AI Strategist (Business Analyst Advanced)

Position Title: AI Strategist (Business Analyst Advanced)

Client: State of South Carolina (SCDES)

Work Location: Hybrid 2 to 3 days onsite per week
Candidate Requirement: Must be a South Carolina resident. No relocation allowed.
Duration: 12 months
Extension: Possible
Interview Process: 1 round Virtual
Max Rate: 65-70/hr on w2
Submission Deadline: 2/19 at 5:00 PM EST

Position Overview:

This is a newly created position reporting directly to the Agency Head and working in close coordination with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The AI Strategist will recommend and implement strategies that leverage artificial intelligence technologies across SCDES to improve operational efficiency, enhance citizen services, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

The role will define and guide the agency's AI vision while fostering innovation, governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Co-create and maintain an agency-wide AI strategy aligned with mission objectives and citizen services.
Maintain a prioritized portfolio of AI use cases.
Establish governance frameworks for responsible AI use.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations in coordination with the Office of Technology (OT) and Office of General Counsel (OGC).
Define and enforce ethical AI principles including fairness, transparency, and human oversight.
Conduct privacy and bias impact assessments.
Oversee compliance audits and report findings to executive leadership and governance councils.
Partner with agency programs to identify AI opportunities and define success metrics.
Serve as business product owner for AI initiatives.
Collaborate with OT to ensure secure deployment and technical readiness.
Develop AI training programs and lead change management initiatives.
Communicate AI initiatives and results to internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in vendor evaluations and procurement processes.
Ensure AI solutions align with cybersecurity standards and data governance policies.
Define KPIs and publish performance and impact reports.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.
Experience working with AI technologies and machine learning.
Experience with data governance.
Experience in government or public sector environments.
Experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or related field.
Minimum 5 years progressive experience in AI strategy, analytics, or IT leadership.
At least 2 years experience working directly with AI technologies and data governance.
5 or more years experience in strategic planning and change management.
5 or more years experience in government or public sector.