Data & AI Strategy SME

Overview

Core4ce
Data & AI Strategy SME

The Data & AI Strategy SME will support the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) as the primary interface between the CDAO and the DHA Program Executive Office. This role focuses on data and artificial intelligence (AI) policy, strategy, and governance, ensuring alignment and coordination across stakeholders and programs. The position requires staying current on emerging federal and Department of Defense (DoD) data and AI policy, strategy, and guidance, and translating those requirements into actionable plans, policies, and governance processes within DHA.

• Liaison & Coordination - Serve as a primary point of contact between the CDAO and PEO-MS / CIO J-6 on all data and AI-related matters. Coordinate, schedule, and manage weekly CDAO meetings, including agendas, read-aheads, minutes, and tracking action items. Facilitate cross-functional communication and alignment among CDAO, PEO-MS, CIO J-6, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Policy, Strategy, and Governance - Monitor and analyze new and emerging federal and DoD data and AI policies, memos, and strategies; assess impact and recommend implementation approaches. Support the formulation of DHA AI and data strategies and related execution plans. Draft and edit policy documents, memos, responses to taskers, and other governance artifacts related to AI and data. Assist in the development and refinement of data governance processes, standards, and best practices.
• AI Request Management & Implementation - Adjudicate and triage AI-related requests across DHA in coordination with CDAO and PEO-MS/CIO J-6. Help facilitate evaluation, testing, and implementation of AI tools in alignment with DHA policy and governance requirements. Support the development and implementation of governance mechanisms for AI use, including risk management and compliance with applicable policies and standards.
• Data Protection & DLP / Labeling Tools - Support the planning, testing, and deployment of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Data Sensitivity Labeling capabilities. Coordinate with technical and security teams to ensure DLP and labeling solutions align with DHA data governance and security requirements. Contribute to guidance, training materials, and communication related to DLP and data labeling practices.
• Standards, Cataloging & Oversight - Support in defining, documenting, and maintaining data standards that support enterprise data management across DHA. Contribute to the development of a DHA Standard Data Catalog, including metadata standards and catalog governance. Support the coordination and preparation of responses to Inspector General (IG) inquiries related to data and AI matters.

This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

• Bachelor's degree in data science, Information Systems, Public Policy, Computer Science, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience (typically 5+ years) in one or more of the following:
  Data governance, data management, or analytics; AI/ML policy, governance, or implementation in a federal or DoD context; IT program management, portfolio management, or liaison roles.
• Demonstrated experience drafting policy documents, memos, and formal responses within government or large organizations.
• Familiarity with federal and/or DoD data and AI strategies, policies, and guidance.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience coordinating across multiple organizations.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy and technical information into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Experience working with or supporting DHA, DoD health, or other defense/health agencies.
• Knowledge of or experience with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions and data sensitivity labeling (e.g., M365 Purview, other enterprise tools).
• AI governance frameworks, risk management, and compliance considerations.
• Enterprise data catalogs and metadata management.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., MPA, MBA, MS in Data/Information…