Director of Data Strategy and AI Governance

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Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY:

• The Director of Data Strategy and AI Governance will oversee a small team and lead the development and execution of enterprise data strategies, data governance frameworks, and analytics initiatives to support the credit union's mission. This role emphasizes data architecture, reporting, and AI governance to ensure that data is leveraged effectively and responsibly to drive business insights, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.
• This leader will oversee the design and implementation of data warehouse solutions, enterprise analytics, and AI-driven solutions while ensuring compliance with evolving AI policies and ethical guidelines. They will establish governance structures to manage AI deployment, mitigate risks, and ensure transparency in AI-enabled decision-making. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, they will develop robust data models, optimize data flows, and embed AI responsibly into data strategies to enhance member experiences and operational performance.
• By positioning data as a core asset and AI as an enabler of innovation, the Director will ensure the credit union maximizes its data potential while maintaining responsible AI governance to enhance services, optimize operations, and drive strategic outcomes.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enterprise Data Strategy & Governance: Define and execute a comprehensive data strategy that aligns with business objectives while ensuring robust data governance, security, and regulatory compliance.
• Data Warehouse Architecture & Analytics: Lead the design and optimization of data warehouses to support scalable reporting, predictive analytics, and business intelligence capabilities.
• AI Policy & Governance: Establish and enforce AI governance frameworks, ensuring responsible AI adoption, ethical considerations, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• AI & Data-Driven Solutions: Oversee the integration of AI-driven analytics to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiencies, and drive member engagement.
• Business Intelligence & Reporting: Develop enterprise-wide reporting frameworks, leveraging data insights to drive revenue growth, cost optimization, and process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with IT, business units, and executive leadership to embed data-driven decision-making and AI strategies across the organization.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of data analysts, database administrators, SQL engineers, and reporting specialists.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the organization.
• Act as a key liaison with external vendors, consultants, and regulatory bodies for data and AI-related projects.
• Demonstrates a commitment to our “Leadership Code of Conduct.”
• Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining team members; addressing concerns and resolving problems.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience in data strategy, data analytics, business intelligence, or data warehouse design.
• 5 years of leadership experience managing data teams, analytics functions, or enterprise data governance.
• Experience in AI governance, ethical AI implementation, or AI-driven analytics solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of credit union operations to effectively and efficiently support business data, process, product and information needs and make recommendations.

Technical Skills & Expertise:

• Proven experience designing and managing enterprise data warehouses, data lakes, and large-scale data architecture.
• Expertise in SQL, ETL processes, and data modeling best practices.
• Proficiency in business intelligence and data visualization tools (e.g., Qlik, Power BI, Tableau, Looker).
• Knowledge of AI/ML frameworks, data science tools, and their integration into analytics strategies.
• Knowledge of AI governance principles, regulatory compliance, and ethical AI frameworks (e.g., NIST AI Risk Management Framework).

Leadership & Strategic Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with experience building and mentoring high-performing data teams.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise-wide data governance policies and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data concepts into actionable business insights.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align data strategy with business objectives and drive measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing cross-functional collaborations between IT, business units, and executive leadership.
• Independently and highly motivated, focused and passionate about data and insights
• Excellent listening skills and acceptance of feedback is critical.

Who We Are

Michigan First Credit Union was founded more than 90 years ago by educators and delivers world-class service to more than 160,000 members at our branches throughout the State of Michigan, and we’re still growing! We offer financial solutions for every life stage and seek to positively transform our members’ lives through personalized service that meets their unique needs.

Simply put, Michigan First Credit Union’s sole mission is to provide the highest quality member experience. Working here, you’ll get to participate in a strong culture, centered around service, professionalism, and growth.

Michigan First highlights:

• 500 team members
• 32 locations spanning the Lansing area, Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit
• Industry leader in community support and charitable giving through the Michigan First Foundation
• Member Services Call Center operates 24/7/365
• Over $1.5 Billion in assets

Awards Michigan First Credit Union has been the proud recipient of:

• 2024 Best & Brightest in the Nation
• 2024 Best & Brightest in Metro Detroit
• 2024 Best & Brightest in West Michigan
• 2024 Best Credit Unions to Work For
• 2024 Crain’s Cool Places to Work
• 2024 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces
• 2024 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - Certified Veteran Friendly Employer - Bronze Level
• 2021 Credit Union of the Year by NAFCU (National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions)

Benefits and perks of joining our award-winning team include:

• Very competitive pay
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefit options. Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) - 100% match up to 5% deferral
• Tuition reimbursement for both Undergraduate and Graduate degree program
• Access to a complimentary concierge service that assists with nearly any item on your to-do list
• Free, state-of-the-art fitness center at our Lathrup Village headquarters with exercise equipment, showers and locker rooms
• Wellness initiatives and events throughout the year to help team members stay healthy
• Loan discounts for certain secured and unsecured loans and mortgages
• Opportunities for pay increases, incentives and profit-sharing, based on performance
• Onsite subsidized top notch Cafe 26 for team members' use
• Onsite bowling center

Michigan First Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.