Director, AI Governance & Transformation

RBC•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, AI Governance & Transformation leads the first line of defence (1LOD) function for Personal Banking & Commercial Banking (PB&CB). The role is accountable for embedding and operating the enterprise AI governance framework within the business, enabling the responsible adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence across Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, predictive analytics and AI-enabled automation. The role will establish and continuously enhance the PB&CB AI governance operating model across the AI lifecycle, balancing responsible innovation with effective risk management. In addition, the Director will lead strategic transformation initiatives that simplify, digitize and scale governance and data management capabilities across the business. The role serves as a key 1LOD advisor and coordinator across Business, Technology, Data, Privacy, Operational Risk, Model Risk, Cybersecurity, Legal, Compliance and enterprise AI governance functions.

Requirements

10+ years in Data Management, AI Governance, Operational Risk, Technology Risk, Model Risk, Compliance, or related disciplines.
Proven leadership experience in financial services, implementing enterprise governance frameworks and building governance operating models
Proven experience participating in or managing governance councils and committees, with the ability to oversee data management initiatives while maintaining executive-level reporting and organizational alignment.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple department leads and senior business stakeholders to execute data strategies, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive enterprise-wide policy implementation.
Solid working knowledge of banking operations and the financial services regulatory landscape, ideally with several years’ experience in Risk Management, Compliance or Internal Audit.
Experience overseeing AI, analytics, machine learning, or intelligent automation.
Proved track record of making recommendations on Enterprise Data Policy for enhancements

Nice To Haves

AI Governance
Data Management
Emerging Risks
Executive Reports
Model Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Responsible AI
Risk Assessments
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Planning
Technology Risk Management

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the PB&CB AI Governance Strategy, operating model and maturity roadmap aligned with enterprise requirements and risk appetite.
Translate enterprise AI policies and regulatory expectations into practical business processes, controls and implementation guidance across the AI lifecycle.
Establish governance approaches for emerging AI capabilities, including Generative AI and Agentic AI.
Lead 1LOD implementation of AI governance requirements, including intake, inventory, classification, risk assessment, approval, deployment, monitoring, change and retirement.
Drive adoption of Responsible AI practices and provide practical guidance to business and technology teams on governance requirements.
Identify governance gaps and exceptions and drive timely remediation with accountable business and technology owners.
Establish a risk-based AI monitoring program covering governance adherence, control effectiveness, exceptions, incidents and emerging risks.
Maintain AI governance reporting, dashboards and issue management, providing clear visibility of material risks and remediation to senior leadership.
Establish appropriate oversight and escalation mechanisms for higher-risk and autonomous/agentic AI capabilities.
Lead transformation initiatives to simplify, standardize, digitize and automate data governance and management processes and controls.
Develop scalable governance capabilities, including technology-enabled workflow, inventory, monitoring and reporting.
Drive continuous improvement of governance maturity and integration into existing business and technology delivery processes.
Provide thought leadership through on key data strategies include, but not limited to, platform modernization, access management modernization.
Act as a trusted 1LOD advisor to business leaders, AI product owners and delivery teams on responsible and risk-based AI adoption.
Lead targeted communication, training and change management to embed AI governance accountability across PB&CB.
Promote a culture that enables responsible AI innovation while maintaining appropriate risk management and control.
Serve as the primary PB&CB first line of defense (1LOD) liaison with enterprise AI governance and relevant second-line and control functions.
Coordinate consistent AI governance implementation across PB&CB Canada, Caribbean and other applicable jurisdictions, incorporating local requirements where necessary.
Represent PB&CB in relevant enterprise AI governance forums and support the evolution of enterprise AI governance practices