AI Data Governance Lead (1099 Contract)

About the Company At ElevationHR, we specialize in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations. We are hiring an AI Governance Lead for our client, a major player in the energy and utilities sector that is spearheading AI and data transformation initiatives to modernize operations, enhance customer experience, and drive innovation. This role is pivotal in establishing a strong AI and Data Governance function to support responsible AI adoption, data compliance, and organizational strategy. About the Role The AI Data Governance Lead, reporting to the Director of Data Strategy & Transformation, will establish and enforce AI and enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, and standards. This role ensures data quality, security, privacy, compliance, and ethical AI use. This is a 3-year 1099 contract with potential for full-time employment, based in downtown Houston, TX. Responsibilities Data Governance & Compliance • Define and implement AI & data governance frameworks, policies, and standards aligned with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, NERC, CIP) • Establish guidelines for data sharing and custodial agreements, including requirements, frequency, and types of da • Partner with cross-functional data stewards (technical & business) to resolve issues related to data policies, definitions, usage, quality, and metrics • Oversee data modeling activities, including documentation and metadata management to ensure consistency and integrity • Conduct data risk assessments and audits to maintain high-quality, compliant, and ethically responsible AI solutions. AI Governance & Ethical AI Frameworks • Ensure responsible AI practices, including bias detection, model transparency, explainability, and compliance with ethical AI principles. • Partner with solution architects to identify appropriate data sources and standards for AI-driven technology projects. • Monitor AI model performance and impact to ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication • Act as a point of contact between IT, business units, and AI governance teams, effectively communicating decisions, risks, and initiatives. • Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align AI and data governance strategies with business goals. • Meet regularly with stakeholders to review data quality performance reports, identify issues, and create action plans for resolution. • Provide project estimates and roadmaps for data governance and AI governance initiatives. Metrics & Performance Tracking • Develop, analyze, and maintain KPIs and metrics to measure adherence to data governance policies and continuous improvement. • Track data quality improvements, compliance effectiveness, and AI governance adoption across the organization. Qualifications • 10+ years of experience in data governance, AI governance, or enterprise data management. • Proven experience establishing AI governance frameworks and enterprise data policies in large-scale organizations. • Deep knowledge of AI ethics, bias mitigation, model transparency, explainability, and regulatory compliance. • Strong understanding of data quality management, metadata management, and master data management (MDM). • Hands-on experience working with data stewards, architects, engineers, and business teams to enforce governance policies. • Expertise in data sharing agreements, data security, compliance (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, etc.). • Strong technical knowledge of AI/ML governance tools, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), and data cataloging solutions. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills. Pay range and compensation package Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience Equal Opportunity Statement Include a statement on commitment to diversity and inclusivity.