Remote AI Programs Lead | Enterprise Portfolio & Delivery

CAI; Lincoln (NE); Remote; USD 110,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

CAI is seeking an AI Program Manager to lead a portfolio of enterprise AI initiatives, driving cross-functional execution and governance. This remote contract role emphasizes end-to-end delivery, stakeholder alignment, and measurable business outcomes.

The position requires strong program management, budgeting, and experience with Planisware and JIRA. Candidates must have work authorization without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 12+ years of program or project management experience in technology, data, digital transformation, or related environments.
• Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional programs involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and challenge senior leaders and executives.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML concepts, data pipelines, and deployment considerations.
• Experience using program and portfolio management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Asana, or Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and software development lifecycle practices.
• Basic understanding of cloud platforms and IT infrastructure concepts.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Proven problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive accountability without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, interdependent AI programs.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify risks and drive critical decisions.
• Provide program-level reporting on status, risks, dependencies, and value realization to senior leadership.
• Coordinate efforts across data scientists, engineers, business stakeholders, IT operations, security teams, and compliance partners.
• Facilitate program kickoffs, steering committee meetings, and post-implementation reviews.
• Assess incoming AI initiatives for feasibility, readiness, business value, and resource requirements.
• Support portfolio prioritization activities by evaluating impact, complexity, risk, and organizational capacity.
• Challenge scope, assumptions, and business cases to ensure realistic plans and measurable success criteria.
• Establish governance frameworks, delivery methodologies, and operational processes that balance innovation, speed, compliance, and quality.
• Serve as a liaison between AI and technology organizations to resolve technical and operational issues and improve service delivery.
• Track and elevate infrastructure, platform, security, and operational roadblocks through resolution.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Risk management

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Jira

Planisware

Microsoft Project

Asana

Smartsheet

Job description

CAI is seeking an AI Program Manager to lead a portfolio of enterprise AI initiatives, driving cross-functional execution and governance. This remote contract role emphasizes end-to-end delivery, stakeholder alignment, and measurable business outcomes.

The position requires strong program management, budgeting, and experience with Planisware and JIRA. Candidates must have work authorization without sponsorship.