North American Electric Reliability Corporation

Compensation

Full Description

About NERC The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is the international regulatory authority dedicated to reducing risks to the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; conducts seasonal and long‑term reliability assessments; monitors the grid through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. Our jurisdiction spans the continental United States, Canada, and northern Baja California, serving nearly 400 million people. NERC operates as the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) under oversight from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Canadian provincial authorities. Our Mission The ERO Enterprise—NERC and the six Regional Entities—works collectively to ensure a highly reliable and secure bulk power system. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. Your Impact The Director of Data Architecture & Artificial Intelligence is the enterprise leader responsible for shaping NERC’s data and AI strategy, modernizing platforms, and ensuring responsible, secure, and compliant adoption of advanced analytics and AI capabilities. This role ensures that data and AI investments align with business priorities, regulatory obligations, and long‑term organizational value. As a key member of the Business Technology Leadership Team reporting to the Vice President, Business Technology, this leader will influence enterprise strategy, partner with senior executives, and guide the ERO Enterprise toward consistent, governed, and scalable data and AI practices. The role also includes developing and mentoring a high‑performing team, ensuring staff have the tools, training, and support needed to succeed. Your Role This role will set and execute the vision, architecture, and standards of NERC’s enterprise data and AI capabilities. This includes harmonizing data definitions across the ERO Enterprise, strengthening governance, and enabling secure, mission‑aligned use of AI and advanced analytics. This position reports to the VP, Business Technology. Strategic Mandates & Key Responsibilities * Lead enterprise AI strategy, platform selection, model lifecycle governance, and multi-year investment roadmap * Drive responsible and secure AI adoption, including generative AI, predictive analytics, and automation. * Strengthen standards and governance across data and AI. * Partner with executives to identify high‑value AI use cases and accelerate digital transformation. * Establish governance guardrails for AI and advanced analytics, including data eligibility, usage constraints, and alignment with CEII and voluntary reporting requirements. * Oversee data pipelines, Data/AI model deployment environments, and MLOps practices. * Co-lead the establishment and operation of NERC’s enterprise data governance function, in partnership with business, legal, and technology stakeholders. * Establish and execute a unified enterprise data architecture and modernization roadmap. * Architect and evolve enterprise data platforms (cloud, Lakehouse, integration, MDM). * Architect the API and data-sharing layer enabling secure, governed exchange with Regional Entities, E-ISAC, FERC, and internal tools. * Define and maintain enterprise data models, integration patterns, and architectural standards. * Build strong relationships with business leaders, subject matter experts, Regional Entities, and technology teams. * Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, internal controls, and NERC/FERC requirements. * Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, executive‑ready language. * Manage vendor relationships, and long‑term technology investments. * Perform other duties as assigned. Key Competencies Data Architecture * Defines enterprise‑wide data standards and models. * Leads multi‑year modernization initiatives. * Architects’ enterprise integration and interoperability strategies. AI & Machine Learning * Defines enterprise AI roadmap and adoption strategy. * Selects platforms and governs model lifecycle. * Establishes enterprise MLOps standards, practices. and governance Governance & Risk * Leads or participates in governance councils. * Designs and oversees NIST‑aligned and RAIG‑aligned frameworks. * Advises executives on data, AI, and cyber‑risk posture. Leadership * Influences executives, boards, and cross‑functional leaders. * Builds and develops high‑performing technical organizations. * Owns multi‑year strategy and organizational transformation. Execution * Oversees portfolios, programs, and budgets. * Achieves project and program objectives. * Negotiates enterprise agreements and vendor partnerships. Qualifications Minimum Requirements * 10+ years of leadership experience in data architecture, analytics, or AI/ML. * Expertise in cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP). * Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks, LLMs, and MLOps. * Experience with data governance, metadata management, and regulatory compliance. * Proven ability to communicate with executives and lead cross‑functional teams. * Strategic, customer‑focused, adaptable technology leader with a track record of innovation. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and clear articulation. * Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and drive results. Preferred Qualifications * Experience in regulated industries, energy, utilities, or reliability organizations. * Experience with NIST frameworks, RAIG, or similar risk/governance models. Other * A background check will be conducted prior to employment. * In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. * This position has been classified as exempt. * The position may be based remotely but must be able to travel to NERC offices if needed. Reimbursement of travel expenses will be in accordance with the company’s travel and expense reimbursement policies. * Travel is necessary several times a year.   Our Culture Declarations * Everyone at NERC is a leader. * We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments. * We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives. * We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people. * We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks. * We build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC. * We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors: * We reward high-quality, creative, and innovative work. * We attract, engage, and retain top talent. * We value and respect diverse perspectives. * We provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. * We form strong relationships within the company and with the ERO Enterprise. * We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge, and opportunities for growth and development. * We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset by preventing problems and building contingencies where appropriate. * We champion diversity and inclusion by seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives.