Director of AI Ethics (The Guardian of Fairness and Accountability)

Are you passionate about ensuring that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed responsibly, ethically, and transparently? Do you have the expertise to create frameworks and guidelines that safeguard against bias, protect user privacy, and ensure fairness in AI systems? If you’re ready to shape ethical AI practices and uphold principles of trust and accountability, our client has the ideal role for you. We’re seeking a Director of AI Ethics (aka The Guardian of Fairness and Accountability) to establish and oversee ethical AI standards that align with societal values and protect users, making sure that AI technology serves everyone fairly and responsibly.

As the Director of AI Ethics at our client, you’ll lead efforts to integrate ethics into the development and deployment of AI systems. You’ll work closely with product, engineering, legal, and research teams to create policies that address fairness, accountability, and transparency. Your work will be critical in setting the foundation for responsible AI practices that build trust with users, meet regulatory standards, and set the company apart as a leader in ethical AI.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Define and Implement the AI Ethics Framework:
• Develop a comprehensive framework for ethical AI, establishing guidelines for fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy. You’ll ensure that AI ethics principles are woven into the entire lifecycle of AI products, from design to deployment.
2. Conduct Ethical Audits and Risk Assessments:
• Oversee regular audits of AI models to assess and mitigate potential biases, discrimination, or ethical risks. You’ll implement processes for evaluating the impact of AI systems on different user demographics and ensuring models uphold ethical standards.
3. Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams on Ethical Standards:
• Partner with data scientists, engineers, product managers, and legal teams to embed ethical considerations into product development and deployment. You’ll guide teams on best practices for responsible AI use and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
4. Establish Policies for Privacy and Data Protection:
• Define policies that address data privacy, informed consent, and data usage to protect user rights. You’ll work to ensure that AI systems respect user privacy and adhere to data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.
5. Promote Transparency and User Understanding:
• Develop strategies to improve transparency in AI applications, including explainability features and user-friendly documentation. You’ll ensure that users understand how AI affects them and that models’ decision-making processes are interpretable.
6. Lead Training and Advocacy for Ethical AI:
• Create and deliver training programs to educate teams on ethical AI principles and responsible practices. You’ll foster a culture of ethical awareness and provide resources that empower team members to make ethical decisions in AI development.
7. Stay Informed on AI Ethics Standards and Industry Trends:
• Keep up with advancements in AI ethics, legal requirements, and industry standards, ensuring the company’s practices remain competitive and compliant. You’ll advocate for policies and guidelines that maintain leadership in ethical AI innovation.

Required Skills:

• AI Ethics and Responsible AI Expertise: Strong background in AI ethics, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and data privacy. You understand the ethical challenges in AI and have experience implementing frameworks to address them.
• Risk Management and Ethical Audits: Proficiency in conducting ethical audits, risk assessments, and bias detection for AI models. You’re skilled at assessing potential ethical risks and providing actionable recommendations for mitigation.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Communication: Ability to work closely with diverse teams, including legal, product, and engineering, to integrate ethical practices across functions. You’re skilled at communicating complex ethical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Privacy and Data Protection Knowledge: Familiarity with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, and experience creating policies that ensure user privacy and data security in AI applications.
• Ethics Advocacy and Training: Experience developing training programs and resources to promote ethical AI practices. You’re passionate about fostering a culture of ethics and empowering teams with responsible AI knowledge.

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Ethics, Law, Data Science, AI, or a related field. Equivalent experience in AI ethics, law, or policy may be considered.
• Certifications in AI ethics, data privacy (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPT), or compliance are advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in AI ethics, data privacy, policy, or a related field, with a proven record of establishing and enforcing ethical standards in AI or data-driven environments.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing ethics, compliance, or risk management initiatives in AI or technology contexts.
• Familiarity with AI/ML model audit tools, interpretability methods, and bias mitigation practices is highly desirable.

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.