Cetera Financial Group

Job Description

We are at the forefront of transforming the future of technology in the financial industry, and we seek curious, practical individuals to help us pave the way. Our team is not intimidated by taking calculated risks, as they relish a good challenge and are eager to engage in problem-solving. As a member of our team, you will work alongside like-minded experts in a culture that is deeply rooted in innovation and progression. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that can shape the industry's future.

We are seeking an Director, of AI Program Strategy Management to Coordinate & Accelerate Cetera's AI strategic initiatives by orchestrating cross-functional AI programs between central governance and line of business (LOB) functions. Serve as a key enabler and broker connecting AI use cases from the edges to the center while facilitating collaboration across LOBs pursuing similar AI opportunities. Drive adoption and acceleration of AI capabilities across the enterprise while ensuring alignment with central governance, risk management, and visibility requirements.

Locations: This position will have the flexibility to work a hybrid work scheduled from one our offices: Dallas TX, San Diego, CA, El Segundo, CA Shamburg IL, , Dubuque, IA and ST. Cloud, MN.

What we need: A strategic program leader who can navigate complex organizational structures to coordinate AI initiatives between central functions and LOBs. Someone who excels at stakeholder management, understands how to drive innovation within governance frameworks, and can translate AI opportunities into business value while managing associated risks.

What will you do:

• Serve as the primary liaison between central AI/Innovation teams and LOB functions to facilitate AI adoption and innovation
• Establish and manage an effective cadence of AI working teams to drive progress and collaboration
• Create frameworks for AI use case intake, prioritization, and coordination across the enterprise
• Maintain comprehensive visibility of all AI initiatives across the organization
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices between LOBs pursuing similar AI opportunities
• Work with various AI platforms and consulting vendors to maximize value and strategic alignment
• Develop metrics and reporting to track AI program effectiveness and business impact
• Guide LOBs in navigating governance processes to accelerate AI adoption while managing risk
• Ensure all AI initiatives align with Cetera's overall AI strategy and governance requirements

What you need to have (Skills + Experience):

• 10+ years of experience in program/portfolio management, preferably in technology or innovation-related domains
• Experience in AI/ML program coordination or innovation management
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and influence without direct authority
• Experience with Center of Excellence (CoE) constructs and matrix organization navigation
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, use cases, and implementation considerations
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts to business audiences
• Experience with vendor management and partnership ecosystems
• Familiarity with governance, risk, and compliance considerations for emerging technologies
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Business, or related field

Really catch our eye with:

• Experience coordinating AI/ML initiatives specifically in financial services
• Background in establishing innovation programs from concept to enterprise-wide adoption
• Certifications in program management methodologies (PMP, SAFe, etc.)
• Advanced degree in relevant field (MBA, MS in Analytics/Data Science, etc.)
• Previous experience setting up and operating a technology or innovation CoE
• Demonstrated success stories of bridging central governance with edge innovation
• Experience with change management methodologies and driving organizational adoption

Our top performers share the following traits:

• Understands business processes, appropriate application of technology in supporting those processes, and the common technical complexity / considerations when evaluating new products or process options.
• Pragmatic with an ability to generate trust and build alliances across business and functional lines.
• Consistently demonstrates and follows high standards of integrity in business decision-making
• Exceptional problem-solving skills
• Thrives in ambiguous environments and can create structure where none exists
• Balances strategic thinking with practical execution
• Demonstrates a continuous learning mindset to stay current with AI/ML trends and applications

Compensation Range:

The salary range for this role is $158,000 – $246,000 plus a competitive performance-based bonus. Compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to a skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific office location. Compensation ranges may differ in differing locations due to the cost of labor considerations.

What we give you in return:

Not many teams can say that they support people’s dreams coming to life… We happen to do that every day. And as important as we know your career is, we recognize that there’s a whole lot more to life. To ensure that our Employees can make the most of their time outside of working hours, we offer a competitive salary and for full-time roles, a benefits package including:

• Inclusive health, dental, vision and life insurance plans built to support diverse lifestyles, offer preventative care, and protect against hardship.
• Easy access to mental health benefits to meet our team members and their families where they are.
• 20+ days of paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and 2 paid wellness days to give our employees the time they need to stay close with their loved ones, recharge, and give back to their communities.
• 401(k) Savings plan with a generous company contribution (up to 5%), and access to a financial professional to offer our employees the opportunity to plan-ahead for a strong financial future well beyond their working years.
• Paid parental leave to support all team members with birth, adoption, and foster.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options to help you save money on healthcare, daycare, commuting, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), LifeLock, Pet Insurance and more.

About Cetera Financial Group:

Cetera Financial Group® ("Cetera") is a leading network of independent retail broker-dealers empowering the delivery of objective financial advice to individuals, families and company retirement plans across the country through trusted financial advisors and financial institutions. Cetera is an independent financial advisor network and a leading provider of retail services to the investment programs of banks and credit unions.

Through its multiple distinct firms, Cetera offers independent and institutions-based advisors the benefits of a large, established broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, while serving advisors and institutions in a way that is customized to their needs and aspirations. Advisor support resources offered through Cetera include award-winning wealth management and advisory platforms, comprehensive broker-dealer and registered investment adviser services, practice management support and innovative technology.

"Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of retail independent broker-dealers encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors, Cetera Advisor Networks, Cetera Financial Institutions,and Cetera Financial Specialists.

Cetera Financial Group is committed to providing an equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. For us, this is the only acceptable way to do business. Accordingly, all employment decisions at the Cetera Financial Group, including those relating to hiring, promotion, transfers, benefits, compensation, and placement, will be made without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic characteristics, religion, religious dress and/or grooming, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, U.S. military status, political affiliation, or any other class protected by state and/or federal law.

Agencies please note: this recruitment assignment is being managed directly by Cetera’s Talent Acquisition team. We will reach out to our preferred agency partners in the rare instance we require additional talent options. Your respect for this process is appreciated.

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