Job Title: Responsible AI Lead
Location: Auston, TX - Hybrid

Job Type: Independent Contract 
Start Date: ASAP

Pay Rate: $80-100/hr

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

AI Governance and Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and manage the AI governance framework across the entire AI lifecycle, encompassing intake, design, build/buy, testing, deployment, monitoring, and retirement of AI solutions.
• Monitor and incorporate evolving laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., EU AI Act, GDPR) into internal policies, controls, and processes.
• Define clear ownership, accountability, and decision-making processes for AI adoption across the enterprise.
• Embed AI governance into existing operational processes, such as SDLC, vendor management, model validation, privacy, and security reviews, ensuring governance is part of daily activities.
• Lead AI risk assessments, audits, and impact analyses to identify, document, and mitigate ethical, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks.
• Provide comprehensive visibility into the organization's AI inventory, risk posture, performance, operational stability, and remediation progress, delivering actionable insights to leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business, compliance, legal, IT, etc.) to ensure AI solutions are responsibly designed, deployed, and monitored.
• Evaluate use cases and AI vendor solutions, offering readiness evaluations and risk acceptance recommendations.

Strategic Leadership and Operationalization

• Promote responsible AI adoption by developing standards, guidelines, training programs, and practical tools to support governance implementation.
• Translate complex requirements into actionable frameworks and processes to ensure consistent governance and risk management.
• Align frameworks and initiatives with business strategies to transform Responsible AI into a competitive advantage.
• Provide clear communication and guidance to technical and non-technical stakeholders for effective collaboration and decision-making.

Required Skills and Experience

• AI Governance Expertise: Proven experience designing and implementing Responsible AI or data/model governance frameworks, with a strong understanding of risks such as bias, transparency, privacy, model drift, and operational resilience.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, EU AI Act) and ability to translate them into actionable policies and controls.
• Operational Fluency: Experience embedding governance practices into operational routines (e.g., SDLC and change management) for repeatable, scalable execution.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong ability to align cross-functional teams, manage complex initiatives, and communicate effectively with technical and business audiences.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with AI/ML technologies, risk management principles, and assessment methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing governance or compliance programs in a highly regulated industry (e.g., finance, healthcare).
• Certifications or training in AI ethics, governance, or compliance.
• Public thought leadership in Responsible AI.
• Master’s degree in Data Science, Risk Management, or a related discipline.

Work Environment & Additional Information

• Hybrid work model with regular on-site collaboration.
• Flexibility for adjusted schedules, overtime, and occasional weekend/evening hours.
• Frequent use of computer systems and virtual communication tools.
• Professional demeanor required for interactions within and outside the organization.