Lead, AI Governance & Portfolio Management

About the Role

Ares is seeking a Lead, AI Governance and Portfolio Management to oversee the operational governance of our AI initiatives. This role will manage the end-to-end AI use case intake process, coordinate governance reviews, and ensure AI solutions align with enterprise standards for risk, compliance, security, legal, privacy, and architecture. The position serves as the central coordination point between business stakeholders, technology teams, and control partners, driving efficient intake, transparent governance, and successful delivery of AI initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong program management, stakeholder engagement, and governance experience with a solid understanding of AI technologies and enterprise operating models.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the enterprise AI use case intake process from submission through approval.
• Establish and maintain governance processes, intake standards, documentation requirements, and decision frameworks.
• Track use cases through each governance stage and ensure timely progression.
• Coordinate reviews across Risk, Information Security, Privacy, Legal, Compliance, Architecture, Data Governance, and Technology.
• Facilitate governance meetings and document decisions, risks, and action items.
• Serve as the primary liaison between business sponsors and governance partners.
• Maintain the AI use case portfolio, roadmap, and prioritization.
• Develop project plans, milestones, status reporting, dashboards, and executive communications.
• Identify delivery risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Define KPIs for intake volume, approval cycle times, governance effectiveness, and business adoption.
• Produce executive dashboards and portfolio reporting.
• Continuously improve governance processes, templates, and operating procedures.
• Promote awareness of AI governance policies and best practices.
• Support training, communications, and adoption of enterprise AI governance standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• PMP, Agile, Scrum, or governance/risk certifications are desirable.
• 8–12 years of experience in project/program management, technology governance, PMO, or digital transformation.
• Experience managing enterprise intake, governance, or portfolio processes.
• Strong understanding of AI, Generative AI, and enterprise technology delivery.
• Experience working with cross-functional control partners (Risk, Legal, Compliance, Security, Privacy).
• Financial Services or Asset Management experience preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across global teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to governance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $225,000 - $250,000. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution.
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.
• Access to a world-class medical advisory team.
• Mental health app that includes coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.
• Mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, and emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program and education sponsorship program.