PROGRAM MANAGER AI ENABLEMENT - 71098

Executive Service

Background Check:

This position requires CJIS & FTI fingerprints. This position also requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

This role requires a dynamic and visionary Program Manager, AI Enablement to lead the strategy implementation, and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across the agency. This position is responsible for identifying opportunities to responsibly integrate AI and machine learning technologies into business processes, driving efficiency, accessibility, and innovation in the delivery of public services. The Program Manager will serve as the primary liaison on AI technologies, ensuring alignment with the states strategic goals, ethical standards, data governance policies, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

AI Strategy & Vision:

Contribute to developing a comprehensive AI enablement strategy aligned with the agency's mission and values.

Use Case Development:

Partner with internal stakeholders to identify and prioritize high-impact AI use cases, particularly those that improve citizen services, operational efficiency, and policy decision-making.

Program Leadership:

Oversee AI projects from ideation through implementation, including vendor management, cross-functional coordination, and performance evaluation.

Enablement & Adoption:

Promote AI literacy across the state of TN. Develop training, tools, and standards to help staff adopt AI-powered solutions safely and effectively.

Data Readiness:

Collaborate with Data & Analytics teams to ensure access to clean, ethical, and high-quality data sets suitable for AI model development.

Partnerships & Innovation:

Cultivate relationships with academic institutions, technology providers, and other public sector organizations to stay ahead of AI trends and leverage public-private collaboration.

Risk Management:

Evaluate the security, privacy, and operational risks of AI technologies and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

1. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. Military experience will be considered in lieu of college degree.

2. 3+ years of experience in leadership, with at least 1 years focused on AI, data science, or digital transformation

3. Proven experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects under tight deadlines with competing priorities

4. Understanding of AI technologies and their public sector applications

5. Understanding of AI ethics, data privacy laws, and governance frameworks

6. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred:

1. Experience working in or with government agencies or regulated environments

2. Familiarity with procurement, compliance, and public sector funding mechanisms

3. Certifications in AI, cloud, or project management (e.g., PMP, Azure AI, AWS Machine Learning)

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.