Vice President, AI Risk & Operations

Accordion•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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., bias, explainability, model drift, robustness) and associated controls
Strong familiarity with regulatory and operational considerations relevant to cross-border professional services (e.g., data/privacy, employment, tax, licensing), and the ability to operationalize them into business processes.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical and regulatory considerations to non-technical stakeholders, including leadership and cross-functional teams
Comfortable operating in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment, with a bias toward structure, scalability, and execution discipline.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
AI usage and familiarity required
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in Data Risk Management or direct collaboration with AI/ML development teams
Familiarity with AI risk management platforms or tools for model monitoring, documentation, and compliance reporting
Experience designing training, awareness, or enablement programs focused on AI risk, model governance, or responsible AI practices
Certifications in risk, privacy, or compliance (e.g., CIPP, CIPM, CRISC, CRCM)
Passion for AI and a desire to build a world-class risk management function

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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