About the role:
We are seeking a Vice President, AI Risk and Operations who will play a critical role in maturing and scaling Accordion's enterprise-wide AI Governance risk and operations program. In this role, you will serve as an internal governance practitioner and cross-functional advisor, embedding AI governance policies, procedures, and controls across our operating model for internal AI solutions - with the expectation that this scope will evolve to include client-facing engagements over time. Drawing on your experience with AI policy, frameworks, and risk program design, you will translate complex governance requirements into actionable, scalable implementation systems. This position requires seamlessly bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI development and responsible governance, partnering with senior stakeholders across Practices, Technology, Legal, and Emerging Technology to enabling trusted use and development of AI.
This position can be based in our New York City, San Francisco or Chicago offices and is a hybrid role with the flexibility to work remotely 2 days a week. Ideal candidates should be local to the desired location.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
What You'll Do
Governance & Frameworks
- Enhance the enterprise AI Risk Management Framework, including AI use case and supply chain inventory management, use case risk classification taxonomies, and risk-tiering mechanisms aligned to internal standards and emerging regulatory expectations
- Design and operationalize scalable, end-to-end governance processes across the AI lifecycle
- Build and maintain AI governance playbooks, risk appetite frameworks, and responsible AI standards
- Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and oversight through process automation, tooling improvements, and governance workflow optimization
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Legal, Technology, and Consulting Practice Groups to embed explainability, bias mitigation, and ethical AI principles directly into use case development and delivery workflows
- Manage the firm's AI Governance obligations and processes end-to-end, including supporting AI and related vendor management supply chain
- Coordinate with Legal teams to ensure AI systems meet applicable jurisdictional and regulatory requirements, including proactive engagement on evolving global AI legislation
- Facilitate stakeholder working groups, cross-functional governance forums, and executive communications on AI risk priorities, testing outcomes, and documentation requirements
- Maintain the internal AI risk register and escalate issues through appropriate governance channels
- Liaise with Technology and Practices to ensure data lineage and quality standards are met for AI solutions
Monitoring & Oversight
- Establish, track, and report on key risk indicators (KRIs) for AI systems in partnership with the Responsible AI Data Scientist and AI Governance Lead, across internal and client-facing AI solutions and products
- Monitor alignment with global AI regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF) and support responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, or reviews
- Evaluate risks associated with third-party and vendor AI solutions across the full sourcing lifecycle - including procurement, onboarding, integration, and ongoing performance oversight - and identify operational guardrails and controls
- Assess design and operating effectiveness of AI controls against internal policy and external standards, especially for AI, privacy, and industry regulations, under Legal's guidance
- Produce high-quality audit findings reports with clear recommendations for remediation and monitor implementation of agreed action plans
- Stay current on AI regulation, industry standards, and emerging best practices
Internal Enablement (Evolving)
- Support the development of AI Governance updates, training/awareness programs, and culture-building initiatives to embed responsible AI practices across the organization
- Contribute to Accordion's Trustworthy AI methodology and internal IP development
- Over time, support client-facing AI governance assessments, risk remediation roadmaps, and responsible AI frameworks as the program matures and scope expands
You Have:
- Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field
- 7+ years' experience in Risk Operations, Privacy Programs, or PMO/IMO, with at least 3 years directly focused on AI governance or oversight - preferably within professional services, consulting, or PE-backed environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-jurisdictional integrations and/or global expansion programs, with a track record of building and running structured governance.
- Strong knowledge of AI and privacy regulations and standards - including EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 42001 - and the ability to translate regulatory mandates into operational controls
- Strong grasp of AI/ML technical risks (e.g.,