Director of Artificial Intelligence

Full Description

Strategic Leadership

As a key member of our organization, you will work closely with our Innovation and Strategy teams, and Data and Governance teams to define and implement Vancity's AI vision, roadmap, and priorities across the enterprise.

• Act as a strategic advisor on emerging AI trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Champion responsible AI practices and governance to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.

• Monitor emerging legal, regulatory and industry standards in AI and provides strategic guidance to the organization.

Centre of Excellence Enablement

Building on your expertise, you will establish a high-performing cross-functional AI CoE, creating a hub of expertise, experimentation, and best practices.

• Establish scalable processes and platforms to develop, deploy, and monitor AI/ML models.

• Design and best practices of effective AI risk controls, metrics, compliance, performing risk management activities, and where required, support data risk management oversight including maintaining appropriate documentation (procedures, risk tiering methodology, escalation thresholds and reporting).

• Assist in the development and implementation of an AI compliance program that defines, develops, maintains, and implements policies and procedures to ensure ethical AI practices, including the day-to-day management of the AI Governance program.

• Define and implement standards, tools, and frameworks that enable safe and effective use of AI.

• Develop or contribute to ad-hoc reporting to the Board, risk committees, and senior leadership, including the collection of metrics and reports.

• Drive the development and implementation of communication strategies for new processes and procedures, focusing on training and awareness programs related to AI compliance, risk management, and ethical practices.

• Act as a thought leader in AI compliance, representing the organization in various industry forums and panels.

Innovation & Delivery

Partnering with our Innovation and Strategy teams, you will provide thought leadership and align on priorities and delivery strategies.

• Partner with business units, and Data and Governance teams, to identify and deliver high-impact AI use cases — from personalized member experiences to fraud prevention and operational efficiency.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver AI solutions that drive measurable outcomes and align with Vancity's purpose.

• Support the research, development and deployment of AI technologies, staying abreast of emerging AI trends and technologies.

• Oversee the AI project portfolio to ensure delivery excellence and strategic alignment.

Culture & Change Leadership

Empowering a culture of innovation and inclusion, you will promote AI literacy and build a thriving AI community of practice.

• Promote AI literacy and build a culture of innovation and inclusion across the organization.

• Lead change management initiatives to ensure adoption and responsible use of AI.

• Mentor and grow AI talent and foster a thriving AI community of practice.

External Engagement

Representing Vancity in industry and academic forums, you will stay ahead of the curve and scale AI capabilities responsibly.

• Represent Vancity in industry and academic forums on ethical AI, data innovation, and financial inclusion.

• Build partnerships with universities, startups, and vendors to stay ahead of the curve and scale AI capabilities responsibly.

Requirements

With 10+ years in data science, machine learning, and/or AI roles, you will bring:

• At least 5 years in a leadership capacity.

• Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Math); an MBA or executive education is a strong asset.

• Experience building and leading AI teams or CoEs in complex, regulated environments.

• Deep knowledge of AI technologies, frameworks, ML/AI model developments and ML/AI risk management best practices, relevant global laws, regulations, and ethical and risk management standards.

• Proven ability to deliver AI-enabled business value through collaboration and innovation.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.

About You

You are a purpose-driven individual who:

• Is committed to using technology for positive social impact.

• Has a systems thinking approach with a bias for action and execution.

• Can bridge business and technology effectively.

• Is passionate about innovation, equity, and creating a better future for all.