AI Strategy & Risk Lead

Come work with us:

Metropolitan Commercial Bank (the “Bank”) is a full-service commercial bank based in New York City. The Bank provides a broad range of business, commercial, and personal banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, private and public middle-market and corporate enterprises and institutions, municipalities, and local government entities.

Metropolitan Commercial Bank was named one of Newsweek’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024. The Bank was ranked by Independent Community Bankers of America among the top ten successful loan producers for 2023 by loan category and asset size for commercial banks with more than $1 billion in assets. Kroll affirmed a BBB+ (investment grade) deposit rating on January 25, 2024. For the fourth time, MCB has earned a place in the Piper Sandler Bank Sm-All Stars Class of 2024.

Metropolitan Commercial Bank operates banking centers and private client offices in Manhattan, Boro Park, Brooklyn and Great Neck on Long Island in New York State.

The Bank is a New York State chartered commercial bank, a member of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and an equal housing lender. The parent company of Metropolitan Commercial Bank is Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. (NYSE: MCB).

 

Position Summary:

Metropolitan Commercial Bank (the “Bank”) is seeking a dynamic leader to spearhead our enterprise AI strategy and risk governance program. In this role, you will ensure the Bank’s use of Artificial Intelligence is responsible, secure, and compliant with evolving regulatory expectations – all while enabling innovation that aligns with our strategic goals. As the VP – AI Strategy & Risk Lead, you will develop and oversee a robust AI governance framework in partnership with stakeholders across the organization. This position offers the opportunity to shape MCB’s approach to AI from the ground up, establishing policies and controls that foster innovation with proper oversight and risk management. You will join a forward-looking team at the forefront of responsible AI adoption in banking, helping to position MCB as a leader in safe and ethical AI use.

We have a flexible work schedule where employees can work from home one day a week.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Enterprise AI Governance: Coordinate bank-wide AI governance efforts by collaborating with Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, Information Security, Human Resources, and business units to enforce policies and standards for responsible AI use . Ensure all AI initiatives align with relevant regulatory guidance (e.g., Federal Reserve SR 11-7 model risk management guidelines , NYDFS AI cybersecurity guidance , NYC’s Automated Employment Decision Tool fairness law ) and adhere to MCB’s internal AI Policy.

Policy Development & Oversight: Draft, update, and maintain AI-related policies, procedures, and governance documentation (e.g. charters, standards, committee charters, guidelines). Manage the approval of these documents through appropriate committees and track compliance with their requirements. Continuously refine the AI governance framework in line with industry best practices – leveraging frameworks like NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework and Responsible AI governance guidelines (which emphasize clear roles and responsibilities for AI oversight).

Risk Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor AI use cases and models across the Bank for emerging risks, bias, or compliance issues. Establish reporting and dashboarding for AI risk metrics to inform senior management and board-level committees about the AI risk landscape and key KPIs . Track and report on AI-related issues and action items arising from the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC), Board Risk Committee, IT/IS Steering Committee, Project Management Working Group, and other forums – ensuring timely remediation and closure of identified risks or gaps.

Third-Party AI Risk Management: Oversee the intake and risk review process for third-party AI vendors and external AI tools. Work closely with the Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) team to evaluate and approve AI solutions, ensuring contracts include necessary disclosures and protections related to AI usage (e.g. transparency of AI functionality, data privacy safeguards, intellectual property rights, and security controls). Manage documentation and approval workflows for new AI tools or model updates, coordinating reviews by Legal, InfoSec, and the New Products Committee as required prior to deployment.

Training & Awareness: Lead AI governance training and awareness initiatives for employees and business stakeholders. Develop communications, guidelines, and interactive training sessions to ensure users understand the Bank’s AI Acceptable Use guardrails, generative AI “Dos and Don’ts,” data privacy and security considerations, and their responsibilities for ethical AI use . Foster a culture of accountability, risk awareness, and transparency around AI-driven decisions, where business teams proactively consider AI risks and adhere to established guardrails.

Strategic Advisory: Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on AI strategy and risk for MCB’s leadership and business units. Advise teams on the viability and risk implications of proposed AI use cases or vendor solutions, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite and strategic objectives. Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies, regulatory developments, and industry trends – as seen at leading institutions– to continually inform and improve MCB’s AI roadmap and risk controls . Proactively recommend enhancements to our AI governance approach in light of new best practices (e.g. AI fairness assessments, model validation techniques, or monitoring tools) and help drive MCB’s adoption of cutting-edge yet responsible AI capabilities.

