Fractional AI Executive
United States · Remote · Fractional
Heads up: this posting is for future opportunities rather than one specific open role. If you apply, we'll add you to our candidate network and may reach out when relevant roles come up.
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What the market looks like
We've tracked 100+ executive-level AI strategy postings in the United States over the last six months, with heaviest concentration in technology, financial services, and professional services hubs across California, New York, and Texas. Organizations are moving past pilots and seeking experienced operators who can build durable AI governance, align strategy with business outcomes, and navigate the gap between technical possibility and organizational readiness. The strongest candidates bring 10+ years of executive experience in technology, operations, or transformation—often with 3+ years directly embedded in AI/ML initiatives—and they excel at translating between board-level strategy and engineering execution. Fractional AI strategy roles typically run $250–400 per hour, depending on scope and seniority, with flexibility to work across multiple organizations or embed deeply with a single client.
Job responsibilities
Own the design and rollout of AI governance, risk, and compliance frameworks that scale with organizational growth and regulatory environment
Partner with the C-suite and board to translate business objectives into concrete AI initiatives, prioritize roadmaps, and measure impact against financial and operational KPIs
Build and mentor the AI leadership function—whether that's standing up a new Chief AI Officer role, scaling an existing team, or embedding fractional executive capacity into existing structures
Drive organizational readiness: audit current AI maturity, identify skill and process gaps, and architect capability-building programs across product, engineering, and operations
Lead vendor evaluation, make-vs.-build decisions, and architecture reviews for AI infrastructure and applications—balancing innovation with cost and integration reality
Act as the executive voice on AI risk, talent, and competitive positioning in board meetings, investor forums, and strategic planning cycles
Establish metrics and dashboards that connect AI outcomes to business value, and iterate strategy based on what's working
Candidate requirements
10+ years in executive or senior leadership roles, with at least 3 years directly driving AI/ML strategy, governance, or transformation at the enterprise level
Proven track record shipping AI initiatives from strategy through production—whether as a Chief AI Officer, VP of AI, Head of Data Science, or Chief Technology Officer
Fluency in AI/ML fundamentals, current model capabilities (large language models, generative AI), and their business applications; ability to engage credibly with technical teams and evaluate technical feasibility
Experience building and scaling AI/ML teams, establishing governance and risk frameworks, and embedding AI practices into organizational culture and process
Comfort operating with ambiguity and advising on strategy where outcomes aren't yet clear; ability to move fast, learn from pilots, and adjust course
Excellent communication skills—comfortable presenting to boards, building consensus across silos, and translating strategy into executable roadmaps for technical and non-technical audiences