JOB SUMMARY
The Manager – Data and AI Governance leads the SAWS’s integrated program, ensuring that data assets and AI systems are managed responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. The position is responsible for establishing and oversight of the governance framework that treats data as a strategic asset and AI as a trusted enterprise capability. The position directs the development of policies, standards, stewardship models, and risk controls that protect ratepayers, employees, and critical water infrastructure while enabling sustainable value from data and AI investments. The position also serves as the principal liaison across data engineering, analytics, cybersecurity, legal, compliance, privacy, and business operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Manages the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the enterprise Data and AI Governance framework through application and interpretation of governance principles, regulatory standards, and responsible AI practices.
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Leads in preparation and development of governance toolkit such as policies, standards, operating models, and executive governance committee materials.
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Establishes and maintains processes for AI use case intake, risk tiering, model documentation, human-in-the-loop controls, and ongoing monitoring.
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Leads the development and maintenance of a comprehensive enterprise AI inventory covering model purpose, data inputs, business owner, risk profile, and monitoring status.
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Oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of data and AI risks, including algorithmic bias, hallucination, data leakage, privacy exposure, third-party AI risk, and operational drift.
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Supervises, selects, develops, trains, and evaluates assigned staff.
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Manages budgets, including the forecasting, allocating, and monitoring of human, physical, and financial resources for the assigned area.
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Establishes and facilitates the Data and AI Governance Council and supports working groups, including decision logs, escalation paths, and measurable adoption outcomes.
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Coordinates, prioritizes, and monitors governance program plans, roadmaps, and executive reporting across data quality, metadata, lineage, privacy, access controls, and AI lifecycle management.
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Develops measures to analyze and improve the efficiency and maturity of the System's data and AI governance practices.
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Develops, analyzes, and participates in conceptual planning efforts that align governance to enterprise data platforms, analytics delivery, and AI solution deployment.
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Develops, recommends, and implements division policies and procedures, including data stewardship accountabilities across Customer, Operations, Water Quality, Financial, Workforce, and Asset domains.
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Interacts with employees, consultants, and external partners to direct activities and to achieve the desired result for the System.
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Develops and delivers enterprise-wide training and communications to build AI literacy, data stewardship competency, and a culture of responsible use.
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Prepares and delivers written and verbal presentations to SAWS staff and management, Board committees, and the public.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
DECISION MAKING
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This position works under limited supervision.
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This position supervises assigned staff.
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This position manages more than one project at any one time.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Law, Public Policy, Business, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
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Five years of governance-focused experience in data governance, AI governance, data strategy, privacy, compliance, or technology risk, including two years of experience in supervising personnel or leading cross-functional governance workstreams.
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Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
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Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
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Professional certifications such as CDMP, CIPP, CIPM, CISA, CISM, or AIGP (IAPP).
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Experience supporting governance programs in utilities, public sector, critical infrastructure, healthcare, or financial services.
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Experience supporting AWIA, TCEQ, or EPA data reporting obligations.
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Familiarity with critical-infrastructure data environments, including SCADA/OT, GIS, CIS, AMI/meter, and asset management systems.
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Demonstrated experience implementing governance change initiatives and integrating new practices into existing organizational structures.
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Demonstrated experience in AI risk management, including identifying risks, establishing mitigation plans, and embedding compliance measures into delivery workflows.
JOB DIMENSIONS
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Knowledge of the evolving regulatory landscape, including the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, EU AI Act, state and federal privacy requirements, AWIA cybersecurity obligations, and applicable TCEQ and EPA reporting requirements.
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Working knowledge of modern data platforms and governance tooling such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Purview, Databricks, Snowflake, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, OneTrust, or Immuta.
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Skill in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and project management software.
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Ability to apply generally accepted business management and public administration principles and practices.
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Ability to maintain regular contact with internal and external customers, consultants, governmental agencies, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
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Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with the ability to articulate complex technical, legal, and ethical concepts to diverse audiences ranging from technical staff to executive leadership and Board committees.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are primarily in an office environment and performs occasional field visits to SAWS operational facilities. Operates a company vehicle on an occasional basis.
Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of up to 15 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing. Ability to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Working conditions are primarily in the office environment but occasional outside field situations could require the use of basic personal protective equipment. May drive a company and/or personal vehicle when performing duties at field locations.
May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule including nights and weekends. May be required to travel and be on call.
