Director, ai research & ecosystems

Role Overview

Date limite pour présenter sa candidature : 08/30/2026

Adresse : 100 King Street West

Groupe de famille d’emploi :
Stratégies et gestion du changement

This role is Hybrid (2-3 days/week in the office)

The Director, Research & Ecosystems is accountable for driving industry research and publications in AI and Data (i.e., quantum AI), enabling open innovation and establishing robust internal and external ecossystems. This role will play a key role in developing strategic partnerships between BMO and industry stakeholders, including businesses, academia, etc. The Director, Research & Ecosystems will support the Chief AI and Data Officer in amplifying AI solutions and trends.

• Drives the strategy and leads the implementation of AI and Data industry research and publications.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to the Chief AI and Data Officer in research and innovation initiatives.
• Advises on and advocates for AI industry research and innovation activities across the enterprise.
• Develops and nurtures robust partnerships to form an innovation eco‑system with academia, government agencies, niche start‑ups and industry partners where applicable.
• Provides support with industry conferences, seminars, webinars, and networking events, fostering collaboration and expanding BMO’s industry presence.
• Serves as primary point of contact for external partners seeking to collaborate on AI related projects / programs.
• Stays informed on the latest AI trends, industry shifts and competitor activities to identify opportunities for partnerships and growth.
• Develop and deliver industry publications, thought leadership, and presentations based on research and insights.
• Adheres to AI governance framework, ensuring all research and publications are aligned with ethical and responsible practices.
• Recommends measures to improve organizational effectiveness.
• May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces.
• Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.
• Interacts with various BMO groups to ensure strategy and initiatives meet enterprise governance requirements.
• Leads implementation of strategic initiatives within group and across BMO by partnering with various internal & external stakeholders as required; complexity of initiatives may vary and usually involve multiple stakeholders across the enterprise.
• Defines business requirements for analytics & reporting to ensure data insights inform business decision making.
• Provides coaching on complex strategic & business issues and facilitates processes to reach effective resolution.
• Assesses and adapts existing operational programs; develops new capabilities to ensure ongoing success.
• Leads the execution of operational programs; assesses and adapts as needed to ensure quality of execution.
• Leads change management activities, ensuring cross business/group coordination and logistical support for the implementation of change.
• Acts as a relationship manager on assigned projects/programs and ensures alignment to overall enterprise and group goals.
• Develops solutions and makes recommendations based on an understanding of the business strategy and stakeholder needs.
• Participates in project/program design and provides advice & subject matter expertise to achieve required business results.
• Conducts analysis required to inform strategic recommendations and considers the “big picture” when assessing whether or not a course of action is advisable in terms of the group and enterprise goals.
• Collaborates with internal & external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, develop and implementation of programs & solutions.
• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
• Monitors and tracks performance and addresses any issues.
• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.
• Identifies enablers and key issues prior to and during implementation, raises issues with…