity to blend technical mastery with business storytelling, influencing portfolio strategy and modernization across Choice Hotels' vast ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

As Director, Enterprise Architecture – AI Innovation, your impact will span strategic leadership and tactical execution:

• Lead Architecture 2.0: Redefine EA standard work using AI tools, freeing architects for high-value strategy, outcomes, and storytelling.
• Make architecture knowledge agent-ready: Establish a living map of systems, applications, dependencies, integrations, and SLAs queryable by AI agents.
• Drive portfolio strategy: Rationalize applications, balancing innovation, risk, and total cost of ownership (TCO) with financial acumen.
• Define reference architectures: Govern cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), SaaS (Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow), data, and integration platforms.
• Build outcome-driven roadmaps: Collaborate with product, platform, security, and finance teams to translate business goals into capability-based plans.
• Validate hands-on: Develop POCs with AI-assisted development, scaling successful ones into pilots.
• Transform AI-DLC: Evolve software development lifecycle (SDLC) with copilots and agents.
• Deploy friction-reducing agents: Automate diagramming, compliance checks, and decision insights.
• Foster innovation: Promote generative AI experimentation with accountability.
• Develop talent: Coach architects in business architecture, AI, and storytelling; champion inclusion.
• Executive storytelling: Communicate visions in business terms with compelling narratives and visuals.

Qualifications & Requirements

Choice Hotels seeks a transformative leader with:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field; Master’s preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in enterprise/solution architecture leadership, driving transformation and modernization.
• Deep expertise in Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Architectures, AI, and Enterprise SaaS.
• Hands-on with AWS/Azure/GCP, Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow, and integration patterns.
• Daily use of AI tools for EA tasks: discovery, mapping, diagramming, documentation, scenario analysis.
• Experience with AI-assisted tools for dependency mapping, digital twin modeling, and data-driven design.
• Proficiency in agent-based IDEs like VS Code, Cursor, Claude Code for pair-programming and automation.
• Strength in capability mapping, governance, and articulating tech in business-value terms.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship and requires U.S. work authorization.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Choice Hotels means accessing premium benefits tailored for hospitality leaders:

• Competitive salary estimated at $220,000–$260,000 USD annually, based on hospitality sector rates for director-level roles.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) with generous company match and financial wellness programs.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling.
• Exclusive hotel employee discounts at Choice brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and partners worldwide—perfect for travel enthusiasts.
• Wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and parental leave.

Career Growth

Choice Hotels invests in talent development. As Director, you'll coach teams, pioneer AI innovations, and shape enterprise strategy. Opportunities abound for advancement in IT leadership, with exposure to executive stakeholders and global projects. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, offering mentorship, training in emerging tech, and clear paths to VP-level roles.

Why Join Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels stands out in hospitality with its franchisor model, enabling scalable innovation without operational silos. Be the catalyst for AI transformation in a company owning beloved brands like Comfort Inn and Radisson. Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a vibrant lifestyle with sunny weather, outdoor adventures, and proximity to Phoenix hubs. Make your mark in a collaborative environment prioritizing results, experimentation, and employee success. #MakeItYourChoice.

Role FAQs

Q: Is remote work available? This is an onsite role in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Q: What AI tools are emphasized? Agent-based IDEs (VS Code, Cursor), copilots for coding, mapping, and diagramming.

Q: How does this role impact hospitality? By modernizing tech for seamless guest experiences across 7,000+ hotels.

Q: Are hotel discounts included? Yes, significant discounts at Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, and more.

Q: What's the team structure? Collaborative EA team within IT Strategy, partnering cross-functionally.

Apply now to lead AI innovation at Choice Hotels!