Responsible AI Director

Rückbauanlage Gundremmingen•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Responsible AI Director is part of RWE Americas’ AI Transformation team within the Strategy department. The team leads the company’s AI agenda from setting ambitions through designing AI-enabled workflows and executing the strategy. It partners with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), IT, and business functions to establish priorities and deliver results, while monitoring the AI landscape for actionable opportunities. The role owns the enterprise Responsible AI (RAI) framework and advises senior leaders on responsible AI strategy and governance. It leads the RAI working team, which reports to the AI SteerCo, and works across legal, IT/OT, business, and product teams to operationalize enforceable controls, manage risk, review assessments and vendors, track incidents, and build organizational capability. This is an office-based position with some travel to other RWE Americas offices and field locations.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Ethics, Law, or a related field, with a focus on AI/ML, ethics, or governance.
At least 11 years of relevant professional experience in responsible AI, technology governance, regulatory compliance, ethics, or related roles.
Deep expertise in Responsible AI best practices, frameworks, and the AI regulatory landscape, with the ability to translate complex requirements into practical, enforceable controls.
Strong structured problem-solving skills, including navigating ambiguity at the intersection of technology, law, ethics, and business and producing clear policy recommendations.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including preparing governance, risk, and strategic Responsible AI materials for C-suite and board-level audiences.
Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and build consensus across cross-functional stakeholders on Responsible AI standards.
Commitment to excellence and innovation, including identifying and embedding emerging Responsible AI best practices as regulatory and technical landscapes evolve.
Courage and decisiveness to challenge AI product and delivery teams when ethical or regulatory controls are insufficient and maintain those positions under pressure.
Solid understanding of AI product development processes, including model lifecycle management, stage-gate governance, and deployment practices, sufficient to evaluate compliance and engage with technical teams and product squads.
Legally authorized to work in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.
Able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations.

Nice To Haves

Certifications or specialized training in Responsible AI, AI ethics, or governance frameworks.
Experience in the power, utilities, or clean energy sector, including knowledge of U.S. power markets, renewable project development, and clean energy technologies.

Responsibilities

Own the enterprise Responsible AI framework, embedding legal, regulatory, and ethical controls, including risk classification and assessments, throughout the AI product lifecycle.
Serve as the company’s Responsible AI expert and strategic advisor to the ELT.
Lead the RAI working team, a governance committee reporting to the AI SteerCo, to oversee portfolio-level risk and promote consistent responsible AI practices across the enterprise.
Shape the organization’s position on Responsible AI standards and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain and operationalize the Responsible AI handbook with legal, IT/OT, and other stakeholders, ensuring controls are practical, enforceable, and aligned with evolving regulations.
Embed Responsible AI controls, risk scoring, and ongoing monitoring into product lifecycles and stage gates; ensure requirements are tested and validated and remediation processes are in place.
Review and approve Responsible AI assessments for AI products and manage third-party vendor compliance across the portfolio.
Track and report AI-related incidents to the ELT, maintain an incident log, assess risk implications, and ensure timely escalation, remediation, and closure.
Drive Responsible AI awareness and capability-building, including designing training, guidance materials, and engagement programs for squad-level delivery.