AI Governance Lead - Project Director

Duties

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Information Officer within the Office of Digital Strategy and Governance, the AI Governance Lead will be responsible for leading the Department of Health's Artificial Intelligence Governance strategy aligning with the agency’s mission, public health goals and ethical principles.

• Participate in the formulation, development, revision, and implementation of agency AI policies and standards of practice, directly, through supervision, and in cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Maintain and implement the department’s AI governance framework that addresses data privacy, security, bias mitigation, transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Advise executive leadership on the strategic implications of AI in public health, including opportunities, risks, and emerging trends.
• Champion AI practices and foster a culture of responsible innovation throughout the agency.
• Develop comprehensive training strategy to raise the collective AI literacy of the department’s workforce.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with AI systems, including algorithmic bias, data breaches, and unintended consequences.
• Ensure compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to AI, data privacy (e.g., HIPAA), and public health.
• Analyze and evaluate artificial intelligence usage and requests in the department and make recommendations for improvements and optimization.
• Collaborate with data engineers, software developers, and other IT professionals to ensure proper implementation of AI models and to integrate AI governance principles into all stages of AI lifecycle management.
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and auditing of AI systems to ensure continued adherence to governance policies and performance standards.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including public health partners, academic institutions, and community groups, to gather input and build consensus on AI governance approaches.
• Direct and manage the AI Governance team, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of AI governance tools and technologies to support policy enforcement and monitoring.
• Develop and manage the AI governance budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Report on the effectiveness of the AI governance program to executive leadership and relevant oversight committees.
• Stay abreast of advancements in AI technology and governance best practices, continuously evolving the agency's approach.

A bachelor’s degree with seven years of experience in artificial intelligence, computer science, data engineering, data analytics, information technology, or a related field. Two years of experience must have been at a managerial level.

Substitutions: A J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; a Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

• Extensive experience in AI technologies include ethics, governance, risk management, or a related field.
• Exceptional analytical skills to evaluate artificial intelligence requirements and make recommendations for improvements and optimization.
• Deep understanding of public health principles and the healthcare landscape.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic policies and frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex AI concepts to team members, stakeholders, and clients in a clear and understandable manner.
• Preference for candidates holding relevant certification, in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science, such as those offered by IBM, Google, and Microsoft.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• A Master's or Doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Health, Computer Science, Law, Ethics, Public Policy) is preferred.

This position is being recruited in both New York City and Albany; the position may be filled at either location.

This position may require travel…