AVP Enterprise AI and Automation

CU SoCal; Anaheim (CA); Hybrid; USD 192,000 - 316,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great health benefits

Competitive pay

Job summary

CU SoCal seeks an AVP, Enterprise AI & Automation to establish and lead the organization’s AI and automation function. The role directs strategy, governance, and hands-on leadership to drive responsible AI adoption across the credit union.

Reporting to the CTO, you will partner with IT, risk, compliance and operations in a hybrid-remote setting from Anaheim Hills, CA. You will prioritize high-value use cases, build the roadmap, and guide adoption of platforms like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in CS/IT/Engineering/Data Science or related field.
• 8+ years of technology leadership or digital transformation experience.
• Experience leading AI, generative AI, RPA, or intelligent automation initiatives.
• Experience in regulated industries (financial services, healthcare, public sector).
• Experience with vendor-provided AI solutions and delivery models.
• Governance, risk management, and control framework establishment for emerging tech.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Enterprise AI & Automation function and operating model.
• Develop and maintain the enterprise AI/automation roadmap aligned to strategy and architecture.
• Identify and prioritize AI use cases delivering efficiency, risk reduction, or better experiences.
• Redesign processes with IT to implement intelligent automation grounded in continuous improvement.
• Lead adoption of AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT) to boost productivity.
• Provide governance, guidance, and vendor coordination for AI initiatives.
• Ensure responsible AI, regulatory alignment, and policy adherence.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science or related field

Master’s degree in Technology, Data Science, AI, Business, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

ChatGPT

Job description

The AVP, Enterprise AI & Automation is responsible for establishing and leading the credit union’s Enterprise AI and Automation function. This role provides strategic direction and hands‑on leadership to drive the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and intelligent automation technologies across the organization.

Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, this role partners closely with IT, business leaders, compliance, risk, and operations to identify high value use cases, deliver measurable efficiency gains, and enhance both Member and team member experiences. The AVP ensures AI initiatives are executed in alignment with CU SoCal’s AI Strategy, Continuous Process Improvement framework, and applicable governance standards. .

This position in based in Anaheim Hills, CA with the opportunity to work a hybrid-remote schedule which consist of 2 days in‑office and 3 days working remote from home.

Why Work at CU SoCal?

CU SoCal is one of the fastest growing credit unions and is more than just a place to work. It’s a place where people come before profit, a place where you can build a career that’s more than a job, and where the work you do has meaning and purpose. We offer competitive pay, great health benefits and a culture like no other!

CU SoCal is a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Recipient

In 2026, Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) was once again honored with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, marking our third consecutive win and ranking us among the top workplaces worldwide for outstanding employee engagement.

The CU SoCal culture fosters Building Better Lives for our Members, personal development, open communication, and genuine care for each other. We prioritize C.A.R.E. 4: professional competence, positive attitude, relationship building, and eager service to others. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team,

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science or related field.
• 8+ more years of experience in technology leadership, digital transformation, automation or advanced analytics roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise initiatives involving AI, generative AI, RPA, or intelligent automation.
• Experience defining and executing technology or automation strategies in regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or public sector.
• Experience working with vendor provided AI solutions and platforms, including buy and partner deliver models.
• Strong understanding of process improvement methodologies and their application to automation initiatives.
• Experience establishing governance, risk management, and control frameworks for emerging technologies.
• Proficient in all applicable MS Office programs (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Technology, Data Science, AI, Business, or related discipline

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Enterprise AI & Automation function, including defining operating model, intake processes, prioritization frameworks, and delivery standards.
• Develop and maintain the enterprise AI and automation roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, business priorities, and technology architecture.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI, generative AI, and RPA use cases that deliver measurable operational efficiency, scalability, risk reduction, or enhanced Member and team member experiences.
• Partner with business units and IT teams to redesign processes and implement intelligent automation solutions grounded in continuous improvement principles.
• Lead the adoption and optimization of enterprise AI platforms, including currently approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, to improve team member productivity, decision making, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with business units as subject matter expert to evaluate, select, and implement AI and automation solutions, providing technical guidance, governance oversight, and vendor coordination while supporting business owned outcomes.
• Ensure all AI initiatives adhere to responsible AI principles, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards, including alignment with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and CU SoCal policies.
• Collaborate with compliance, risk management, legal, and data governance stakeholders to support ethical AI usage, data protection, model transparency, and risk mitigation.
• Lead change management and adoption for enterprise-wide AI solutions by partnering with business units and C&TD to support training, communication, and value realization tracking.
• Define and monitor KPIs to measure the effectiveness, adoption, and business impact of AI and automation initiatives.
• Stay current on AI, generative AI, and automation trends, assessing emerging technologies for relevance and potential value to the credit union.
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing team, providing coaching, direction, and performance management.
• Complete understanding and active application the C.A.R.E. 4 Guide expectations and the Brand Communications Standards Accountability Philosophy.
• Must be able and available to work a “hybrid” schedule, per business operations requirement, as needed.
• Additional duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

We support Pay Transparency and are a pay-for-performance organization that benchmarks base pay to the 50th percentile of market data.

Pay Scale: Min. $192,157 / Mid. $245,000 / Max. $315,848* per year

Actual compensation will be based on geographical location, work experience, education and/or skill level.

CU SoCal is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions are based only on the individual’s qualifications/ability to perform the work. The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions, nature and level or work to be performed as of the document preparation date; they are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CU SoCal reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

We foster an environment and culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and fulfill our mission of Building Better Lives.