Role: Fractional Chief AI Governance Officer
Location: Toronto
Duration: 12 months
About xNorth
xNorth™ deploys high-impact executives and senior leaders to support organizations through critical periods of transformation, growth, and operational evolution.
Across North America, we bring in hands-on leaders with proven experience to help organizations navigate complex business challenges, accelerate strategic initiatives, and implement scalable operational frameworks.
Role Overview
We are seeking, on behalf of our client, an experienced Fractional Chief AI Governance Officer to help design, implement, and operationalize an enterprise AI governance framework as the organization accelerates enterprise AI adoption across its operations and client engagements.
This role requires a strategic and pragmatic leader capable of advising executive leadership, engaging with CTOs and senior stakeholders, and establishing practical safeguards, governance structures, and responsible AI practices aligned with enterprise standards.
The successful candidate will help drive the responsible adoption of AI technologies while balancing innovation, operational effectiveness, compliance, privacy, and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement an enterprise AI governance framework across the organization
- Develop AI governance policies, safeguards, standards, and operational procedures
- Advise executive leadership on AI risk, compliance, privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible AI practices
- Support the implementation and operationalization of AI initiatives across business functions
- Engage directly with CTOs, technology leaders, and enterprise stakeholders regarding AI governance and deployment strategies
- Establish governance controls for AI usage, data management, vendor risk, and model oversight
- Assess organizational readiness, governance maturity, and operational risk exposure
- Support client-facing discussions related to AI safeguards, governance, trust, and enterprise readiness
- Monitor evolving AI regulations, standards, and industry best practices to ensure alignment
- Assist in building scalable governance processes that support innovation while mitigating operational and reputational risk
- Support executive reporting, governance documentation, and policy development initiatives
Qualifications
- Proven executive-level experience in AI governance, enterprise technology, cybersecurity, compliance, or digital transformation
- Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience implementing governance frameworks within enterprise environments
Strong understanding of:
- AI risk management
- Data governance and privacy
- Cybersecurity and enterprise controls
- Responsible AI practices
- Enterprise AI adoption and operationalization
Familiarity with frameworks and standards such as:
- NIST AI Risk Management Framework
- ISO 42001
- SOC2 considerations
- Emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in execution-oriented environments
- Strong stakeholder management and advisory capabilities
Preferred backgrounds include:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
- AI Governance Lead
- Technology Risk Executive
- Responsible AI Advisor
- Enterprise Architect
- Big 4 AI Risk / Technology Advisory
Why Join xNorth
- Work alongside experienced operators supporting high-impact client engagements
- Access a strong network of organizations across North America
- Engage in strategic transformation initiatives involving emerging technologies and enterprise AI adoption
- Flexible engagement model aligned with fractional executive leadership or executive interim management
- Opportunity to shape and operationalize responsible AI governance frameworks with executive visibility and impact