Required knowledge, skills and experience:

Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. M.S. in Data Science, Computer Science, or AI; MBA or Master’s in Technology Policy; or a J.D. with tech regulation focus). Professional certifications in risk management or data/AI governance (such as FRM/PRM, CRISC, CISA, CIPP/US, or emerging AI governance certifications) are also desirable – they demonstrate a strong foundation in the domains this role will oversee.

Industry & Regulatory Knowledge: 8+ years of experience in risk management, compliance, or technology governance (with at least 3-5 years focused on AI/ML, data analytics, or model risk management in a regulated environment). Deep familiarity with the regulatory landscape surrounding AI in financial services – including Federal Reserve guidance on model risk (SR 11-7), national frameworks like NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, data privacy laws (e.g. GLBA), cybersecurity regulations (e.g. NYDFS 23 NYCRR Part 500 and 2024 DFS AI guidance), and AI-specific laws such as NYC Local Law 144 for automated hiring tools.

AI/ML Governance Acumen: In-depth understanding of AI/ML concepts and their inherent risk factors (bias, model drift, lack of explainability, data quality/privacy issues, cybersecurity vulnerabilities) and hands-on experience implementing controls to mitigate those risks. Proven ability to evaluate AI models and tools and recommend appropriate risk mitigation or validation strategies – for example, assessing an AI model’s fairness or accuracy and working with data science teams to address any shortcomings.

Policy Development & Writing: Exceptional written communication skills, with experience drafting and editing policies, standards, and senior management reports. Ability to distill complex technical or regulatory issues into clear, concise policies, executive memos, and committee decks understandable by non-experts. Must have prior involvement in developing or updating enterprise policy documents or risk frameworks (e.g. writing technology policies, risk assessment methodologies, or committee charters) with attention to detail and clarity.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and work effectively across multiple departments. Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills to coordinate technology teams, risk and compliance functions, legal counsel, HR, and business line leaders. Proven track record of driving cross-functional projects or programs to completion in a matrixed organization – moving initiatives forward by building consensus, clearly assigning tasks, and following up diligently on deliverables.

Project Management & Organization: Highly organized and execution-oriented, with strong project management capabilities. Capable of managing multiple initiatives and deadlines simultaneously – for example, tracking an AI pilot’s risk assessment alongside the development of a new policy – while maintaining high quality. Adept at using project plans or dashboards to monitor status and ensure accountability. Experience standing up new governance programs or frameworks from scratch is a plus (this role will build out a new function for the Bank).

Communication & Training Skills: Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills. Comfortable delivering training workshops or awareness briefings to diverse audiences, from front line staff to executives. Able to translate complex AI risk concepts into relatable examples or guidelines for business users. A natural evangelist for responsible innovation, capable of championing a culture of safe and ethical AI use through influence, education, and example. Strong ability to listen to stakeholder concerns and incorporate feedback into program improvements.

Preferred knowledge skills and experience:

Financial Services or Tech Industry Background: Experience leading AI/ML risk, model governance, or “Responsible AI” initiatives at a major financial institution or a highly regulated technology company. Exposure to how top firms operationalize AI ethics and risk governance is highly valued.

Model Risk Management Expertise: Hands-on experience with model risk management and model validation processes, particularly for machine learning or AI models. Familiarity with model development life cycle, performance monitoring, and independent validation techniques as outlined in regulatory guidance (e.g. SR 11-7). Experience working with model risk committees or model inventory systems is a plus.

Strategic & Innovative Mindset: Big-picture thinker who stays informed about emerging AI trends and can anticipate their implications for the bank. Experience contributing to strategic initiatives (such as evaluating new AI fintech partnerships, AI product innovations, or digital transformation projects) is beneficial. An entrepreneurial mindset to continuously improve and adapt the Bank’s AI governance capabilities over time – we’re looking for someone who will not just maintain a program but also creatively enhance it in alignment with industry evolution.

Regulatory Engagement: Prior experience engaging with regulators or auditors on technology or model risk topics is a plus. This might include participating in regulatory exams, drafting responses regarding AI or model risk controls, or implementing remediation actions. Keeping abreast of upcoming AI-related regulatory developments (for example, the EU AI Act, U.S. federal initiatives on AI, or updated FFIEC guidance) and helping the Bank proactively prepare for compliance will be an asset in this role.

Potential Salary: $130,000 - $200,000 annually

 

This salary range reflects base wages and does not include benefits, bonus, or incentive pay. Salary bands are purposefully wide ranging to encompass the different factors considered in determining where a candidate falls in the range, including but not limited to, seniority, performance, experience, education, and any other legitimate, non-discriminatory factor permitted by law. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed here.

Metropolitan Commercial Bank provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.