AI Governance Officer job description

Job description templates

If you’re looking to hire an AI Governance Officer for the first time, this job description template can help with easily defining the key responsibilities and qualifications required. This template provides a clear framework to attract the best candidates with the right skills and experience, streamlining your recruitment process and ensuring accuracy.

Job description template

Reporting to: Chief Data Officer/Chief Privacy Officer/General Counsel/AI Governance Board

Level/experience: 8–12+ years in technology governance, compliance, risk, or data ethics, with specific experience in AI/ML or advanced analytics

General role and responsibilities

The AI Governance Officer will be responsible for establishing and embedding the organisation’s framework for the safe, ethical, and compliant use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the AI Governance Officer will ensure that AI systems are designed, deployed, and monitored in line with emerging regulatory requirements (including the EU AI Act), organisational risk appetite, and ethical standards.

This role will work cross-functionally with technology, data science, legal, compliance, and product teams to mitigate risks, enhance transparency, and foster trust in AI.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Designing, implementing, and maintaining an AI governance framework, policies and processes
  • Monitoring compliance with relevant AI regulations, including the EU AI Act, UK regulatory guidance and sector-specific requirements
  • Conducting risk assessments of AI models (bias, explainability, robustness, accountability)
  • Advising on responsible AI practices in product development, procurement and deployment
  • Partnering with data science and engineering teams to embed ethical and regulatory considerations into model lifecycle management
  • Training and educating staff on responsible AI use, policies and culture
  • Liaising with regulators, auditors, and industry bodies on AI governance matters
  • Preparing reports and updates for senior leadership, Boards, and oversight committees
  • Ensuring AI governance integrates with privacy, cyber security, and data governance frameworks
  • Staying abreast of regulatory, technological, and ethical developments in AI

Experience and qualifications

  • Strong knowledge of AI governance principles, data ethics, and regulatory requirements (e.g. EU AI Act, GDPR automated decision-making, UK ICO guidance)
  • Experience in risk, compliance, or governance functions within tech, financial services, consulting, or regulated sectors
  • Familiarity with machine learning and data science concepts (technical depth not required, but ability to engage with technical teams essential)
  • Proven track record of implementing governance frameworks or regulatory compliance programmes
  • Experience engaging with regulators, auditors, or industry groups
  • Strong communication skills, able to translate complex AI/technical issues into business risk language
  • Professional certifications desirable: CIPP/E, CIPM, IAPP AI Governance certification, or equivalents in compliance/risk
  • Academic background in law, technology, data science, or related field beneficial

Optional sector-specific responsibilities

Depending on the organisation’s sector and structure, additional responsibilities may include:

  • Overseeing governance of generative AI and foundation models
  • Leading AI incident response and model audit programmes
  • Advising on intellectual property, liability, and procurement of AI systems
  • Supporting ESG and sustainability reporting on responsible technology use
  • Collaborating with HR and talent teams on AI use in recruitment, workforce analytics, and performance management

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