Senior Principal, AI Data Governance

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Job Summary

The Enterprise Data Governance team is part of the Data Innovation Office within Enterprise Data and Analytics organization (EDNA). Our mission is to implement an enterprise model for the governance of data at Equinix to elevate data as a critical asset which supports operational velocity and efficiency. We are seeking an AI Data Governance Senior Principal to lead the responsible and ethical use of AI.

The AI Data Governance Senior Principal is responsible for the definition and operationalization of the enterprise AI framework, policy, standards, and practices to support enterprise business objectives. Partners closely with global product and governance teams to establish trusted data foundation(s) and supports AI model design, development, transparency, and accountability. Leverages experience in AI/ML, audit, and/or information security to conduct AI risk assessments, own risk remediation, and meet regulatory requirements.

Builds close partnerships within legal, audit, and compliance teams to continually refine and improve AI Data Governance program as regulatory changes or enterprise strategies change. Establishes AI education and awareness programs, evaluates 3rd party AI solutions, implements governance tools and technologies, and stays updated with industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements AI-specific policies, standards, and practices to support the AI data governance strategy, addressing data governance, responsible use, accountability, and risk management

• Establishes AI intake, review, and approval processes which clearly communicate responsibilities, decision-making authority, and assigned accountability

• Establishes and maintains enterprise-wide AI audit plans, controls, and compliance monitoring mechanisms

• Leads risk closure through collaboration with program and project teams

• Performs project level risk analysis to determine success criteria or identify risks for model development outcomes

• Oversees the selection and management of vendors providing AI solutions, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements

• Defines and implements enterprise processes and methodologies to assess, measure, manage, and improve the quality and reliability of AI system outcomes

• Supports AI guiding panel (or multi-committee approach) ensuring appropriate oversight and governance of AI systems. Lead one or more working groups focused on responsible usage of data, compliance / audit, and monitoring

• Assists in maintaining centralized inventory of all AI models and solutions used across the organization

• Collaborates with legal and audit on AI-related matters taking appropriate corrective action in the case of non-compliance including investigations and remediation

• Drives the evaluation, selection, and implementation of AI data governance tools and technologies to support explainability, performance, data quality and lineage, model risk, and ownership

• Develops and delivers AI education and awareness programs and stay updated with industry best practices. Maintain current knowledge of applicable AI-related regulations and government policies, ensuring organizational compliance

• Complies with all policies and standards

People Leadership

• Manage through influence to improve AI program performance by motivating, developing and coaching

• Recommend people development strategy, including enhancement of capabilities

• Provide leadership and guidance for escalations to other strategy and insights / cross-functional stakeholders

• Challenge existing managed processes based on industry best practice and trends to ensure Equinix is maintaining a best-in-class approach

• Model the Equinix culture, Transformational Leadership behaviors and Magic of Equinix values

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Engineering, or a related field

• Substantial experience with minimum of 5 years of experience in information security, data management, compliance, audit, governance, or a related field

• Expertise in global AI standards, laws, and regulatory statutes required. Expertise in GenAI, Copilot, and knowledge management tools

• Experience with multiple data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery), runtime security (Protect AI, Prisma AIRS), cloud (GCP, Apigee, Kong) or model scanning

• Experience operating in a highly cross-functional, multinational business

• Experience managing a team of data professionals in addition to contingent and outsourced labor

• Prior experience in data center, cloud, telecommunications industries desirable

Skills and Attributes

• Analytical thinker and problem solver with the ability to work under pressure and multitask while managing a team and driving process improvements

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, especially across cross-functional teams

• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation capabilities

• Proven experience implementing and managing governance or data management practices in a complex, global enterprise environment

• Experience in data compliance, information security and best practice

• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships with key stakeholders as a trusted advisor

• Ability to demonstrate ownership and proactively drive initiatives

• Knowledge of common AI frameworks: NIST AI RMF, IEEE CertifAIED Ethical Transparency, DCAM EDM Council

• Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP) from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) a plus

This posting is a new position within our organization.

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

United States - Tampa Office TAO : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 139,000 - 209,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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