Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Montana State Government

  • Montana
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Why should you keep reading and consider working here?We know you have other opportunities in the tech sector, but we invite you to consider a unique and meaningful role with the State of Montana Department of Administration, State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD). Our mission is to provide innovative, secure, and efficient IT services that support the needs of the state and citizens of Montana.As technology rapidly evolves, we're embracing the future with a bold, responsible approach to Artificial Intelligence—and you could be leading that charge. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, transparency, and ethical innovation, all while enjoying a work environment that encourages growth and work-life balance.What is this career opportunity?Have you been seeking a leadership opportunity that provides the latitude to build something from the ground up? Are you passionate about Artificial Intelligence technology and have a clear vision for how it could be leveraged to enhance government efficiency to provide better services to citizens? If shaping the ethical future of AI in Montana Government appeals to you, please keep reading!SITSD is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) to guide Montana into the next generation of digital government. In this executive-level role, you'll be responsible for setting and implementing a statewide AI strategy, advancing ethical AI use, and building a cross-sector AI Community of Practice that includes state agencies, schools, tribal governments, universities, and private-sector innovators.You will report directly to the State CIO of the State of Montana and play a key leadership role in developing secure, compliant, and high-impact AI solutions that improve public services, reduce technical debt, and make government more responsive to Montana’s citizens. While this position will not initially include direct supervisory responsibilities, we anticipate future team growth as the strategic AI vision is implemented statewide, and expect the role to evolve to include staff management at the executive level.Duties include (but are not limited to):
  • Leading the Montana AI Community of Practice (AICoP) to foster collaboration, training, and knowledge-sharing across sectors.
  • Designing and operating an AI Innovation Sandbox—a secure environment for prototyping AI solutions .
  • Leading the development and execution of an AI literacy program within the State.
  • Accelerating the deployment of AI use cases that retire legacy systems and create measurable public value.
  • Publishing a statewide AI Strategy and tracking key performance indicators including literacy rates, pilot successes, and compliance metrics.
  • Issuing tools and templates to guide agencies through responsible AI procurement and implementation.
  • Maintain a secure work environment and foster a culture of security.
QualificationsWhat are we looking for?Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related technical field; and
  • Two (2) years total experience in AI, data science, or related technologies; and
  • Minimum 5-10 years in leadership roles; and
  • Proven experience driving large-scale strategic technology initiatives.
  • Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Competencies:Knowledge of:
  • Deep understanding of artificial intelligence concepts.
  • Knowledge of AI governance frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and other relevant standards, laws, and regulations .
  • Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and modern data architectures that support AI development.
Knowledge of organizational change management and strategic planning in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.Skill in:
  • Strategic leadership and visioning to guide statewide AI policy, innovation, and workforce development.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate AI use cases for value, risk, feasibility, and ethical impact.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to translate complex AI topics for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Program and portfolio management skills.
Skill in developing educational content and learning paths to increase AI literacy across diverse roles and sectors.Ability to:
  • Build and lead cross-sector communities of practice involving government, education, tribal, and private-sector stakeholders.
  • Drive ethical AI adoption and ensure compliance with statutory mandates and responsible innovation principles.
  • Develop policies, templates, and tools that guide secure, transparent, and compliant AI implementation.
  • Foster partnerships and represent the State of Montana as a thought leader in public-sector AI.
  • Work independently while building toward future organizational growth and team leadership.
Does this sound like you? Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter.What can you expect from us in return for your hard work? Benefits include:
  • Work/life Balance
  • Health Coverage
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
  • And more…
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.Other important information to be aware of.
  • This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
  • Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

Montana State Government