Fractional Chief AI Officer
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.
Axial Search is a specialist executive search firm built for one kind of hire: leaders who help organizations navigate AI transformation. Apply today to express your interest in roles like this one.
Visit our website to learn more about our process and explore free tools for your job search, including our live job market dashboard with salary, skills and hiring trend data from thousands of AI transformation roles.
What the market looks like
We've tracked 100+ executive-level AI strategy postings in the last six months, concentrated in Professional Services, Technology, Financial Services, and Life Sciences across California, New York, and Texas. Organizations are increasingly looking for fractional Chief AI Officer talent—seasoned operators who can shape strategy, build governance frameworks, and guide AI adoption without a full-time commitment. The strongest candidates bring 15+ years of enterprise technology or AI leadership experience, a track record of translating business goals into concrete AI initiatives, and the credibility to influence C-suite and board conversations. These roles typically operate at $250–$400 per hour, scaled by scope and seniority.
Job responsibilities
Develop and refine the organization's AI strategy, including technology priorities, investment roadmap, and risk mitigation approach aligned with business objectives.
Design and establish AI governance structures, policies, and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible adoption across the enterprise.
Partner with the C-suite and board to communicate AI opportunity, business impact, and resource requirements; advise on talent acquisition and organizational design.
Lead cross-functional AI transformation initiatives, from proof-of-concept through production, removing blockers and driving adoption.
Build internal capability by identifying skill gaps, recommending training and hiring, and mentoring technology and business leaders on AI fundamentals.
Monitor and advise on emerging AI tools, models, and industry trends; benchmark competitive and regulatory landscape.
Own stakeholder management across business units, IT, data, legal, and compliance to coordinate AI investments and resolve conflicts.
Candidate requirements
15+ years of experience in enterprise technology, AI/ML engineering, data science, or business transformation leadership at the executive or senior technical level.
Demonstrated success building and executing AI strategies at scale—translating business challenges into AI roadmaps and shipping production systems.
Deep familiarity with machine learning, generative AI, data architecture, and AI operations; able to engage credibly with technologists and executives alike.
Track record of building high-performing teams, establishing governance, and driving organizational change in complex, regulated environments.
Comfort working fractionally and independently—able to influence without direct authority, synthesize information quickly, and prioritize impact over scope.
Strong communication skills; experience presenting to boards, leadership teams, and external stakeholders on technical and strategic topics.