Director, Data Architecture & AI

North American Electric Reliability Corporation

6d•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Data Architecture & Artificial Intelligence is the enterprise leader responsible for shaping NERC’s data and AI strategy, modernizing platforms, and ensuring responsible, secure, and compliant adoption of advanced analytics and AI capabilities. This role ensures that data and AI investments align with business priorities, regulatory obligations, and long‑term organizational value. As a key member of the Business Technology Leadership Team reporting to the Vice President, Business Technology, this leader will influence enterprise strategy, partner with senior executives, and guide the ERO Enterprise toward consistent, governed, and scalable data and AI practices. The role also includes developing and mentoring a high‑performing team, ensuring staff have the tools, training, and support needed to succeed. This role will set and execute the vision, architecture, and standards of NERC’s enterprise data and AI capabilities. This includes harmonizing data definitions across the ERO Enterprise, strengthening governance, and enabling secure, mission‑aligned use of AI and advanced analytics. This position reports to the VP, Business Technology.

Requirements

10+ years of leadership experience in data architecture, analytics, or AI/ML.
Expertise in cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP).
Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks, LLMs, and MLOps.
Experience with data governance, metadata management, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to communicate with executives and lead cross‑functional teams.
Strategic, customer‑focused, adaptable technology leader with a track record of innovation.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and clear articulation.
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive results.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regulated industries, energy, utilities, or reliability organizations.
Experience with NIST frameworks, RAIG, or similar risk/governance models.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise AI strategy, platform selection, model lifecycle governance, and multi-year investment roadmap
Drive responsible and secure AI adoption, including generative AI, predictive analytics, and automation.
Strengthen standards and governance across data and AI.
Partner with executives to identify high‑value AI use cases and accelerate digital transformation.
Establish governance guardrails for AI and advanced analytics, including data eligibility, usage constraints, and alignment with CEII and voluntary reporting requirements.
Oversee data pipelines, Data/AI model deployment environments, and MLOps practices.
Co-lead the establishment and operation of NERC’s enterprise data governance function, in partnership with business, legal, and technology stakeholders.
Establish and execute a unified enterprise data architecture and modernization roadmap.
Architect and evolve enterprise data platforms (cloud, Lakehouse, integration, MDM).
Architect the API and data-sharing layer enabling secure, governed exchange with Regional Entities, E-ISAC, FERC, and internal tools.
Define and maintain enterprise data models, integration patterns, and architectural standards.
Build strong relationships with business leaders, subject matter experts, Regional Entities, and technology teams.
Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, internal controls, and NERC/FERC requirements.
Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, executive‑ready language.
Manage vendor relationships, and long‑term technology investments.
Perform other duties as assigned.