VP, AI Governance

Role Summary/Purpose: 

At Synchrony, we enable commerce by delivering the leading financial ecosystem that connects our partners and our customers through world-class technology, products, and capabilities. Our partners and customers are at the forefront of everything that we do. 

Our AI organization is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence solutions that put people at the center, ensuring technology serves human needs with empathy and respect. Guided by the core values of human-centric design, trust and understanding, and responsible AI governance, we strive to build AI systems that are transparent, fair, and reliable. We commit to fostering confidence among our customers, employees, and stakeholders by upholding the highest ethical standards, promoting accountability, and continuously enhancing AI safety and inclusiveness. Through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship, our AI organization empowers the institution to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding the interests and well-being of all those we serve. 

The Vice President of AI Governance will lead the design, implementation, and management of a robust AI governance framework that ensures the responsible, ethical, and compliant use of artificial intelligence across the organization. This strategic leadership role is critical in aligning AI initiatives with the company’s risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, while fostering collaboration across technical, legal, and business teams. The VP will also drive engagement with external research and academic partners to incorporate cutting-edge advancements and ethical standards into the governance process, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of responsible AI innovation in a highly regulated financial services environment. 

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Develop and drive a comprehensive AI governance strategy aligned with the company’s risk appetite, regulatory landscape, and responsible AI standards. 

• Design, implement, and maintain AI policies, standards, and controls focusing on transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, and security. 

• Lead efforts to ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements related to AI, including data protection laws, financial regulations, and emerging AI-specific guidelines. 

• Establish AI risk assessment methodologies and frameworks to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with AI systems. 

• Collaborate with Engineering, Legal, and Risk teams to review AI models and applications, ensuring explainability, bias mitigation, robustness, and auditability. 

• Coordinate AI governance committees and working groups, facilitating broad stakeholder engagement and governance oversight. 

• Monitor AI developments, emerging risks, and regulatory trends; proactively update governance practices to respond to changes. 

• Provide guidance, training, and awareness programs for employees and management on responsible AI use and governance. \

• Support incident response and investigations related to AI governance breaches or failures. 

• Represent the organization in industry forums, regulatory consultations, and partnerships on AI governance best practices. \

• Lead and manage AI research initiatives, including coordination and oversight of collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and think tanks. 

• Foster strong relationships with the academic community to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI technology, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks. 

• Coordinate knowledge exchange programs and collaborative projects with external research partners to integrate cutting-edge findings into the organization’s AI governance approach. 

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and 10+ years of IT experience or equivalent leadership program experience, or in lieu of degree High School Diploma/GED and 15+ years of IT experience, experience in developing and implementing information systems and project management experience 

• Previous large enterprise technology governance, risk, and compliance experience.

• Previous AI governance and regulatory experience.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Deep understanding of AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and automation, and their associated risks. 

• Experience in the financial services industry or a highly regulated environment is strongly preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks related to AI, data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and financial compliance. 

• Proven ability to build and govern cross-functional programs, collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of influencing senior executives and operational teams. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment capabilities. 

• Commitment to ethical AI principles and responsible innovation. \

• Demonstrated experience managing research initiatives related to AI governance, including oversight of partnerships with academic institutions or think tanks. \Proven track record of engaging with the academic community to stay abreast of emerging AI developments, ethical frameworks, and technical innovations. 

• Ability to coordinate collaborative projects and knowledge exchanges that contribute to advancing responsible AI research and best practices.

• Experience in product management, especially technical product management 

• Prior experience in software engineering and/or systems architecture design 

• An analytical approach to problem solving and trouble shooting 

• High level of initiative and can work well in a team environment