Role Overview for Head of AI Governance & Model Risk – Financial Services | Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, globally recognized financial services institution in its search for a transformative leader to fill the newly created position of Head of AI Governance & Model Risk. Based in the strategic hub of Charlotte, NC, this executive role is a rare opportunity to build and lead a critical function at the intersection of innovation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Our client is at the forefront of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to drive business value, enhance client experiences, and optimize operations. With this rapid technological advancement comes a profound responsibility to ensure these powerful tools are developed, deployed, and managed in a safe, sound, and ethical manner. This is where you come in.
As the Head of AI Governance & Model Risk, you will be the firm’s central authority on managing the unique and complex risks associated with AI/ML systems. You will be tasked with designing, implementing, and overseeing an enterprise-wide governance framework that provides robust oversight for the entire AI lifecycle, from initial concept and data sourcing to model deployment, monitoring, and eventual retirement. This is not merely a compliance role; it is a strategic leadership position that will partner directly with C-suite executives, business line leaders, and technology innovators to embed a culture of responsible AI across the organization. You will serve as the principal advisor to the Chief Risk Officer and other senior leaders, providing the critical challenge and expert guidance necessary to navigate the evolving technological and regulatory landscape. Your vision and leadership will directly influence the firm’s ability to innovate confidently, maintain the trust of its clients and regulators, and secure its position as a leader in the digital age of finance.
Key Responsibilities of Head of AI Governance & Model Risk – Financial Services | Charlotte, NC
The Head of AI Governance & Model Risk will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Framework Architecture and Implementation
Design, build, and operationalize a comprehensive, best-in-class AI Governance and Model Risk Management (MRM) framework. This includes authoring and socializing firm-wide policies, standards, and procedures that cover all aspects of the AI/ML model lifecycle, including data governance, conceptual soundness, ongoing performance monitoring, and explainability.
Strategic Leadership and Team Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of quantitative risk managers, data scientists, and governance specialists. Foster a culture of intellectual rigor, continuous learning, and collaborative partnership, establishing the team as a center of excellence and a trusted advisor to the entire organization.
Evolution of Model Risk Management
Enhance and expand the existing MRM program to specifically address the novel challenges posed by AI/ML models. This involves developing new validation techniques for complex algorithms, establishing standards for fairness and bias assessment, and creating protocols for managing risks like data drift, adversarial attacks, and the ‘black box’ nature of certain models.
Regulatory Engagement and Compliance
Serve as the firm’s primary subject matter expert on current and emerging AI-related regulations and supervisory expectations. Proactively manage relationships with regulatory bodies, lead responses to inquiries and examinations, and ensure the firm’s framework is fully compliant with key guidelines such as the foundational OCC Bulletin 2011-12 (SR 11-7) and adaptable to future global regulations.
Independent Model Validation Oversight
Oversee the rigorous, independent validation of all AI/ML models across the enterprise. Ensure validation activities provide effective challenge to model developers, thoroughly assess model limitations and assumptions, and produce clear, actionable recommendations to mitigate identified risks before models are deployed.
Strategic Advisory and Business Partnership
Act as a key strategic partner to business and technology leaders. Provide expert risk-based guidance on new AI initiatives, review proposed use cases for alignment with the firm’s risk appetite, and help teams integrate responsible AI principles directly into the design and development process.
Executive Reporting and Communication
Develop and maintain a clear, consolidated view of the firm’s AI risk profile. Create and present insightful reports, dashboards, and risk assessments to senior management, risk committees, and the Board of Directors, translating complex technical issues into clear business implications and strategic recommendations.
Thought Leadership and Continuous Improvement
Stay at the absolute forefront of the rapidly evolving fields of AI, machine learning, and risk management. Champion research into new tools and techniques for AI governance and validation, and continuously refine the firm’s framework to reflect industry best practices and technological advancements.
Requirements for the Head of AI Governance & Model Risk – Financial Services | Charlotte, NC
This senior leadership role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership skills. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, or a related field is required.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in risk management, quantitative analytics, or data science within the financial services industry. A significant portion of this experience must be in model risk management.
Leadership Experience
At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in a leadership capacity, with a proven track record of building, managing, and developing high-performing teams of quantitative professionals.
Technical and Quantitative Acumen
Expert-level understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of a wide range of machine learning and statistical modeling techniques (e.g., logistic regression, gradient boosting, random forests, neural networks, NLP, generative AI). Proficiency with programming languages such as Python or R and familiarity with common ML libraries is essential.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, nuanced knowledge of banking regulations pertaining to model risk management (SR 11-7 / OCC 2011-12). A strong understanding of the global, evolving landscape of AI-specific regulation and ethical guidelines (e.g., NIST AI Risk Management Framework, EU AI Act) is highly desirable.
Communication and Influence
World-class communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The candidate must be able to articulate highly complex quantitative and technical concepts with clarity and conviction to diverse audiences, from PhD-level data scientists to board members and external regulators.
Strategic Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and drive large-scale, enterprise-wide change initiatives within a complex, matrixed organization. A commercial mindset and the ability to balance innovation with prudent risk management are critical.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- A highly competitive executive compensation package, including a significant base salary, a substantial performance-based annual bonus, and long-term equity incentives that align your success with the firm’s growth.
- A ‘best-in-class’ benefits suite, including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
- A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution to help you build your financial future.
- A culture that champions work-life integration, offering flexible scheduling options and a generous paid time off (PTO) policy to ensure you remain energized, focused, and engaged.
- Substantial investment in your professional growth, with a dedicated budget for attending premier industry conferences, pursuing advanced certifications, and accessing executive coaching and leadership development programs.
- Comprehensive wellness programs, including access to an employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, and fitness center subsidies.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the vibrant Charlotte, NC area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this transformative leadership role. If you are a visionary leader in risk management with a passion for shaping the future of artificial intelligence in finance, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to build a legacy and make a lasting impact on a leading financial institution.
To submit your application and learn more about similar opportunities, please visit the JRG Partners’ AI Executive Search Firm in Florida & the Southeast practice area page. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at their company. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
