AI Program Manager (Contract)
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Engagement: Contract, 40 hours/week
Duration: 9-12 months
Start: ASAP
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced AI Program Manager to lead and formalize enterprise AI strategy and execution. This role is executive-sponsored and critical to bringing structure, prioritization, governance, and measurable impact to AI initiatives currently occurring across the organization.
This is not a ground-up effort. There is an established AI Council, existing security reviews, and active AI usage across multiple business units (including enterprise productivity tools and R&D-focused AI platforms). The focus of this role is to evaluate use cases, establish standards, guide prioritization, and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the board.
The ideal candidate combines strong program management discipline, executive presence, and sufficient technical fluency to translate between business leaders, engineering teams, and security stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Program Leadership
- Partner with executive leadership and the AI Council to mature the enterprise AI roadmap
- Establish frameworks to evaluate AI initiatives based on ROI, efficiency gains, customer impact, and risk
- Define and track AIKPIs to answer key questions:
- Where are efficiencies being created?
- Is the time and financial investment justified?
- Which initiatives should scale enterprise-wide vs. remain localized?
Use Case Intake & Prioritization
- Engage cross-functional stakeholders (Corporate, R&D, Support, Sales, Security) to identify and document AI use cases
- Ask the right questions to uncover real business needs and readiness
- Build and maintain a centralized use-case library and prioritized backlog
- Lead prioritization discussions across competing initiatives and stakeholders
Executive & Board Communication
- Develop clear, executive-level summaries and recommendations
- Articulate the value, trade-offs, and governance implications of AI investments
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on AI adoption, growth opportunities, and risk tolerance
Governance & Risk Management
- Partner closely with Security to determine the appropriate level of AI governance
- Help standardize policies across multiple tools and platforms currently in use
- Incorporate industry best practices and standards into governance recommendations
Enablement & Change Management
- Evolve grassroots AI training efforts into a more consistent, scalable enablement approach
- Identify internal champions to drive adoption across teams
- Help stakeholders understand when, why, and how AI should be responsibly used
Program Execution
- Bring structure and consistency to a currently decentralized environment
- Drive accountability while using tactful, relationship-oriented communication
- Navigate ambiguity, evolving priorities, and executive expectations
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in Program Management, Technical Program Management, or similar roles
- Direct experience leading AI, automation, or advanced technology initiatives
- Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and boards
- Adequate technical background to engage credibly with engineering, AI, and security teams
- Proven ability to prioritize across complex, cross-functional initiatives
- Experience working within governance, risk, and security frameworks
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with enterprise AI tools and platforms
- Familiarity with AI governance standards and emerging best practices
- Consulting background or experience stabilizing and formalizing evolving programs
- Experience partnering closely with Security, Legal, or Compliance teams
What Success Looks Like
- A clearly defined and prioritized AI roadmap and backlog
- Measurable KPIs demonstrating ROI and efficiency gains
- Improved alignment across teams and reduced duplication of effort
- Increased executive and board confidence in AI strategy and governance
- A scalable foundation for long-term AI growth
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
