AI Governance Lead

Ascot Group•Iselin, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an opportunity to join Ascot Group - one of the world’s preeminent specialty risk underwriting organizations. Designed as a modern-era company operating through an ecosystem of interconnected global operating platforms, we’re bound by a common mission and purpose. Our greatest strength is a talented team who flourish in a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture, steeped in underwriting excellence, integrity, and a passion to find a better way, The Ascot Way. The Ascot Way guides our people and our organization. Our underwriting platforms collaborate to find creative ways to deploy our capital in a true cross-product and cross-platform approach. These platforms work as one, deploying our capital creatively through our Client Centric, Risk Centric and Technology Centric strategies. Built to be resilient, Ascot offers clients leading financial security while delivering bespoke products and world class service — both pre- and post-claims. Ascot exists to solve for our clients’ brightest tomorrow, through agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline. Ascot is embedding artificial intelligence (AI) and automation across the organisation to enhance decision‑making, efficiency, and quality of outcomes. In this role, you will be expected to work confidently alongside AI‑enabled tools, apply sound judgment when interpreting insights, and adapt as technology continues to evolve. We value curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace change as part of how we work. Position Overview: Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Predictive Modeling & AI Strategy, the AI Governance Lead is responsible for continuing to operationalize and improve Ascot’s enterprise AI governance framework. This role ensures that all AI solutions—across underwriting, claims, operations, and corporate functions—are developed and deployed in a safe, compliant, ethical, and value-driven manner, aligned with regulatory expectations (e.g., NAIC, EU AI Act) and internal risk standards. This individual will act as the central point of coordination across business, technology, legal, and risk, supporting the AI Governance Board and AI Delivery Board. This position is an in-office role with a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of experience in AI, data science, risk, or governance
Strong understanding of: AI/ML lifecycle and model risk and Generative AI (LLMs) and emerging risks
Experience in financial services or insurance is preferred
Experience with governance frameworks (e.g., NAIC, SR 11-7, EU AI Act) is preferred
Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, Palantir, or Guidewire is preferred
Background in model validation, audit, or regulatory engagement is preferred
Proven experience working with legal, compliance, and risk functions
Strong Project Management skills
Ability to translate technical concepts into business and board-level insights
Strong strategic thinking and governance design
Risk assessment and decision frameworks
Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management
Executive communication and board reporting
Practical, outcome-oriented mindset (balance of control vs. enablement)

Responsibilities

Own and evolve the enterprise AI governance framework, including policies, standards, and controls
Define and maintain AI risk classification models (e.g., high vs. low risk based on impact, autonomy, data sensitivity)
Ensure alignment with regulatory expectations (NAIC AI Principles, UK/EU guidance, model risk management)
Continue to improve and define governance standards for: Generative AI (e.g., Copilot, external models), Predictive models (pricing, underwriting, claims), Third-party/vendor AI solutions
Lead the AI intake and assessment process using risk scoring frameworks (e.g., fairness, explainability, reversibility, exposure)
Chair or support governance forums reviewing AI use cases prior to approval
Establish clear escalation pathways for high-risk use cases
Maintain a central inventory of AI use cases, models, and tools
Define lifecycle controls across: Development, Validation, Deployment, Monitoring
Ensure appropriate controls for: Model explainability, Bias/fairness testing, Human-in-the-loop decisions
Oversee governance for enterprise platforms (e.g., Copilot, Palantir, underwriting workbenches)
Serve as the primary liaison with Legal, Compliance, and Risk on AI matters
Interpret emerging regulations and translate into practical governance controls
Support internal and external audits (regulators, board reviews)
Maintain documentation and evidence for regulatory readiness and ensure model documentation standards (model cards, audit trails)
Develop and track AI governance KPIs, including: Adoption vs. risk exposure, Number of high-risk use cases, Model performance degradation, policy compliance
Deliver board-level reporting and dashboards
Design and deliver AI governance training programs for business and technical teams
Promote responsible AI practices and awareness across the organization
Build playbooks, templates, and self-service guidance
Evaluate governance maturity of AI vendors and partners
Define due diligence standards for tools (e.g., Copilot extensions, external LLMs)
Ensure contracts reflect data security, model usage, and accountability requirements
Responsible for Enterprise AI Governance Framework, AI Risk Scoring Matrix & Intake Process and the Central AI Use Case Registry
Demonstrate The Ascot Way by collaborating across teams, embracing inclusivity, and demonstrating accountability while helping build an engaged, high-performing culture.

Benefits

Medical (including prescription coverage)
Dental
Vision
Health Savings Account
Commuter Account
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
AD&D
Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
Paid holidays
Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state /local paid leave where required)
Short-term Disability
Long-term Disability
Other leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, Adoption, Maternity, Military, Primary & Non-Primary Caregiver)
Contributory Savings Plan (401k)