AI Strategist with state govt exp - HYBRID (MUST be a SC Resident) - W2 Only

Job Description:

***Only W2 resumes are accepted
Work Location: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite per week)

Candidate Location: Candidate MUST be a SC resident. No relocation allowed.

This position reports directly to the Agency Head and works in close coordination with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategist for SCDES, this individual will recommend strategies that leverage a variety of AI technologies throughout SCDES that will aim to improve the agency's operational efficiency, enhance the services to the citizens of the State of South Carolina, and will ensure and maintain compliance with regulatory standards at the state and federal level. This position will guide SCDES's AI vision and continue to foster innovation and partnerships with agency stakeholders while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Examples of Work:

• Co-create an agencywide AI strategy with executive leadership and the Office of Technology (OT), aligning initiatives to mission outcomes and citizen services. Maintain a prioritized portfolio of AI use cases, establish frameworks for responsible AI use, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations through joint governance with OT and the Office General Counsel (OGC).
• Define and enforce principles for ethical AI use, including fairness, transparency, and human-at-the-helm standards. Conduct impact assessments for privacy and bias, oversee audits, and report compliance findings to the Agency Head, CTO and Data Governance Council.
• Partners with agency programs to identify opportunities, shape requirements, and define success metrics. Act as business product owner for AI solutions, ensuring measurable outcomes and adoption, while collaborating with OT for technical readiness, integration, and secure deployment.
• In coordination with OT, Training & Development and Communications, design and deliver training programs, playbooks, and communications to build AI literacy across roles. Lead management efforts to foster adoption and trust. Communicate initiatives and results to internal and external stakeholders for transparency.
• Work with OT to align AI projects with approved platforms, cybersecurity standards, and data governance policies. Participate in vendor evaluations and procurement processes, ensuring solutions meet technical, ethical, and compliance requirements. Monitor performance, define KPIs, and publish impact reports to inform continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning, and data governance.
• Experience in strategic planning, change management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in government or public sector is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of project planning and creation.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with users, technical staff, management, vendors and others. Ability to provide guidance and recommendations to senior-level personnel.

Special Requirements:

• This position functions under limited supervision by the Agency Head. Exercises independent discretion and judgment.
• May require in-state and out-of-state travel.
• May require nights, weekends, and after-hours assignments.
• May require participation in emergency response events.
• This position functions primarily in an office environment.
• Hybrid teleworking position. Will require 2-3 days in office.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
• Experience working with AI technologies, machine learning, and data governance.
• Experience in government or the public sector.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science or other related field and minimum of five years of progressive experience in AI strategy, data analytics or information technology.
• At least 2 years of experience with AI technologies, machine learning, and data governance.
• At least 5 years of experience in strategic planning, change management and stakeholder engagement.
• 5 or more years of experience government or the public sector.