AI Program Manager - Enterprise Transformation (Kansas City, MO/Hybrid)

We are seeking an experienced AI Program Manager to lead complex, enterprise-level artificial intelligence and technology transformation initiatives. This position will sit at the intersection of business strategy, technology, governance, risk, and organizational adoption. The Program Manager will be responsible for taking strategic AI initiatives from planning through execution while coordinating stakeholders across business and technology functions. This person will establish program structure, facilitate executive decision-making, manage dependencies and risks, and ensure initiatives are delivering measurable business outcomes. This is not a hands-on AI development or data science position. The ideal candidate understands AI at a business and technology level and can effectively manage the governance, organizational, operational, and delivery considerations surrounding enterprise AI adoption. Responsibilities:

• Lead large-scale AI and technology programs from initial strategy and planning through implementation and adoption.
• Develop and manage program roadmaps, milestones, budgets, dependencies, deliverables, and success measures.
• Establish effective program governance, including steering committees, executive forums, decision logs, readiness reviews, risk management, and escalation processes.
• Coordinate initiatives across Technology, Data, Security, Risk, Compliance, Legal, Product, Operations, and business teams.
• Partner with senior leaders to connect AI initiatives to broader business strategy, operational priorities, and measurable value.
• Identify program risks, issues, and cross-functional dependencies and drive appropriate mitigation and resolution.
• Provide clear executive-level reporting around program health, scope, milestones, decisions, risks, and outcomes.
• Help operationalize responsible AI governance, including appropriate oversight, risk considerations, data governance, and adoption practices.
• Ensure business and functional requirements are clearly defined and available to delivery teams.
• Support development and adoption of PMO standards, templates, methodologies, and repeatable program-management practices.
• Translate technical concepts and capabilities into clear business language for non-technical stakeholders.
• Support organizational readiness, communications, and change-management activities associated with emerging AI capabilities.

• 7-10 years of program management experience, preferably within complex enterprise technology environments.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale technology, transformation, product, governance, or strategic programs.
• Experience developing and executing strategic program plans across multiple teams and stakeholder groups.
• Strong working knowledge of Agile/Scrum and/or SAFe environments.
• Experience working with project/program management platforms and tools.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to facilitate complex discussions, drive decisions, establish accountability, and move initiatives forward.
• Ability to influence across organizational boundaries without relying on direct authority.
• Strong relationship-building skills with executives, technical teams, business leaders, and external partners.
• High-level understanding of artificial intelligence concepts and the considerations involved in deploying AI within an enterprise environment.

These experience requirements are drawn directly from the client’s required qualifications. Highly Desirable Experience

• Enterprise AI, automation, data, analytics, or technology-modernization programs.
• Responsible AI or AI governance frameworks.
• AI/model intake, inventory, or risk-assessment processes.
• Data governance and model-risk concepts.
• Change management associated with emerging technology adoption.
• Financial management or budget oversight.
• Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, Visio, or comparable program-management and presentation tools.