Vice President, Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Processing Automation

D.A. Davidson Companies is an independent, employee-owned company with a rich history spanning more than 80 years. We are dedicated to conducting our business in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics, and delivering outstanding service to our clients and each other. We support a friendly, open and supportive culture, and encourage candid communication and productive engagement that make our companies and each of us better. Just as we work to improve our clients’ financial well-being, we also work to strengthen local communities—and giving back is one of our core values. You can learn more about our company culture and impact in our latest annual report.

D.A. Davidson & Co. is a leading financial services firm providing wealth management, financial planning, investment banking, and public finance services to a client base that includes individuals, corporations, institutional clients, and governments. The firm has operations across the United States.

Summary/Function:

D.A. Davidson, an employee-owned Financial Services firm, is seeking an experienced leader to help lead our team in further developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and governance structure that provides an intuitive and impactful user experiences. This position will also be responsible for leading our existing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) program. In this role you will leverage your experience and expertise to drive the creation of compelling experiences that enhance the usability and overall satisfaction of our associates. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with leaders in our business and corporate support teams across the firm to ensure a strategy and governance structure to execute successfully. 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Programs Manager oversees successful development of governance structure, strategies, planning, execution, and delivery of related AI and RPA process automation initiatives.  This includes assessing opportunities, gathering requirements, prioritizing value opportunities, working across leadership teams to present the program plans, a center of excellence and drive adoption and use.

This role requires experience managing large and complex projects, exceptional communication skills, ability to liaison between business and corporate support group leaders and Information Technology, with an understanding of an Agile Framework and Governance structure.

The position will work closely with cross-functional teams and influence leaders at multiple levels to ensure the secure, ethical, and compliant deployment and use of these systems. Position will collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues, management, stakeholders and, as appropriate, 3rd party providers to lead high priority, cross-departmental initiatives, focused on key strategic, functional, and technical initiatives.

Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s degree in a suitable field or equivalent experience

•Preferred experience in the financial services industry

•Understanding of Agile, SDLC, and Data Governance principals 

•Experience with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies

•Previous exposure with Robotic Process Automations

•Strong written and oral communication skills

•Understanding of the Microsoft Ecosystems (365, Co-Pilot), Integration Technologies, and Web & Data Services

•Preferred experience in UiPath automation platform

•Ability to effectively address and resolve problems in a timely manner

•Ability to proactively work with both external and internal clients, including senior business executives. Relate with others in a professional manner to accomplish shared goals and objectives

•Project a position of “Service Excellence”

•Responsible for overall management of a team and resources

Duties:

•Create a governance and center of excellence for the AI program.

•Lead cross-functional teams to deliver AI/ML and RPA program objectives

•Develop and manage program plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring alignment that are well defined 

•Work with team to ensure the framework, model, and use cases are discoverable and re-usable 

•Track program progress and performance metrics, identifying and addressing potential roadblocks

•Ensure projects meet quality standards and contribute to overall program goals

•Support risk management activities for the program

•Lead the AI and RPA life cycle, from ideation to deployment. Contribute and help build a Center of Excellence to define the program, intake process, assessment criteria, mission, values, and core governance / standards

•Work with leadership to secure resources and manage cross-functional teams consisting of technical, corporate services and business associates

•Ensure projects meet quality standards, effective governance and controls to deliver expected business value

•Identify and prioritize key AI/ML initiatives based on market trends, potential impact, and feasibility

•Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with AI/ML projects

•Act as thought leader on the product strategy and execution; maintain keen awareness of industry landscape in generating new, innovative ideas and staying abreast of market trends

•Initiate efforts on how best to leverage AI and ML in activities that increase efficiencies and slow or reduce costs

•Engage in broader team efforts, including recruiting, staffing decisions, and performance management

What we offer:

Competitive salary plus excellent benefits and perks including, but not limited to:  

•Medical, Dental and Vision

•Company 401(k)and ESOP contribution 

•Generous sick, vacation, and maternity/parental leave

•Paid holidays

•Professional Development Opportunities

•Tuition Reimbursement ($15,000 lifetime cap)

•Discounted personal insurance including home, auto and recreational vehicles. 

•Charitable gift-matching program

•Davidson Day of Giving – Our tradition of positively impacting communities in which we live and work.  

At D.A. Davidson, we are committed to fostering a diverse environment that supports the development and inclusivity of all employees.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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