Lead, AI Governance

Join a Challenger

Being a traditional bank just isn’t our thing, so we challenge ourselves to get creative in providing innovative banking solutions for Canadians.

How do we get there? With a talented team of inquisitive and agile challengers that break through the status quo. So, if you’re passionate about redefining the future of banking—while having fun—this could be your next big opportunity.

Our company continues to grow, and today we serve more than 670,000 people across Canada through Equitable Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank™, and have been around for more than 50 years. Equitable Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Concentra Bank, supports credit unions across Canada that serve more than six million members. Together we have over $125 billion in combined assets under management and administration, with a clear mandate to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. Our customers have named our EQ Bank digital platform ( eqbank.ca ) one of the top banks in Canada on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021. 

What are we looking for

Are you an AI Enthusiast?

Are you a fearless challenger?

Would you like to use your AI expertise to lead the AI solutions across the organization?

Yes! We are looking for a Lead, AI Governance to ensuring robust and effective governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across the organization.

This role involves designing and managing governance processes, integrating AI oversight into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), and collaborating closely with risk management and compliance teams to define and implement appropriate controls. The Lead will maintain governance documentation, manage the intake pipeline for AI initiatives, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies, proactively supporting audit readiness and issue resolution.

The Core Responsibilities!

• AI Governance Framework:
• Design and refine governance processes and intake mechanisms to effectively manage AI initiatives from inception through deployment.
• Support the integration of AI governance into existing SDLC processes, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and regulatory expectations.
• Assist in the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of the AI control library.

Risk Management and Oversight:

• Collaborate with second-line risk functions to define AI risk tiering and establish appropriate governance controls and oversight points.
• Monitor ongoing adherence to established AI governance frameworks, escalating issues and driving corrective actions as necessary.
• Support audits and regulatory examinations by preparing documentation, evidencing compliance, and managing interactions with auditors.

Pipeline and Documentation Management:

• Oversee the AI initiative intake pipeline, ensuring timely evaluation, prioritization, and appropriate governance oversight.
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date governance documents, guidelines, and templates.
• Manage governance-related communications, reporting status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and senior leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as the primary governance point of contact for AI project teams, risk management, compliance, and audit functions.
• Facilitate regular governance reviews and checkpoints, ensuring transparency and alignment across involved teams.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to enhance governance processes and compliance outcomes.

Let's Talk About You!

• Proven expertise in technology governance, risk management, or compliance, specifically related to AI or emerging technologies.
• Experience integrating governance and control frameworks into software development or project delivery lifecycles.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (OSFI, NIST, EU AI Act) related to AI and data governance.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage complex pipelines and documentation.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities, capable of effectively navigating and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, risk management, compliance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in governance, risk, compliance, or related roles within a regulated financial or technology-driven organization.
• Experience managing or supporting audits and regulatory interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement governance frameworks, preferably in technology or AI-related domains.

What we offer [For full-time permanent roles]

Competitive discretionary bonus 

✨ Market leading RRSP match program

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one

Generous vacation policy and personal days 

Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues

Annual professional development allowance and a comprehensive Career Development program

A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Bank’s additional office space located at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON .

Equitable Bank is deeply committed to inclusion. Our organization is stronger and our employees thrive when we honour and celebrate everyone’s diverse experiences and perspectives. In tandem with that commitment, we support and encourage our staff to grow not just in their career path, but personally as well. 

We commit to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment for all applicants. Please let us know of any accommodations needed so that you can bring your best self to the application process and beyond. All candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check and credit check to qualify for hire. While we appreciate your interest in applying, an Equitable recruiter will only contact leading candidates whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of the position.

We can’t wait to get to know you!