AVP, AI Governance

Job Description:

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 AVP, AI Governance will assist with 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. AI Governance aligns AI initiatives with the company’s risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, while fostering collaboration across technical, legal, and business teams. The AVP, AI Governance will also assist with aligning the approved use of AI at Synchrony with AI terms in third party service agreements where applicable.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you 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 or travel for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Implement approved AI governance strategies aligned with the company’s risk appetite, regulatory landscape, and responsible AI standards. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of AI policies, standards, and controls focusing on transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, and security. 

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

• Manage deployed 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. 

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

• Monitor AI developments, emerging risks, and regulatory trends; and assist in updating governance practices to respond to changes. 

• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of IT experience or equivalent leadership program experience, or in lieu of degree High School Diploma/GED and 10+ years of IT experience, experience in developing and implementing information systems and project management experience 

• Experience with leading and facilitating in collaborative Agile teams in Technology

• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics: 

• Previous AI governance and regulatory experience.

• Graduate degree preferred

• Experience or training in law / legal compliance or related preferred

• 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, an