Job Description

Job Summary

The Vice President of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risk Governance will be responsible for overseeing the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with AI systems. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of technology, AI, risk management, and regulatory compliance in financial services. The VP will work closely with cross-functional teams and influence leaders at multiple levels to ensure the secure, ethical, and compliant deployment and use of AI systems.

Provides comprehensive solutions to escalated complex problems. Some oversight of staff and partnership with other areas of risk management and IT to support execution of program responsibilities may be required. Results are evaluated at agreed upon milestones for effectiveness in achieving specified results. Extensive contact with executive management is required to lead others in identifying, researching, analyzing, and resolving complex issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to AI risk management including consideration of transparency, fairness, privacy, accountability, security, and ethical use.
• Identify potential risks in AI systems and processes.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional group of stakeholders to design and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of AI risk management processes and internal controls and make necessary adjustments.
• Facilitate and provide review and challenge of AI risk management processes (i.e., Risk Identification, RCSA, Issues Management, and Risk Appetite), confirming alignment with enterprise risk management framework requirements.
• Establish, monitor, and report risk metrics for AI systems, both at the enterprise level in alignment with risk appetite enterprise program as well as routine metrics for ongoing monitoring.
• Establish specific risk assessments for AI risks to identify vulnerabilities, aligned with enterprise guidelines and methodologies.
• Lead the development of policies and procedures for AI governance and risk management.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on AI systems and risk management activities and outcomes.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in technology, AI, and risk management.
• Sets the strategic direction for the assigned risk discipline at the firm.
• Represents assigned risk discipline’s program to management, regulators, and the Board of Directors
• Attracts, develops, and retains talent within the Risk Management organization and the Firm.
• Maintains strong relationships with senior leaders, including executive management, and related control groups.
• Uses excellent communication skills to influence a wide range of internal audiences including respective product, function, and executive management partners.

Knowledge of

• In-depth understanding of risk management practices and methodologies, including risk assessment and a solid understanding of internal control and mitigation strategy concepts.

• Specific subject matter expertise regarding control disciplines and an advanced understanding of Raymond James products and services, especially those associated with the area of responsibility.

• Advanced investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry.

• Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.

• Financial markets and products.

Skill in

• Experience with technology and AI governance in financial services.

• Familiarity with AI tools and platforms used in financial services.

• Implementing advanced risk theories and concepts.
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
• Managing direct reports including managers and staff.
• Demonstrated ability and success in interacting with and influencing senior leadership, including executive management.
• Experience in managing against deadlines associated with an annual project plan.
• Strong analytical skills particularly about assessing the probability and impact of a control weakness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex and sensitive issues to management in a persuasive manner.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, effective under pressure and willing to take personal risk and accountability.
• Proven ability to multitask as well as assess and change priorities.

Ability to

• Explain complicated topics/risk concerns to any audience.

• Influence and guide across departmental boundaries.

• Interpret, analyze, and apply technical information.

• Perform human resource management activities.

• Plan, assign, monitor, review, evaluate and lead the work of others.

• Coach and mentor others.

• Identify training needs and develop subordinates.

• Balance conflicting resource and priority demands.

• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed.

• Incorporate needs, wants, and goals from different business unit perspectives into risk management engagements and recommendations.

• Attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation.

• Gather information, identify linkages and trends, and apply findings to assignments.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Read, interpret, and apply information from business periodicals and professional journals.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in risk management, with at least 5 years in AI or technology risk management within financial services.
• Expert level understanding of AI technologies, machine learning, and data analytics; and the operational risks in the use of AI systems.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing risk management frameworks in financial services.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of relevant financial regulations and standards  

Licenses/Certifications

Licenses related to Technology Risk Management are preferred but not required.

Education

Bachelor’s: Accounting, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Data Processing

Work Experience

General Experience - More than 15 years

Certifications

Other Certification Not Listed - Other

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm’s core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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